Know your rights.

Do you think your work is covered by copyright only if you fork over a wad of cash?

Have you ever warned an agent not to steal your submission because your story is trademarked and you’re prepared to sue their pants off?

Do you release your work under Creative Commons without wasting your time reading those pesky licenses?

While you’re not at it, do you figure understanding that publishing contract you’re about to sign is an even bigger waste of time? (Because it’s not complicated or involved. At all.)

If all of the above apply to you, I’m going to have to ask you to back away now. You not only haven’t earned the “know your rights” merit badge, but it would probably burst into flames if you touched it.

This is part of the merit badges for writers series, and may be posted on your site or blog. Have you earned this badge? Will you never earn it? Tell us why in the comments.