Re: Copyright in book publishing question

On Sat, 20 Feb 1999, Cynthia F. Kiyotake <cfk[_at_]mgma.com> wrote:
>
> As a book publisher, we typically contract with authors who give us
> copyright. What happens when a ghostwriter is involved in writing
> the book? Does the ghostwriter sign an author contract, as well as
> the author whose name appears on the book? Or does a ghostwriter's
> work fall under the work for hire concept?

As a writer, my response is this:

Why are authors giving you copyright? In trade publishing, authors typically retain copyright, whether they're the author or a collaborator (a ghostwriter being a version of a collaborator, one who doesn't get public recognition). Whether the ghostwriter holds or shares the copyright or works on a "work for hire" basis depends entirely on the contract they sign, but I personally wouldn't give up copyright except for a very large amount of money up front. Our members would never assume that a ghostwriting job would be a work for hire and would give up holding/sharing copyright only reluctantly.

        Pat McNees, member of contracts committee, 
        American Society of Journalists & Authors
        <pmcnees[_at_]compuserve.com>