1111.1 What Is a Literary Work?
“Literary works” are works “expressed in words, numbers, or other verbal or numerical symbols or indicia ” 17 U.S.C. § 101. This category includes a wide variety of textual works, such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, articles, blogs, and social media posts. These types of works usually explain, describe, or narrate a particular subject, theme, or idea through the use of prose or verse, rather than dialog or dramatic action. Generally, these types of works are intended to be read; they are not intended to be performed before an audience.