Is this safe?

Lindzy1954 · Feb 6, 2010

I was wondering, for those of you out there that are using your website/blog in part, to showcase your work in progress, how safe is it to post partial chapters of your book?

Recently, I decided to post my synopsis and the first chapter of my new YA book on mine as a teaser of sorts (the last sentence is startling) and I am curious as to whether or not this is considered safe from a copyright standpoint?

Lindsay

http://www.lindsayncurrie.webs.com

Bookewyrme · Feb 6, 2010

Copyright-wise yes. As everyone always says, as soon as you put it down on paper (screen, clay-tablet whatever) it is yours and no one can steal it.

I think the only thing to be wary of in this situation is not putting too much up if you want to be published, since I hear publishers can be squiffy about first rights and see putting it on your blog as "self-publishing." But I've heard the rule is 10% or less of the complete work and you're safe.

Lindzy1954 · Feb 6, 2010

Ah, yet another angle I never thought of. Perhaps I would actually be safest removing it and leaving the synopsis only.

lindsay

www.lindsayncurrie.webs.com

Topaz044 · Feb 6, 2010

If you post the first chapter before you're published, the publisher probably won't take the book. If you post the first chapter after you're published, your publisher won't be happy with you.

So, no, it's not safe.

folkchick · Feb 6, 2010

I've seen tons of people post the first chapter of their book on their blog. I would be weary of doing more than that, as another poster mentioned.

Lindzy1954 · Feb 7, 2010

Removed it. Fortunately, the chapter has morphed seriously since it was first posted so the original one that was online was nothing more than a shadow of what it has become. Thanks for the feedback guys!
Lindsay
http://www.lindsayncurrie.webs.com

Angela_785 · Feb 14, 2010

I used to have book blurbs on my blog, but my agent recommended I take them down because of she was worried that if an ed read them and then later the MS hit their desk, the concept/plot might feel 'too familiar' to them.

Lindzy1954 · Feb 21, 2010

Ah, Angela I never thought about the fact that an editor might run across the material and then not remember it later, but simply remember the familiarity of the concept. Another good point. I'm down to two chapters and a massive load of editing to finish on it though -woo-hoo!

CheyElizabeth · Mar 3, 2010

I'm so crazy I don't even like posting a synopsis of my writings.. I fear that someone will snatch up my idea and write a better book about it!

Capes&Corsets · Mar 8, 2010

I wouldn't do it. It's not as though I'm scared that people would steal my work, but because potential publishers might be a little weary of it. Plus, they're first drafts - chances are your chapters would change significantly if you were to get an agent/publisher and afterwards, would you really want these available online?

I know people who put quite a bit of their novels online and it just seems unprofessional (but that's a personal opinion.)

Is this safe?

Lindzy1954

Chi-Town Scribbler

Bookewyrme

Imagined half of it.

Lindzy1954

Chi-Town Scribbler

Topaz044

Resident Zombie

folkchick

Not a new kid

Lindzy1954

Chi-Town Scribbler

Angela_785

Lindzy1954

Chi-Town Scribbler

CheyElizabeth

My horn can pierce the sky!

Capes&Corsets

Exceptional ass-kickery...served.