Navigating Copyright and Permissions as an Author

Copyright can feel like a legal labyrinth, but it’s really about respect - for your work and for the work of others. As an author, understanding what you can and can’t use protects your integrity and your book’s professional standing.

In Australia, copyright is automatic - you own the rights to your work the moment it’s written. But when you include someone else’s words or images, you need to tread carefully.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Quotes: Short quotes are often fine under ‘fair dealing’ if used for review or commentary - but longer excerpts, poetry, or song lyrics usually require written permission.

• Lyrics: Even one line from a song is protected. Always get permission from the publisher.

• Images: Never use images from the internet unless they’re licensed for commercial use or you’ve secured rights.

  
  

To protect your own work, always register ISBNs in your name, keep dated drafts, and use watermarks or copyright notices when sharing manuscripts.

If in doubt, ask for permission, or paraphrase. Copyright compliance shows professionalism and helps avoid expensive headaches down the line.

For more information, contact Leonardi.crystal@gmail.com or connect with one of several trusted organisations and resources in Australia:

1. Australian Copyright Council (ACC)

Website: www.copyright.org.auThe ACC is the primary and most trusted source for copyright information in Australia. It provides:

• Free and paid information sheets on specific topics (e.g. using quotes, images, and music).

• Detailed guides for authors, publishers, and artists.

• Legal advice (for members) and educational seminars.

• Highly recommended as your first stop for any copyright question.

  
  

2. Smart Copying – The Official Guide to Copyright for Australian Schools and TAFE

·         Website: www.smartcopying.edu.auA government-supported resource that explains copyright for educational contexts — useful if you do author talks in schools or provide teaching materials.

3. Australian Publishers Association (APA)

·         Website: www.publishers.asn.auOffers guidance on copyright, licensing, and rights management from a publisher’s perspective.Also covers issues like moral rights, contracts, and permissions for printed and digital works.

4. Screenrights (for audio-visual and educational licensing)

·         Website: www.screenrights.orgA non-profit that manages rights for film, television, and some educational works — particularly relevant if your book is adapted or used in classrooms.

5. Arts Law Centre of Australia

·         Website: www.artslaw.com.auProvides legal information, contract reviews, and resources for creators, including authors.They’re particularly helpful for understanding rights in publishing agreements or managing co-authored works.

6. Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)

·         Website: www.alia.org.auOffers insight into how libraries handle copyright through lending rights and electronic cataloguing systems — valuable context for authors looking to connect with libraries.

At Bowerbird Publishing, we take care of this for you. When you publish with Bowerbird, copyright compliance, permissions, and rights management are part of the publishing process - giving you peace of mind and protecting your work for years to come.