Forum Moderators: not2easy
When I have a contract with a freelancer, and I purchase "all rights", that does mean "all rights" does it not? I mean, unless we enumerate specific rights, the term "all rights" includes everything? So, I can take the piece, publish it on my web site, or later turn it into a book, or video, or motion picture, etc. without further royalties to the author from whom I purchased "all rights"? That is correct, is it not? (And, thus the reason many writers avoid selling "all rights".)
Second dumb question, and this is on the same wavelength... I have a series of fictional stories I want to do. And, I am beginning to believe that the only way I'll ever be able to finish them is if I have some help.
I know ghostwriters are available. However, if another writer does writing for me, I don't mind sharing the credit so that they get some recognition that they did some of the work. However, I want "all rights" to the work. It is *my* story after all.
I know that I can buy "all rights" to the work if they function solely as a ghostwriter and get no recognition for their work. Now, if I give them credit for their work but still purchase "all rights", I'm covered, am I not? If I one day make a movie or screenplay or whatever with the story, since I own "all rights", I don't need to get the other writer's permission for anything nor pay them any royalties, is that correct?
The bottom line of it is that I have stories that I want to get "out there" and need some help doing it. I could have someone function as strictly a ghostwriter, but, as I said, I don't mind giving credit where it's due, but I do want to maintain all the rights to what are *my* stories to begin with. I'm just wondering if giving that credit opens me up to any problems in the future, or if by purchasing "all rights", I'll be free and clear.
Or, does there need to be any certain wording to be sure I'm covered? (Yes, I know, I should ask a lawyer, but that would likely cost more than I am currently able to spend, and if I wait until I can afford it, well, that just delays completion that much longer... Besides, in a civilized society, we should be able to do things without running to lawyers everytime we turn around...)
Thanks!
If you are publishing these stories yourself and have a written contract with them, I think you would be fine.
(IANAL - I am not a lawyer)
