Re: Copyright Law and ARCs

On Sun, 30 May 1999, Rickey R. Mallory <rrmallory[_at_]mindspring.com> wrote:
>
> Are there laws which address ARCs or 'advance review copies'
> otherwise known as 'bound galleys' of books, which are sent to
> reviewers. The copies are always stamped or printed 'not for
> resale.' Is this protected by law? The question arises because
> of the sale of ARCs either as collector's items or as used books.
> (These uncorrected copies of books are sent out for review
> purposes, usually cheaply bound with a low quality paper cover,
> even for hardback books.)

I would think the label "uncorrected proof" would make clear that the galleys lack the full value of the finished book and should not be sold as such. Marking them "not for resale" is in vain. As you say they may become collector's items, particularly if they are marked by the author. There is no law or agency to punish -- or even catch -- the transgressor.

Albert Henderson
Editor, PUBLISHING RESEARCH QUARTERLY
<70244.1532[_at_]compuserve.com>
<noblestation[_at_]compuserve.com> Received on Tue Jun 08 1999 - 00:04:00 GMT