News for Authors

Protecting Our Authors’ Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression

by The Author Newsletter Team & The Penguin Random House Legal Department|April, 2018

The right to freedom of expression, and the protection of writers against censorship and unjust persecution, are indispensable to the development of society and culture. We at Penguin Random House are unwavering in our support of writers who seek out truth in their stories and stand with organizations that share in our commitment and devotion to free speech as a fundamental right. Read more

Fair Game: The Four Factors that Define Fair Use

by Emily Condlin|August, 2015

The widespread availability of copyrighted works on the Internet sometimes gives the impression that using or reproducing that material without permission is fair game. But despite its ostensible availability, not all content is free for the taking. Over time, U.S. courts and Congress have developed standards for determining when a use is “fair” and does not infringe copyright. Read more

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Why Our Lawyers May Be Among Your Earliest Readers

by Emily Condlin |March, 2015

Some books require an extra step in the publishing process: the legal vet or legal read. For many authors, news that their manuscript has been sent to the legal department can be intimidating, so we sat down with Executive Vice President and General Counsel Katherine Trager to find out more about the process and what it really means. Keep reading to learn what kind of manuscripts go to the legal department, and what issues the team looks for.

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