Author copy
An author copy is a specimen copy and / or a free copy for the author of a book or work. In the case of antiquarians, among other things, it also means book copies that can be proven to have been in the possession of their author and that may have been provided with underlinings and comments.
As a rule, the author may only use the author's copies for his own use or for giving away, but may not sell them. Usually they are used to create a private archive.
In the case of compilations , a distinction is usually made between contributing authors and their editors . Sometimes only reprints of an article are produced for the authors who contribute to the collective work and passed on to them, but as a rule, contributors like the editors receive at least one free copy for a collective work.
Situation in Germany
The number of free copies owed by the publisher is stipulated by law, but can be contractually agreed otherwise. According to Section 25, Paragraph 1 of the Publishing Act (VerlG), the publisher must deliver one free copy for every hundred printed copies, but at least five and at most fifteen. A fixed number is usually agreed in contractual practice.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Duden : Free copy , online at duden.de
- ↑ Law on Publishing Law Section 25 , on this the Federal Office of Justice (Germany) , online at gesetze-im-internet.de