I'm not sure what the position of a novelist or composer would be in this copyrightless world where copying and printing has near zero fixed costs.

I'm pretty sure there would not have been that many Terry Pratchett or Iain Banks books in the world without enforced copyrights (just as an example - my early life was occasionally crappy and these authors provided very many positive experiences then).

It's not the obvious copyrights that are annoying, IMO, it's the fact that large copyright holders attempt to curb/take a cut of every frigging positive externality that pops up.

Musicians who perform live could survive professionally in a copyrightless world (one way or another). Novelists and composers? I have no idea.

Obviously I can't be sure either. But, of course, for most novelists the world would be pretty much the same: they'd write a terrible novel, a few copies would be bought by their family and friends, and they'd become bitter literary critics :-)

However, as you say, what about the Iain Banks' of this world? Well, I don't think much would change for them either. They'd write a novel, do a promotional tour, appearing for talks and signings, and hopefully sell lots of copies.

I think I'll let you respond here rather than anticipating your reply.

Writing novels or composing music makes you lose money on average, and no amount of copyright legislation can change that.

Maybe relevant: http://lesswrong.com/lw/ksy/follow_your_dreams_as_a_case_stu...