What you’ll usually see on a copyright page

If you open the copyright page of a traditionally published book, it can look surprisingly dense.

You might see a block of legal language, a few mysterious numbers, and a handful of publishing details that most authors have never heard of before. But once you break it down, a copyright page is really just a collection of small pieces of information about the book and its publication.

Some of those pieces appear on almost every book. Others only show up in certain situations, depending on the publisher, the format of the book, or where the book is being distributed.

Below are the most common elements you’ll see on modern copyright pages:

1. Copyright notice (required)
2. Rights reserved notice (required)
3. ISBN
4. Library of Congress Control Number
5. Disclaimers
6. Permissions notice
7. Credits
8. Print edition
9. CIP data block
10. Ordering information
11. Author’s website
12. Printing details
13. Trademarks
14. Printer’s key
15. Publisher information

Now, before this list makes things feel more complicated than they need to be, it’s important to remember that most books only include a handful of these elements.

In fact, the simplest copyright pages often include nothing more than the copyright notice and a short rights statement. The rest are optional details that publishers sometimes include when they’re relevant.

So instead of thinking of this as a checklist, it’s better to think of it as a menu of elements you can include if they make sense for your book.

And to make things easier to understand, I’ll walk through each one below and show you what they look like in real copyright pages.

1. Copyright Notice

The copyright notice is one of the two most common elements on a 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:

While a copyright notice isn’t legally required for protection in the United States, it’s still widely used and recommended for clarity.

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 one of the most common elements on a copyright page. It reinforces your ownership 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. This language doesn’t grant copyright protection by itself, but it clearly communicates that you’re not licensing or waiving any rights.

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 — especially ebooks sold through certain retailers — don’t require an ISBN, while most print editions and wide distribution 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
• Apple Books (EPUB): No ISBN required (optional)
• Barnes & Noble Press (EPUB): ISBN required or provided by B&N
• Libraries and bookstores (print): Yes

(Note: Apple Books confirms that ISBNs are optional for ebooks distributed through its platform.)

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?

Often, yes. If you’re assigning ISBNs, each distinct format is typically treated as a separate product. 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?

In many cases, yes. Just like any other publisher, self-publishers use ISBNs for most print formats and for some ebook distribution channels.

In the United States, ISBNs are issued through Bowker. You can purchase official ISBNs at MyIdentifiers.com.

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. The PCN program is intended for U.S. publishers planning to distribute print books to libraries.

This is most useful if you want your book cataloged by libraries. An LCCN helps librarians identify and catalog your book more easily, but it is not an absolute requirement for a book to be shelved.

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. As legal and liability concerns have increased over time, book disclaimers have become much 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.

Keep in mind that disclaimers don’t override the law or eliminate all legal risk. They simply help set expectations and reduce misunderstandings.

Here’s Kindlepreneur’s disclaimer:

We are not lawyers. This website and the content provided herein are simply for educational purposes and do not take the place of legal advice from your attorney. Every effort has been made to ensure that the content provided on this website is accurate and helpful for my readers at publishing time. However, this is not an exhaustive treatment of the subjects. No liability is assumed for losses or damages due to the information provided. You are responsible for your own choices, actions, and results. You should consult your attorney for your specific publishing and disclaimer questions and needs.

Below is another example of a disclaimer, but in a nonfiction book:

Some of the recipes in this book include raw eggs. Raw eggs may contain bacteria. It is recommended that you purchase certified salmonella-free eggs from a reliable source and store them in the refrigerator. You should not feed raw eggs to babies or small kids. Likewise, pregnant women, elderly persons, or those with a compromised immune system should not eat raw eggs. Neither the author nor the publisher claims responsibility for adverse effects resulting from the use of the recipes and/or information found within this 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 required only when you’ve used copyrighted material owned by someone else. Credits, by contrast, are typically a courtesy for contributors you hired or worked with directly, such as a cover designer.

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 are not legally required to credit public domain works, but some authors choose to do so as a courtesy or to document sources. You also do not need to use the PD-US logo.

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”.

An edition refers to a meaningful revision of the content, not a routine reprint of the same version.

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 (CIP) data block is not required to publish or sell a book.

The Library of Congress can issue a CIP data block to eligible publishers. It is not something you can create for yourself. Most self-published authors are not eligible to obtain a Library of Congress 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.

In practice, the primary audience for CIP data is 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

Library and Archives Canada does not issue Cataloguing in Publication (CIP) data for self-published books. Some publisher services are still available, including ISBNs, but CIP eligibility is limited to qualifying publishers.

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, and many indie authors omit this section entirely unless they sell print books directly or in bulk.

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.

This is optional, but especially useful for print books and wide ebook distribution where readers may not otherwise see your author profile.

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.

This section is optional and is more common in traditionally published or offset-printed books than in print-on-demand or ebook formats.

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.

This disclosure does not create trademark rights. It simply acknowledges existing trademarks and helps avoid confusion.

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. Most self-published authors using print-on-demand services can safely omit a printer’s key without any downside.

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 profile(s), logo, or other contact information.

For self-published authors, this section is optional and often replaced with an author name, imprint name, or author website instead of full publisher contact details.

Below is an example of publisher information on the copyright page of a traditionally published book:

How to format your copyright page

Once you’ve decided what to include on your copyright page, the next step is simply formatting it so it looks right inside your book.

Fortunately, this part is usually straightforward.

Most copyright pages follow a similar layout, and once you’ve seen a few examples, the formatting becomes pretty easy to replicate.

Here are a few common things publishers tend to do:

Placement: The copyright page usually appears right after the title page. In print books, that typically makes it the second page. In ebooks, the exact placement can vary slightly depending on the retailer or how the book is formatted.

Alignment: In print books, copyright text is often aligned toward the bottom-left of the page, though some publishers center it. In ebooks, alignment is usually handled automatically by the reading device or the formatting software.

Font size: Print books often use a slightly smaller font for copyright text so the page stays clean and unobtrusive. In ebooks, readers control the font size themselves, so this detail usually isn’t as important.

The main goal is clarity. Your copyright page doesn’t need to follow a rigid visual rulebook, but it should look clean and professional.

If you're formatting your book manually in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, getting the spacing and layout right can take a little trial and error.

That’s one reason I recommend Atticus. It handles the formatting automatically, which means you don’t have to worry about alignment, spacing, or font sizing across different ebook and print formats.

Even better, many of the copyright templates we talked about earlier are already built directly into the software.

To use them, simply add a new front-matter element by clicking the three dots next to Add Chapter.

Then scroll up to Copyright Templates and choose the template you want to use.

From there, you simply fill in your book’s information and the copyright page is generated for you automatically.

Check Out Atticus Here