Republish out of print book.... - Writers Forum

dkvet@aol.com · 02-20-2006, 06:31 AM

I am in the process of editing an out of print book that is 125 years old that I intend to republish. I have some questions that I have not been able to find answers to. I hope someone here can offer some advice. It will be greatly appreciated.

The book I want to republish is a book that was originally about 600 pages in length, but it's message is up to date in our times too. The final edited length will be about 150 pages. I have cut out alot of repetition, combined some sections and generally updated some words or phrases.

The copyright has obviously run out on the book and I have a hard time finding it anymore as it is listed simply out of print and hard to find.

When I republish the book, do I keep the original authors and add "edited by......?" Do I put "second edition on the book?"

How is the best way to do this?

I am planning on self-publishing the book.

Thanks!

Mike C · 02-20-2006, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkvet@aol.com

I am in the process of editing an out of print book that is 125 years old that I intend to republish. I have some questions that I have not been able to find answers to. I hope someone here can offer some advice. It will be greatly appreciated.

The book I want to republish is a book that was originally about 600 pages in length, but it's message is up to date in our times too. The final edited length will be about 150 pages. I have cut out alot of repetition, combined some sections and generally updated some words or phrases.

The copyright has obviously run out on the book and I have a hard time finding it anymore as it is listed simply out of print and hard to find.

When I republish the book, do I keep the original authors and add "edited by......?" Do I put "second edition on the book?"

How is the best way to do this?

I am planning on self-publishing the book.

Thanks!

What's the book, and why do you feel the need to cut 450 pages? I think 'abridged' rather than edited is the term you're looking for. Or maybe bowdlerised?

I'd also do some more research before deciding that copyright has 'obviously' expired; there are many reasons why this might not be so.

dkvet@aol.com · 02-20-2006, 03:52 PM

Had to look up bowderlised in the dictionary.
Anyway, the book deals with virtues and vices of life and how to reach your potential in life--almost what might be called a self-help book from the 19th century.
As I said, I combined several chapters under one heading and the book had quite a bit of repetition. Some of the language would have no meaning today, but I tried to use as much of the original language as possible because it is beautiful, however, changing words such as bowderlised so that the average reader won't have to look the words up in the dictionary. Yes, I did have to look up a number of words.
As to the copyright, according to my research, the work is considered public domain as per the original copyright. What other concerns should I have and how would I address those concerns?

Thanks for you reply and help.

mammamaia · 02-20-2006, 07:41 PM

this is the 3rd posting of the same message i've come across so far... please see my reply in your first post, in the 'introduce yourself' section... you should really combine all of them into one, to avoid confusion...

as for 'edited'... what you've really done is 'revised' and perhaps 'updated' the book... my basic advice still stands... consult a literary attorney before going any further with this project...

love and hugs, maia

dkvet@aol.com · 02-21-2006, 06:24 AM

Actually, when I posted on the Introduce Yourself forum, the first couple of replies suggested that I post on these other forums, so that is why I did it. Sorry, if it caused confusion.