If you go the traditional publishing route, the publisher takes care of your copyright page.
But when you self-publish? That job falls to you.
The good news is, it’s not as complicated as it seems, and I’m here to walk you through it.
I know the feeling. When I was starting out, all the legal jargon and tiny print made me uneasy too. But once you understand the basics, writing your own copyright page becomes simple.
Below, you’ll find a ready-to-use copyright page template you can copy and paste straight into your book.
I’ll also break down each part of the copyright page, explain what’s required (and what’s optional), and give you clear examples along the way.
By the end of this post, you’ll be able to create a professional copyright page with confidence — and protect your work from unwanted copying or piracy.
This is part of a series of posts all about creating the different parts of a book. Check out my Master Guide here.
- What is a copyright page for?
- Do you need a copyright page?
- Free templates for eBook/physical book copyright page
- 15 elements of a copyright page
- Frequently asked questions about copyright pages
Quick Disclaimer: Thank goodness I never became a lawyer. This should not be taken as legal advice. And that's it for my legal disclaimer (or, as I call it, my CYA statement).
A second disclaimer: Links in this article may give me a small commission if you use them to buy anything. It’s no extra cost for you, and it helps me write these handy articles that you can always read for free.
Get it for FREE here:
Why Should You Trust Me?
I’ve been writing and formatting books for over 10 years now.
But that’s not the main reason you should trust me. There are plenty of experienced authors out there who still don’t know much about the different parts of a book, especially when it comes to formatting.
What sets me apart is that I actually built a book formatting tool to solve the exact problems I ran into. It’s called Atticus.
Now, this isn’t a sales pitch. I just want you to know I’ve done the work. Between formatting my own books and creating a tool to help others, I’ve spent a ton of time researching every single part of what makes a book look professional.
That includes the copyright page.
So if you’re with me so far, let’s keep going. I’ll show you everything I’ve learned.
Side Note: All These Templates are Available in Atticus
By the way, if you own Atticus, creating these copyright templates is incredibly simple.
If you don't know what Atticus is: it's one of the best book formatting software out there! Just a few clicks and you have a book that is beautifully formatted with a solid copyright page.
What is a copyright page for?
A copyright page tells readers your book is protected and not part of the public domain.
In other words, it’s your intellectual property. No one can legally copy or distribute it without your permission. This page also includes information useful for librarians, booksellers, distributors, and retailers.
You’ll typically place it on the back of the title page (known as the verso) in the front matter. If you want to learn more about front matter and back matter, I’ve got a full article on that here.
A copyright page can include several elements, each serving a different purpose.
For example, traditionally published books often list the publisher’s contact information so retailers can order more copies. Self-published authors usually include their author website instead.
You can also add a legal disclaimer to limit liability. For example, if your cookbook includes recipes with raw eggs, you might note the potential health risks.
And if your book goes through multiple printings, the edition number and printer’s key can help collectors and libraries track those versions down the line.
Do you need a copyright page?
If you want to add an extra layer of clarity and protection to your book (whether it’s fiction, nonfiction, a bestseller, or something with a smaller audience) then yes, you should include a copyright page.
Now, here’s an important point: your book is automatically copyrighted the moment you write it. You don’t need a special page to make that happen.
But without a copyright page, proving ownership in court could be harder. Including one makes your claim more visible and harder to dispute.
It also acts as a deterrent. Think of it like a “No Trespassing” sign. Technically, people shouldn’t trespass with or without the sign, but posting it sends a clear message.
Plus, a copyright page is where you can add legal disclaimers to protect yourself from liability — especially helpful if your book includes things like medical advice, recipes, or financial tips.
At a minimum, your copyright page should include a copyright notice and a rights reserved statement. Like this:
However, there are several elements that you don’t need on a copyright page but that you might consider adding for various reasons.
Take a look at these free, editable copyright page templates to get started.
Basic Copyright Page Template
All you need is a copyright notice and a rights reserved notice to make your copyright page official.
You have my permission to copy this template below and use it however you wish.
Copyright © [Year of First Publication] by [Author or Pen Name]
All rights reserved.
No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.
General Fiction Copyright Page Template
If what you need is a fiction book copyright page template to copy and paste into your self-published book, here it is.
You have my permission to use it as you like.
Copyright © [Year of First Publication] by [Author or Pen Name]
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact [include publisher/author contact info].
The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.
Book Cover by [Artist]
Illustrations by [Illustrator]
[Edition Number] edition [Year of Publication]
General Nonfiction Copyright Page Template
If all you need is a nonfiction copyright page template to copy and paste into your self-published book, here it is.
Use it as you like — you have my full permission.
Copyright © [Year of First Publication] by [Author or Pen Name]
All rights reserved.
No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that neither the author nor the publisher is engaged in rendering legal, investment, accounting or other professional services. While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional when appropriate. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, personal, or other damages.
Book Cover by [Artist]
Illustrations by [Illustrator]
[Edition Number] edition [Year of Publication]
Public Domain Copyright Page Template
If you're publishing a public domain book, you need a copyright page for that as well. Because even though the content of a public domain book is in the public domain, any original contributions you make (annotations, illustrations, book covers, etc.) are all copyrightable.
Here is a template, which you can use with my permission.
[Source Material Title] is in the public domain. All original additions, including illustrations and chapter summaries, are copyright © [Year of First Publication] by [Author or Pen Name] and may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.
Book Cover by [Artist]
Illustrations by [Illustrator]
[Edition Number] edition [Year of Publication]
Memoir Copyright Page Template
Memoirs are slightly different because you often need to protect the privacy of the individual.
Here is my template which you can use however you like.
Copyright © [Year of First Publication] by [Author or Pen Name]
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact [include publisher/author contact info].
For privacy reasons, some names, locations, and dates may have been changed.
Book Cover by [Artist]
Illustrations by [Illustrator]
[Edition Number] edition [Year of Publication]
Low or No Content Books Copyright Page Template
A low content book generally only needs a simple copyright, such as the below template.
Although since art is often a big part of low-content books (coloring books for example), you should definitely include artists on this page.
Feel free to use this.
Copyright © [Year of First Publication] by [Author or Pen Name]
All rights reserved.
No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.
Cover by [Artist]
Illustrations by [Illustrator]
Formatting Your Copyright Page
Copyright pages require specific formatting. Not all writing or formatting software handles this by default, so it’s important to double-check. (I’ll share my recommended tool in just a second.)
Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Placement: The copyright page should come right after the title page. It’s typically the second page in the book.
- Alignment: For print books, the text is usually aligned bottom-left on the page. Some publishers center it, but bottom-left is the most common.
- Font size: The font is often smaller than the main body text — this helps it look clean and professional.
If you’re using Microsoft Word or Google Docs, you’ll likely need to handle this formatting manually, which can be tedious.
That’s one reason I recommend Atticus. It automatically formats your copyright page correctly, so you don’t have to wrestle with spacing, alignment, or font sizes. Even better, many of the templates we’ve discussed are already built into the program.
What's more, Atticus has many of the copyright templates listed above, built into the program!
To use these templates, all you have to do is add a new element by going to the three dots next to Add Chapter.
Then scroll up to where it says Copyright Templates and select your desired template.
Once you have the template, you simply fill it in with your specific information and presto! You've got a solid copyright page.
What does a copyright page include?
A copyright page may include the following 15 elements (though not all 15 appear on every copyright page):
- Copyright notice (required)
- Rights reserved notice (required)
- ISBN
- Library of Congress Control Number
- Disclaimers
- Permissions notice
- Credits
- Print edition
- CIP data block
- Ordering information
- Author’s website
- Printing details
- Trademarks
- Printer’s key
- Publisher information
Only the copyright notice and rights reserved notice are technically required to make up a copyright page. But the other elements may help people get more info about you as an author, or about printing details, or about legal disclaimers that inevitably matter to someone.
I know it looks crazy. But don’t worry. I’ll explain each one below and provide an example for all 15 copyright page elements.
1. Copyright Notice
The copyright notice is one of two required elements on your copyright page. It tells the public who owns the rights to the book, when it was published, and that the content is protected.
A proper copyright notice includes three parts:
- The copyright symbol ©, the word “Copyright,” or the abbreviation “Copr.” (Choose one)
- The year of first publication (you can include multiple years if the book has new editions)
- The name of the copyright holder (usually your name, pen name, or publishing company)
Here’s what a typical copyright notice looks like:
What if I use a pen name?
Using a pen name is perfectly fine. On your copyright page, you can list either your pen name or your publishing company name. Both are valid.
When you register your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office, you’ll have the option to include both your real name and pen name. That keeps your legal records accurate without revealing your identity in the book itself.
What if I write under my own LLC?
If you’re publishing under an LLC or sole proprietorship, you can list your company as the copyright owner. The formatting doesn’t change — just use the company name instead of your personal name.
You should also use your business address when adding publisher contact info. This helps protect your privacy as your audience grows, and ensures any fan mail (or official communication) gets routed properly.
If you're thinking about setting up your own publishing company, I recommend reading my full guide on how to create a publishing company. For important updates on LLC reporting requirements, be sure to check out our article on beneficial ownership information.
2. Rights Reserved Notice (All Rights Reserved)
The rights reserved notice is the second of two required elements on your copyright page. It reinforces your legal claim by making it clear others can’t copy or distribute your book without permission.
You can keep it short and simple by stating:
All rights reserved.
Or you can expand the language for more clarity and legal weight.
Here’s a basic example that combines the copyright notice and the rights reserved statement:
© 2021 Dave Chesson. All rights reserved.
Technically, that’s all you need. If your copyright page includes a copyright notice and the phrase “All rights reserved,” you’re covered.
Still, many authors prefer to include a longer version. Here are some options you can choose from:
All Rights Reserved Example #1 (Simplest)
All Rights Reserved.
All Rights Reserved Example #2
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, contact the publisher at: permissions@publisher.com.
All Rights Reserved Example #3
All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise) without prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law and fair use. For permission requests, write to the publisher, “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the address below.
3. ISBN
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique identifier for your book. It doesn’t serve a legal purpose, but the publishing industry uses it to distinguish your book from others in the marketplace.
If your book has an ISBN, it should be listed on the copyright page. Some books — like Kindle eBooks — may not need one, but most print and digital formats do.
Here’s what it might look like:
ISBN 978-1-4767-9386-4 (print)
Does my book need an ISBN?
In most cases, yes (especially for print editions or wide ebook distribution). However, some platforms don’t require one.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Amazon (Kindle eBook): No ISBN required
- Barnes & Noble (EPUB): Yes
- Apple Books (EPUB): Yes
- Libraries and bookstores (print): Yes
So, it really depends on where you plan to sell your book.
Want to learn more about ISBNs and print formats? Check out my article on Self-Publishing Hardcover Books to learn more about ISBNs.
Where to get an ISBN in different countries:
- ISBN in the US – isbn.org
- ISBN in Canada – collectionscanada.gc.ca/publishers/index-e.html
- ISBN in the UK – nielsenisbnstore.com
- ISBN in Australia – bowker.com/products/ISBN-AU.html
- ISBN in New Zealand – natlib.govt.nz/publishers-and-authors/isbns-issns-and-ismns
For ISBN agencies in other countries, visit the International ISBN Agency.
Do I need a separate ISBN for each eBook format?
Yes. You’ll need a different ISBN for each unique format you publish. For example:
- Kindle eBook
- EPUB eBook
- Paperback
- Hardcover
- Audiobook
Each of those counts as a different format. If you plan to publish across all five, you’ll need five ISBNs.
Go to the ISBN-issuing website here for more details on ISBNs for eBooks.
Do I need an ISBN if I’m a self-publisher?
Yes, just like any other publisher, self-publishers need ISBNs for most formats.
In the U.S., ISBNs are issued through Bowker. Go to MyIdentifiers.com to get your official ISBN.
Pro tip: If you plan to publish more books (or multiple versions of the same book), it’s cheaper to buy a block of 10 ISBNs upfront. You’ll save money in the long run.
4. Library of Congress Control Number
The Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) is a free number you can get that facilitates libraries cataloging your book. Authors can apply online to the Preassigned Control Number (PCN) program.
This is only necessary if you want your book shelved in libraries. Librarians won't shelf a book unless it lists an LCCN.
Side note: LCCN is a separate (but similar) number from the Cataloging in Publication (CIP) data block.
Here’s what an LCCN looks like on a copyright page:
5. Disclaimers
Disclaimers are where you deny responsibility for particular aspects of your book, such as denying characters were based on actual persons. A disclaimer helps protect the writer and publishing company from potential liability.
An entire book could be written on disclaimers alone. Because our society is increasingly prone to suing at every opportunity, book disclaimers have become a lot more common.
Some genres, like investing or health, might require specific language to stay compliant with the SEC.
For some sample disclaimer language, look inside other books of your genre published by traditional publishing companies large enough to have a legal staff.
A legal disclaimer in your book copyright page doesn’t have to be long. But a small disclaimer might save you a lot of trouble down the road.
Here’s Kindlepreneur’s disclaimer:
Below is another example of a disclaimer, but in a nonfiction book:
Here’s an example of a book disclaimer about the resemblance to actual places, people, or events:
6. Permissions Notice
You need to put in a permissions notice if you used any copyrighted material with permission from the owner. This announces that you sought and obtained the necessary permissions.
This is different from the next element, credits, because a permissions notice is needed if you used copyrighted material. Credits are a courtesy; you did not have to seek permission to use the book cover your designer made for your book.
Example of permissions notice on a copyright page:
7. Credits
Give credit to anyone who made a contribution to your book, such as:
- The graphic designer who created your book cover design
- Photographers whose photographs you used
- Your formatting service
- Editor(s)
- Proofreaders
Can I use a public domain photograph? You may use a photo in your book that is in the public domain. However, make sure it is actually public domain. No verbiage can protect you from accidentally using a copyrighted photo that you thought was public domain.
You do not have to disclose that you used public domain photos. You do not have to use the PD-US logo.
2 examples of credits on a copyright page:
8. Print Edition
Your book’s edition is a nice thing to include, especially if it is not the first edition. Simply write “Second Edition” or “Third Edition: December 2020”.
Here is an example of a print edition on your copyright page:
9. CIP (Cataloging in Publication) Data Block
Most self-published eBook authors won’t include a CIP data block. A Cataloging In Publication data block (CIP) is not required to publish or sell a book.
The Library of Congress can issue a CIP data block to authors. It is not something you can create for yourself. However, if you’re a self-publisher, you are not eligible to obtain a CIP data block.
You can, however, pay to have a P-CIP (Publisher’s Catalog-in-Publication) data block generated for you. Having P-CIP data might make your book look more professional. It costs anywhere from $60-$100 and can be done by CIPblock.com.
Frankly, the only people interested in seeing your CIP data will be librarians. CIP data exists to help them categorize (“catalog”) your book in the library more quickly and easily. Unless you plan to market your book specifically to librarians, CIP data is unnecessary.
A CIP data block example looks something like this:
A side note for Canadian self-published authors
The National Library of Canada will no longer issue a CIP for self-published books. However, they still offer some free services like ISBNs and others. If you're published, you can obtain your free CIP data by filling out their form here.
If you are located outside of Canada, check with your country’s local copyright laws to make the right choice about CIP data for your copyright page.
10. Ordering Information
The ordering information section includes info for people or organizations wishing to order more copies of your book. Different information may be listed for people looking to make individual orders, bulk orders for bookstores, college classroom orders, etc.
Often, ordering information doesn’t apply to self-published eBooks.
Example of ordering information on the copyright page:
11. Author's Website
Include your author website on your copyright page so readers can easily find more of your work.
Here’s an example of what an author’s website looks like on the copyright page:
12. Printing Details
On the copyright page, you can include any details about your publishing company’s environmentally-friendly printing practices, the location of printing, fonts you used, etc.
Here are 3 examples of printing details to include on the copyright page:
13. Trademarks
Disclose any trademarks your publisher may hold to names, logos, or imprints included in your book.
Example of a trademark on the copyright page:
14. Printer’s Key
The printer’s key is not typical for self-published books or eBooks.
Ever wonder what that strange, long string of numbers float along near the bottom of the copyright page means? Those numbers are actually there for the publisher’s production department. They represent the printing number (or sometimes, the printing year).
Every publisher has its own unique method. Typically, they are in descending order, from left to right. However, they can be in ascending or even in random order.
They were initially put there so that the book’s printing plates wouldn’t need to be remade with each reprint. The applicable number was simply removed from the plate.
However, as digital printing and ebooks take over, these are likely to go extinct.
Side note: These numbers are helpful for book collectors. Just look for the lowest number on the list; that’s the printing you have.
Another note: A printer’s key is different from the edition number. There may be multiple printings of the same edition.
In the example below, the printer’s key indicates I have a copy from the book’s 2nd printing:
15. Publisher's Information
For traditionally published books, the publisher’s information is usually included so that readers know who and how to contact for reproduction permissions. This may include their address (or just the city), website, social media, logo, or other contact information.
For self-published authors, you may put your name, pen name, and/or an author website in lieu of publisher info.
Below is an example of publisher information on the copyright page of a traditionally published book:
How to Ensure an eReader Doesn't Skip Your Copyright
You may have noticed that when you open an eBook on a Kindle or other device, that it usually doesn't start at the very beginning (i.e. the cover of your book).
Instead, Amazon and other retailers estimate where the book starts, and in some cases this can lead to a reader starting with chapter 1 and completely missing your copyright page!
So, assuming you want people to open to your copyright page (and you might not), you need a way for readers to start there, instead of chapter 1.
Thankfully, Atticus is the only formatting program that lets you do this.
All you have to do is go to the Book Details and scroll down until you find the section labelled Start Page.
From there, you simply select where you would like readers to start when they open your book for the first time.
This inserts a special code into the eBook file that lets Amazon know exactly where to open the book for new readers. Simple as that!
Atticus is the currently the only formatting software that lets you customize the Start Page of your book, and not only that, but it also works on virtually every platform, and it's over $100 cheaper than the competition (which does not have this Start Page feature).
Other Copyright FAQs
How do I copyright my book?
Your book is automatically copyrighted the moment you create it. That protection is built into U.S. law.
However, registering your copyright makes it official and gives you additional legal benefits.
To register, visit copyright.gov and follow the steps. Just note that registration can take 6 to 13 months to process, so you’ll likely want to publish your book first.
For a full walkthrough, check out my article on how to copyright your book.
When is my copyright protection effective?
Copyright protection begins the moment your work is created, whether that’s typing it into a document or writing it by hand. Registration isn’t required for your work to be protected, but it does give you added legal leverage if your rights are ever violated.
I recommend reading this quick primer on copyright basics from the U.S. Copyright Office.
Do I need to register my book with the U.S. Copyright Office for my copyright to be effective?
No. Your copyright is valid the moment you create your content.
That said, registering your copyright provides some key advantages. It allows you to claim:
- Statutory damages
- Attorney fees
- Infringer’s profits (in addition to actual damages)
Without registration, you can still sue for infringement, but your legal options may be more limited.
If you live outside the U.S., be sure to check the copyright laws in your own country.
Do I register for copyright first, or do I submit my published work to Amazon first?
No. It’s better to publish your book first, then register afterward.
Because registration can take 6 to 13 months, waiting would delay your launch unnecessarily and cost you potential sales.
You don’t need to wait for your copyright registration to start earning money from your book.
Can I copyright a book title?
No. Book titles, character names, and short phrases aren’t eligible for copyright protection.
If you want to protect a series name or a brand, you may want to look into trademarking instead. But the actual copyright only covers the full creative content of your book — not the title.
Do I need to include a copyright symbol for my book to be protected?
Technically, no. Your work is copyrighted whether you include the symbol or not.
But adding the copyright notice (with the © symbol, year, and your name) makes your claim more visible and harder to dispute. Think of it as an extra layer of clarity that discourages copying.
What’s the difference between copyright and trademark?
Copyright protects original creative works — like books, songs, and art. Trademarks protect brand elements like logos, slogans, and product names.
So if you’re worried about someone stealing your actual book, that’s a copyright issue. But if you want to lock down your brand name or series title, you’ll want to explore trademarking.
Final Thoughts
Creating a copyright page might seem like a small detail, but it plays an important role in protecting your work and presenting your book professionally.
You don’t need to be a lawyer to get it right. With the templates and guidance above, you’ll have everything you need to put together a clear, legally sound copyright page — whether you’re publishing your first book or your fiftieth.
And remember, if you’re using a tool like Atticus, much of this is handled for you automatically. You can focus on writing, and let the software take care of the formatting.
Thanks for this detailed article. I clicked on the “How To Start A Publishing Company” but nothing came up.
Oh, interesting….looks like that particular page was down, but I got my hosting service to check it out and it’s fixed now: https://kindlepreneur.com/how-to-start-a-publishing-company/
I just did a google search on my book and found it on K- library as a free download. Argh! I didn’t see any contact information on the website. How do I begin to solve this? Do I need a lawyer? Any recommendations? I didn’t register for copyright, but I will now.
Excellent summary.
This was GREAT. Neat and sweet and to the point!! Also have ADD. Learned to “learn around it”. This is great website (even if you are a Sox fan, I forgive you). Me Yankees. Sorry had to put that in. I’m a vet too, salute to you!
Very helpful!
Thanks, Dave.
Glad you liked it!
Hey Dave,
Great post. Very informative and easy to read.
Thank you for not trying to ‘talk over the heads’ of most of us authors out here.
We routinely refer your materials to our publishing clients and this article on copyright will be another that gets referenced a lot.
I learned quite a bit from this post and I’m sure our authors will as well.
Thanks again,
Daniel J. Mawhinney
Awe, thank you – that totally made my day to read.
Hi Dave, are you still responding to this post? I know it’s old.
I had an additional question.
Yup
Thank you for the great, friendly advice! You helped me alot! Just about to publish a book and this helped out a lot! Thanks
Awesome and glad to have helped!
Always helpful info, Dave. Appreciate you brother!
FYI, the link for Quality Books, Inc. no longer works.
Good catch. Thanks for the heads up!
Thank you for this website! I am about to self-publish my first book. I have used Public Domain pictures in the book. I would like to print a disclaimer basically saying that all the pictures in the book are from the public domain. I have done my research on the pictures, but I may have missed something. How do I cover mysef if I have inadvertently used a picture that is not in the public domaim?
Also, If I apply for a copyright, do I put in the book that it is copyrighted or do I have to wait the 8 to 13 months to put the copyright in the book?
Thank You
Mary
Hi Mary. If you were incorrect about it being a public domain, then there is not any verbage you can do that will protect you if the picture is copyrighted. As for applying for a copyright, yes.
If we use definitions from a certain dictionary, do we also have to cite that dictionary on the copyright page (per your Giving Credit section)?
I’m not a lawyer (CYA), but I’ve seen major publications cite a dictionary and not give credit – I actually looked at that once.
Thank you!
Hello. If I want to publish on other platforms besides Amazon, Do I need a ISBN? Can I get the ISBN from Canada (Free) instead of USA (Paid)?
In truth, I’m not a specialist on the ISBNs because I’ve always just used the free one with Createspace or KDP Print.
I’m publishing several anthologies of my short stories. All were written by me and several were published, after which all rights reverted to me. Does any of that have to be shown in the e-book, with or without copyright notices. Also the stories were written and published over years. What date or dates are important.
The copyright page, and what you put in it, helps to ‘bolster’ arguments if need be. But in truth, the attachment of your publishing account to the book, makes you a owner and many other things can be shown to prove it more so if it ever came to legal blows. So, in the end, putting as much pertinent information into your Copyright Page helps increase your argument if ever you need one.If you ever have a particular question about what should and shoudln’t be included, I love to go find books like mine, and click the “Look Inside” and read theirs (especially when crafted by a well known publishers – because they have the legal team)
Thanks for your advice. Where do I find the books I can look at with the proper pages?
No problem. Click on the Look Inside of a book, and scroll up (not down). You’ll come across their copyright page if they have one.
Hi Dave, great, informative article! Bookmarked it already :)I’m currently polishing my first book–a romance novel based on a bizarre but true incident in my own life. I’ve changed names, altered physical descriptions wherever possible, and in some cases, fused two or more people into one character–all the while staying focused on the requirement of the plot. Obviously, not everyone behaved in a savory manner IRL, and if I portray them as angels, there would not be any story. Some of these people are public figures–I moonlight as a screenwriter–including the protagonist`s love interest. How do I craft an ironclad disclaimer for this?
I have written a nonfiction book, based on personal experience. It involves real people and I have used their real names. There are no slanderous, false or derogatory statements about the people mentioned in the book. The book will be self published. Do I have to get permission from those mentioned in the story? The book is NOT for sale. It will be available upon request at the cost of printing and shipping. What should I include in the disclaimer statement? If I get a quick copy business the print the book copies, do I include them in the credits page?
I think the image for the 2nd version should be 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 rather than 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1.
Great info, thanks! Question though… if I’m writing a fiction novel, but use real places (i.e. cities, restaurants, tourist attractions, etc.) how exactly would I word that in my disclaimer? Something along the lines of “While some of the places and settings in this novel are real, this book is a work of fiction and if any names or incidents in such places resemble any person living or dead, it is strictly coincidental.” Although, I do mention a few people from history. A couple of US Presidents and the like. Your advice is much appreciated.
Hi Rosie, That is a great question and I’m not sure. However, one thing you could do is look at the inside of a book like “American Gods” where Neil Gaimon did use real places and even brand news as bad guys. I’m sure he`s got an IRONCLAD copyright about that and would serve as a perfect example.
Thank you! I’ll check it out!
Great info, thanks! Question though… if I’m writing a fiction novel, but use real places (i.e. cities, restaurants, tourist attractions, etc.) how exactly would I word that in my disclaimer? Something along the lines of “While some of the places and settings in this novel are real, this book is a work of fiction and if any names or incidents in such places resemble any person living or dead, it is strictly coincidental.” Although, I do mention a few people from history. A couple of US Presidents and the like. Your advice is much appreciated.
Hi Rosie, that’s a great question and I’m not sure. However, one thing you could do is look at the inside of a book like “American Gods” where Neil Gaimon did use real places and even brand news as bad guys. I’m sure he’s got an IRONCLAD copyright about that and would serve as a perfect example.
Thank you! I’ll check it out!
Thank you, it was very useful. I want to ask about the fiction disclaimer. Can I copy any disclaimer from a book or do I have to create my own?
haha…a hard question to publicly answer. My public recommendation is to use their disclaimer, but change up the words a little bit.
Thank you
Thank you, it was very useful. I want to ask about the fiction disclaimer. Can I copy any disclaimer from a book or do I have to create my own?
haha…a hard question to publicly answer. My public recommendation is to use their disclaimer, but change up the words a little bit.
Thank you
Super helpful… thanks so much!
Thanks and I’m glad you liked it!
Super helpful… thanks so much!
Thanks and I’m glad you liked it!
Dave, thank you very much! This resource is greatly appreciated. Quick Q – is your simple copyright example the same and valid for both an ebook download and a print book, i.e. © 2017 Dave Chesson. All rights reserved.?Also, can you point me to a resource that identifies how to give appropriate quote credit when I use a quote from a public figure – either living or dead?Thanks again!
Yes. As for the quote…not sure. I’ll have to look into that.
do not knock yourself out. There are a couple of resources out there that describe it fairly well. If you are interested in those links let me know and I will send offline. Thanks again!
Dave, thank you very much! This resource is greatly appreciated. Quick Q – is your simple copyright example the same and valid for both an ebook download and a print book, i.e. © 2017 Dave Chesson. All rights reserved.?
Also, can you point me to a resource that identifies how to give appropriate quote credit when I use a quote from a public figure – either living or dead?
Thanks again!
Yes. As for the quote…not sure. I’ll have to look into that.
Don’t knock yourself out. There are a couple of resources out there that describe it fairly well. If you are interested in those links let me know and I will send offline. Thanks again!
Wow, what a great resource. Back when I was publishing my first book, it took me a great deal of time to hunt down all this information and get it all figured out … because no one had it in one place. THANK YOU for doing such a thorough job of covering the copyright page.
Glad you like it and I know what you mean – I did the same thing back when 🙂
Dave,
Great article! I have an LLC for the primary purpose of protecting myself. A couple of questions for you…
1.) As stated above, I think I can do this, but I just want to clarify. I can use my LLC as the copyright holder, correct? ie: Copyright © 2017 Red Dog Press LLC
2.) When using pen name, do I have to register a DBA with my LLC?
I know you’re not a lawyer, but you know what you’re talking about… 🙂
Hi Mark, As always when answering these, I must state that I am not a lawyer 😉 And here are my answers:
1. Yup, just make sure that your KDP account has your LLC’s information and your book’s copyright page
1.5. I personally don’t think so, nor do I do anything more. Amazon has records of publication and attributes the book to you. I personally feel as though I am covered enough.
3. No. Amazon knows that your LLC is the owner of the KDP account that published that book. They will create the necessary tax forms to show that as well, regardless of the Pen name on the book. The book is owned by the KDP account owner.
Great primer!
One minor point: your printing number example shows a 1st printing, I believe — not a 2nd.
Oh, thanks! I’ll look into that.
My designer/fomatter is telling me I don’t need an ISBN, that is is an unecessary expense. Do you agree? This is my first ebook so I’m trying to figure it out.
Thank you for this! I’m having a clearer path on my journey to publishing a book.
P.S I want to apply for Luke Skywalker of Master Jedi Editing! Haha.
Awesome and glad it helped! And with the other part, may the writing force be with you!
Really helpful. Thanks.
Absolutely and glad to help.
“© 2017 Dave Chesson”
That’s about all I needed for my books (16 published, 30,000+ copies sold).
Folks! Don’t bother with anything more.
Yup, which was said in the article….but there are times where more helps.
I’m just about venturing to re publish my Book Mind Process and Formulas in ebook format. Thank Dave for the information which I find useful.
Awesome and glad to help!
Sorry it took me so long to reply, but thank U for offering your support
Great article Dave… You covered the bases well, but I have one lingering question that I can’t seem to find an answer to. You’ve listed ISBN agencies from other countries (note: many other countries do NOT charge for ISBNs // also the AU link is dead -http://www.thorpe.com.au/isbn/)
Anyway, I have publishing entities in both the US and South Korea. If i made the ISBNs in Korea, can I use that version of the book here? or do i have to have an ISBN from the US. It seems that Canadian publishers can use their ISBN for sales in the US, but are they weighted differently by bookstores/libraries/etc.?
Tired of paying top dollar for all my ISBNs and printing two versions for the different countries and now I’m faced with paying to put stickers on each book that i ship here with a new ISBN and price… Thoughts?
Peter Liptak
ExilePress.com
Thanks for another informative post, Dave! I always wondered what parts I should and shouldn’t include and now I know – and I even learnt about some things I didn’t!!
Awesome and glad to hear it. Yeah, this all started when I started questioning the legitimacy of my page as well.
Thank you, Dave, for this detailed copyright information. I’ll be sharing so others will know what to do too! ?
Awesome and glad you liked it !
Wonderful Article. Great HELP. Thank YOU!!!!
Awesome and glad you liked it 😀
Very helpful, thanks for making it clear.
Awesome 😀
Dave,
Where can I find a copyright example if I am republishing a book from the public domain? I have search high and low but cannot find an example of what the language should look like.
HI Dave! Thank-you so much for helping me past this big mean giant. I’m in the process of self-publishing my first children’s e-book and have many questions/concerns/doubts. Unfortunately, I don’t have a mentor in this process but landing in your page has alleviated some of that weight. Thank-you!
Awesome and glad to hear it! That means a lot to hear.
Wow, this is so much GREAT information, all in one place Dave! Thanks for sharing it with those of us who are newbies to the self publishing world. I am writing my first Ebook now and plan to publish it on Amazon, so wish me luck! I hope to publish many, many more in the years to come. I am about to retire from the corporate world, and can’t wait to get started as a self publisher.
Glad to hear it and good luck with that transition!
Hi, I’ve written a children’s book that includes some portraits that my coincidentally resemble 2 deceased famous historical authors and 1 deceased President of U.S.A. Also, this fictitious story takes place in my hometown in which some of the the local attractions and building structures my coincidentally resemble some of the landmarks in my hometown. Can I use the name of the buildings in fictitious pictures? For instance, the local planetarium is named Russel C. Davis Planetarium. Am I allowed to use that on the illustration of the building? How can I assure that I am protected from being sued? I’m actually trying to build the local economy here, increase tourism and give the attractions some acknowledgment but in a fictitious way; and donate a portion of proceeds to a local attraction that is slowly diminishing because of lack of funding. Should I include a disclaimer? Where should the disclaimer be located on the copyright page?
Hi, you should be fine with the building names – so long as you don’t slander them and make up false claims that could hurt those businesses inside. As for the pictures, you best bet is to make sure the pictures themselves are not copyrighted. If you made the pictures yourself, you’re good to go.
Thanks! Should I add the disclaimer anyway? If so, does it go before or after the “All rights reserved. No part of this book….”
You can always do that and yes.
Thank you! I have one more question for the copyright page. I plan to have a printed version and Ebook version. Do I list the ISBN, ISBN-13 and Ebook ISBN in my printed version, or do I list only the ISBN and ISBN-13 in the printed version? And for the Ebook, Do I list the Ebook ISBN only or would I list all 3 there as well? Just trying to ensure that printed version readers and Ebook readers know that both formats are available, but I don’t want to confuse the matter because I know that ISBNs are set to identify each specific version individually.
Thank you for sharing these tips…
No problem and glad to help!
Thank you for sharing Dave. Very helpful in my quest to write my first ebook about Job Seekers Guide. Regards
JOmel
http://www.mechaplan.com
Glad to hear it Jomel!
Hi Dave, Appreciate all the great info. Question: When using my real name and pen name, should they both be included on my copyright page. If yes, is this an acceptable way to do that? © 2016 Roberto R Hernandez / Robonzo Thanks!
Hi Roberto. If you are writing under a LLC or Corporation, then no need to put your name. I have my own LLC…actually two – one for Kindlepreneur, and another for my book’s and online websites. However, if you don’t then my answer will get a little distorted.
Ideally, you’d want your name as clarification (but this defeats the point of a Copyright claim, right? A lawyer of course (which I am not) would tell you to place both names and then some. However, in truth, Amazon knows that YOU are the owner of the account that published that book. And upon publishing, there is a timestamp as well. So, you should have enough legal protection to put your Pen Name in the Copyright page, but have enough to prove that that is under you based on Amazon records.
So all of that to say, if it were me and I wrote a book under a pen name and not under a LLC, I’d put the pen name on the CC line. But again, I’m not a lawyer – my lawyer who I consult on these matters tells me to say that…oh lawyers.
Meant to say so earlier, but thank you!
Absolutely and no problem.
Thanks for this great info What if i’d like to use quotes in my action adventure young adult/girl novels – as a way to separate each section. I always provide the author of the quote right underneath. Is this sufficient? Or do I need to do more.
Most of the quotes I use are from deceased writers of the past where their work is now in the public domain. But I’d like to use some new author/though leaders’ quotes as well. Will that be a problem?
PS/ I’m in Canada – not sure if that makes a difference.
Many thanks in advance!
Hi Tikiri, that’s a good question. In truth, I’m not sure and don’t want to lead you astray. I’ll do some research and check that out.
In the process of wanting to publish my first e-book. Will this type of copyright legitimately protect my work? Is it as strong as going through copyright.gov?
I’m no lawyer, so I can’t speak at that level but what I’ve been told by my lawyer is that (And remember they’re very conservative) the more layers of protection you use, the better. But the truth is, the publishing date and even dates of creation on your computer has enough backing to prove a claim (or have in the past) that you created a piece of work before someone else. But adding things like a copyright page is another step/layer or protection, and then registering on copyright.gov is another and so on. As for me, and after that conversation, I only go as far as setting a copyright page. And although I make between 60-80K a year from book sales, it doesn’t warrant enough to me to go even further than that to build more layers of protection with each book. So, that’s the lawyer’s response as well as the decision making I used in the end. I hope that helps!
Thanks for your reply, I really appreciate it…
Another person echoed what you said about creation date on PC or uploading to a cloud which marks
Date and Time are good as well…
Thanks again,
ALan
Thank you. I found the article really helpful.
Hi Maxine – Thanks! That means a lot to hear!
Amazing information Dave. I have a question for you. If I am writing a technical eBook, created by me with my words and technical experience, in which I describe how to use step by step a specific software, do I still have to use “All rights reserved” ? Even though the content is mine, I am talking about a other Company’s software. The software is legally free for personal use, but can I sell an eBook in which I explain how to use the software? Thanks so much!
Hey Angel, you can because you’re providing common information and not subjective information. However, if the company thinks you are misrepresenting them or they just don’t want you and your book, they can always have it taken down. Just make sure you don’t use their logo on your cover AND I’d recommend adding something to your copyright page stating that “So-and-So” is a different company and this is not their official book on the subject nor did they sanction this (I’m sure there are better words). But the point is, you want to ensure that no one will think you are misrepresenting the software or making people think this is an official book of that company.
Hi Dave, thanks so much for your quick answer. I have contacted the vendors, one of them said no problem, but to say what you just say, that I don’t represent the company nor endorse the product, etc etc… so that is what I will do on the Copyright page, put a disclaimer saying that my eBook is for educational purposes and in good faith, and that I do not have any relationship or talk en behalf the of the company, something like that. I really appreciate your help and I am very glad I found your site.
Perfect. I’m actually going to add to my Trello list to add/update the above to discuss that. I’ll put in some more research and create a “lawyer happy” version of that – because that’s a great question. Thanks!
I am new in this field and it’s my first time to write a book so I am really clueless. Is it ok to put the following even if I don’t register copyright? I mean, I am living in Asia so can I just put that line below without registering, without any thing I need to do or pay?
© 2016 My Name
Also, I am not a permanent resident in the country I live and work. I am an overseas working professional. In their rules, only citizens and permanent resident can apply for ISBN. How should I apply then for ISBN?
Techinically, when you publishing something, it is copyrighted. Making that statement in the front page of your book only furthers this. Now, I’m no lawyer, but many court cases have upheld this aspect…even when the person didn’t “register a copyright” for their works. Also, I’m with you…I’m an American citizen, but I live in Sri Lanka. I actually don’t apply for a ISBN. Instead, when I format my book on Createspace, they give me a free one.
I hope that helps.
Great post, Dave, thank you! I just created my Copyright Notice in under 10 mins!
Thanks Stephenie! That was the idea 😉