May 3, 2006
Fonts: Free is Not Good
First, free fonts are often poorly made. If you decide to use free fonts for your text, your printer will not be able to print your book because of the technical errors contained in these fonts.
Second, most of the fonts that come from shareware sites are pirated copies of commercial fonts. The names are often changed to protect the thieves. If you get caught using these for anything you publish (books, ebooks, websites, etc.), you may face serious legal action.
Fonts and Copyright Issues
Fonts are considered intellectual property, which means that you must pay for the license in order to use them. The first link talks about issues with the corporate world, but it also applies to individuals. It’s a good idea to read up on the legal issues writers face before publishing your book. I’ve included links to two good books to help you get started.
Understanding Font Licensing and Copyright Issues
Every Writer’s Guide to Copyright and Publishing Law
