<p>I am an author, and it seems to me that just because I declare a book published and make it available on the Net for someone to buy print on demand, it does not become a published work unless a substantial number of people have bought it and at least some of them have read it. If for some reason, because of my inability to publicize a work and follow up with distribution, only 20 people throughout the U.S. received the book, I doubt that constitutes publication. I would think the book would still be an "unpublished" book. In the fourth paragraph of Craig Gillette's post, I think the word "substantial" is important. I think this issue is not merely an abstract or technical one, but of practical importance. If for some personal reason, let us say sickness, I announced a publication date, and was unable to follow up with what is normally required as part of publication--publicity, physical distribution, sales--then I have the right to call the book a new and unpublished book and to market it as such.<br>
What constitutes a "published" work?
in Business of Photography
Posted
<p>I am an author, and it seems to me that just because I declare a book published and make it available on the Net for someone to buy print on demand, it does not become a published work unless a substantial number of people have bought it and at least some of them have read it. If for some reason, because of my inability to publicize a work and follow up with distribution, only 20 people throughout the U.S. received the book, I doubt that constitutes publication. I would think the book would still be an "unpublished" book. In the fourth paragraph of Craig Gillette's post, I think the word "substantial" is important. I think this issue is not merely an abstract or technical one, but of practical importance. If for some personal reason, let us say sickness, I announced a publication date, and was unable to follow up with what is normally required as part of publication--publicity, physical distribution, sales--then I have the right to call the book a new and unpublished book and to market it as such.<br>
<br /> I would appreciate any comments.<br>
</p>