Nolo Press

Nolo has published plain-English legal guides for non-lawyers since 1971, making it one of the most accessible sources of legal education for self-published authors navigating copyright, contracts, and business formation. Thousands of articles and FAQs are free at nolo.com; in-depth books and downloadable legal forms range from approximately $22–$50.

What You Get#

• The Copyright Handbook (Stephen Fishman, 15th ed., 2024): The most cited self-help guide on U.S. copyright law for writers. Covers registration mechanics, maximizing protection, transferring rights, fair use, licensing, and pursuing infringement—including all filing forms and scripts for licensing negotiations.
• Getting Permission (Richard Stim): A guide to clearing copyrighted materials—quotes, song lyrics, images, and text excerpts—for use in your own books. Essential for authors incorporating third-party content.
• Business formation guides: Books and interactive forms for forming an LLC, structuring your author business, understanding self-employment taxes, and drafting independent contractor agreements.
• Free online library: Thousands of articles and FAQs covering copyright registration, publishing contract clauses, work-for-hire definitions, fair use, public domain, and author rights—searchable at nolo.com at no cost.

Who It's For#

• Authors learning copyright basics: The Copyright Handbook covers everything from how to file with the U.S. Copyright Office to handling DMCA takedowns and negotiating licensing fees.
• Authors reviewing publishing contracts: Nolo's guides decode standard contract language—advances, royalties, rights reversion, subsidiary rights, and non-compete clauses—without requiring an attorney for every contract review.
• Authors forming a publishing LLC: Nolo's small business guides walk through the decision of whether to incorporate, how to structure your author business, and the federal and state tax implications.

Pricing: Free access to nolo.com articles and FAQs. Print books and ebooks range from approximately $22–$50 at the Nolo store (store.nolo.com). Downloadable legal forms (LLC operating agreements, contractor agreements) are available separately.

Strengths#

• Attorney-vetted content: All Nolo guides are written or reviewed by practicing attorneys. The Copyright Handbook is authored by Stephen Fishman, an attorney who has spent decades writing specifically on copyright and tax law for self-employed creatives.
• Free tier is substantial: The free articles at nolo.com cover many common author questions—copyright duration, fair use analysis, contract red flags—at a level of depth that rivals expensive legal consultations for straightforward questions.
• Practical over theoretical: Nolo guides prioritize what you should actually do, not legal theory. The Copyright Handbook includes the actual eCO registration forms and walk-throughs of common licensing and infringement scenarios.

Limitations#

• Not a law firm: Nolo provides education and templates, not legal advice or representation. For negotiating a major publishing deal, responding to an infringement lawsuit, or resolving a contract dispute, you still need a publishing attorney.
• U.S. law only: All copyright and contract guides apply to U.S. jurisdiction. Authors with international rights questions—UK, EU, or Canada-specific contracts—need country-specific resources.
• Book editions can lag regulatory updates: Published guides may be 1–2 years behind current copyright fee schedules or registration requirements. Always cross-check with copyright.gov for current eCO fees and procedures.

Alternatives#

The Authors Guild provides legal resources and model publishing contracts specifically for authors. The Copyright Alliance offers free educational content on registration and enforcement. For specific legal questions, a publishing attorney through the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts network provides low-cost consultations.