I just started blogging here. I usually blog here . But decided to move my article from there over to here. So here you go...

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Recently a friend asked me if they owned the short story they had contributed to an anthology or if it was now owned by the publisher? She hadn't been paid for her submission nor had she signed a contract?

Here is my reply...

Authors always retain ownership of their work. The only time they lose ownership is when they sign a contract. And this loss is temporary. The reason you agree to lose ownership is two-fold 1) so that a publishing house can publish your work. 2) so you can get paid.

As she did not sign a contract, she did not lose ownership of her story--even temporarily.

For more information about author rights...

Author Rights by blip

Authors' rights by Wikipedia

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I just received this in my email inbox and thought you might be interested...

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Sharing my author journey...

I'm currently working on revisions for a non-fiction manuscript. 

I got exciting news this week. One of my creative non-fiction short stories has been accepted for publication in a magazine. Which short story? Which magazine? I'd love to write more... But I don't want to jinx it. And so... But trust me, I'll tell you as soon as I can. 

: )

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Next post:  Please welcome Author Janet Bettag