Questions About Parodies & Retellings

[lisaalbert]

While I'm working on my funny middle grade & taking notes for a YA thriller, I'd like to begin querying agents with a picture book I've written and am not 100% sure if it would be considered a parody or retelling. My story is basically a modernized version of an old song, but with a twist. I've gotten great feedback on this manuscript and it's time

Comments

[dlgarfinkle]

Drawing from my rusty knowledge after taking a copyright law class in 1990 (and getting a law degree in 1990): I believe you can parody a work without worrying about copyright if it's clear that it's a parody. If buyers think your book is a sequel or spin-off of the book you're parodying, then you can't do it without permission. But if it's clear it's a parody, it should be okay. I find findlaw.com helpful for legal research for laypeople.

[lisaalbert]

This is really helpful, Debbie! Thanks! I'll check out findlaw, too!!