The Complicated World of Negotiating for Rights

In the good old days of publishing, authors were concerned with getting a decent advance, being well reviewed and earning royalties. And, yes, they fantasized about a nibble from the movie people. However, in today’s complicated publishing climate, agents or literary lawyers have to negotiate for film, television, electronic, foreign and product licensing rights on behalf of their authors.

Literary toilers can learn what’s at stake from Victoria Carver, an intellectual property attorney, and Mary Embree, who will describe how to find the right agent, at a free seminar sponsored by Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the Karpeles Library, 21 W. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. Call (805) 962-4680.

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It’s a busy week at area Barnes & Noble superstores.

Local authors Victor Prushan (“No Nonsense Marketing”) and Frederick Elias (“I Can I Will: Dynamics for Personal Success”) will conduct a business seminar at 7 tonight in the Thousand Oaks store, 160 S. Westlake Blvd. They will repeat it at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Ventura store, 4360 E. Main St.

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Julie Mammano will read from her children’s book, “Rhinos Who Surf,” at 7 p.m. Friday in the Ventura Barnes & Noble.

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Harvard-trained physician Robin Yuan takes a light-hearted look at situations and feelings associated with middle age in his “Cheer Up . . . You’re Only Half Dead,” which he will sign at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Barnes & Noble in Thousand Oaks. He will appear at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Santa Barbara store, 829 State St.

Yuan’s third signing this week is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Ventura Barnes & Noble.

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And Michael S. Berliner, editor of “The Letters of Ayn Rand,” will discuss the life and philosophy of the late author at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Thousand Oaks Barnes & Noble.

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Marcia Muller will sign her new Sharon McCone adventure, “Both Ends of the Night,” at noon Friday in Mysteries to Die For, 2940 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.

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Did you know that there are 90 different outdoor adventures you can share with your children locally? Columnist Cathy Philipp will discuss how to hike with family and will sign “On the Trail--Malibu to Santa Barbara” at 2 p.m. Saturday in Borders, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.

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Financial journalist Kathy Kristof will sign “Complete Book of Dollars and Sense” at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Borders in Thousand Oaks.

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In Santa Barbara

Doyle Barnett will discuss and sign his new book, “20 Advanced Communication Tips for Couples,” at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Earthling Bookshop, 1137 State St.

* Frances Halpern and Jon O’Brien are co-hosts of “Beyond Words” at 10 a.m. Sundays on KCLU-FM (88.3), Ventura County’s National Public Radio station.