How to Get a Book Copyrighted

You've made it through the process of writing, editing and proofing your work, and you've worked to get your book published. Perhaps one of the most important things you can do to protect your work in the future is to have your book copyrighted. When a book is officially copyrighted with the U.S. Copyright Office, it is offered protections from duplication, publication and distribution. No one other than the holder of the copyright is authorized to make copies or write those words without authorization from the copyright holder.

Instructions

1. Check the agreement you signed with the publisher or the company that is distributing your book, if you have one. The agreement you signed may give all copyrights to that entity, in which case you need to do nothing as you are not the designated copyright holder of the book. If you signed away the copyrights to the piece, the publisher or distributor is the entity that must file for a copyright.

2. Download a copy of the literary copyright form from the U.S. Copyright Office. A link to this form is provided in the Resources Section. Thoroughly fill out this copyright form. The form requests information about the copyright holder and the work itself.

3. Create or obtain a copy of the book you want copyrighted. You can get a copy of this from the printer or publisher. A draft on simple printer paper is fine, too. Put it in a binder so it stays together for the U.S. Copyright Office.

4. Put the completed copyright form, a copy of the book you are copyriting and a check or money order for the amount of the filing fee in an envelope and send it to the U.S. Copyright Office address printed at the bottom of your copyright form. Pay the copyright fee to the U.S. Copyright Office. Filing online sometimes offers a reduction in the copyright registration fee.

5. Receive your copyright certificate in the mail from the U.S. Copyright Office within a month or two of your filing date.

Resources

• Download a book copyright form