As an author, pouring your heart and soul into a manuscript is just the beginning of your journey. Protecting your intellectual property and ensuring proper acknowledgment are crucial steps in the publishing process. The copyright page, typically found on the back of the title page, serves as a legal and informational hub. Below is a list of elements to be included on a book copyright page, including a few examples, to safeguard your work and provide readers with essential details.
1. Copyright Notice
The copyright notice is the most important part of the copyright page. It informs readers that the work is protected by copyright law. There is no need to register your work with the Copyright Office to include this notice, although there are benefits to registration (See Copyright Basics For Writers). Typically, the copyright notice follows a specific format: the symbol ©, the year of first publication, and the copyright owner’s name. For example: © 2024 by [Author’s Name]. Or Copyright © 2024 by [Author’s Name]. In my legal guide, I use Copyright © 2024 by Matt Knight. If you’re using a pseudonym, you can replace the Author Name with it.
2. Reservation of Rights
Explicitly stating the reservation of rights reinforces the author’s control over the work. A common phrase to include is “All rights reserved,” indicating that the author retains exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display the work. You can also go further by stating permission is needed from the author to reproduce or use the work. For example, “No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, distributed, or transmitted in any form, or by any means — electronic, mechanical, photocopying, scanning, uploading, recording, or otherwise — without the prior written permission of the author and publisher, except as permitted under U.S. copyright law. If you would like permission to use material from this publication, please contact the publisher [or author] at [publisher’s info or author’s info].”
3. Edition Information:
Specify the edition of the book, whether it’s the first edition or a subsequent one. This information helps in distinguishing various releases of the same work and can be crucial for collectors and scholars.
4. ISBN (International Standard Book Number):
The ISBN uniquely identifies your book and facilitates accurate cataloging and distribution. Include both the print and electronic versions if applicable, along with their respective ISBNs.
5. Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN):
If your book has been cataloged by the Library of Congress, include the LCCN. This number aids librarians and researchers in locating and organizing your work.
6. Credits:
Acknowledge the individuals and entities involved in the creation of your book. This may include the cover designer, editor, illustrator, and any other contributors. Proper attribution is essential for recognizing the collaborative effort behind your work.
7. Disclaimer:
A disclaimer can help protect the author from potential legal issues. It may clarify that any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental or state that the views expressed in the book are those of the author and not necessarily of any affiliated organizations. Any verbiage designed to limit liability serves as both a warning and mitigation of risk. While it is good to use disclaimers, especially ones that are accessible and easy to understand, there is no guarantee a well-worded disclaimer will shield a writer from liability. For more on disclaimers, see my earlier post, Your Friend The Disclaimer.
8. Permissions:
If your work includes excerpts from other copyrighted materials, seek and acknowledge permissions accordingly. Include a statement noting that all necessary permissions have been obtained.
9. Publisher Information:
Usually, you’ll find this at the top of the copyright page. Sometimes, it will be midway after the ISBN and LCCN. Self-published authors who have an imprint will use that information. For example, in my legal guide, I created an imprint in the name of my blog.
Published by Sidebar Saturdays — a division of Prose-In-Progress, Inc.
Kentfield, CA.
10. Printing Information/Ordering Information:
Specify the printer and location of printing, as well as ordering information. While the printing information is relevant, it is not a necessity for print-on-demand and/or self-published works. However, ordering information is helpful to guide consumers to the right place, especially with self-published books, and if traditionally published, it provides specifics needed for larger orders by wholesalers and bookstores. Most self-published books are printed by Amazon and other printers like Ingram Sparks. Usually, you’ll see printing information included with traditionally published books in the form of Typeset by [Typesetter] and Printed in the US by [Printer].
11. Contact Information:
Provide contact details for the author or the author’s representative. This can be an email address or a mailing address for readers, publishers, or those seeking permission to use content.
Crafting a comprehensive copyright page ensures that your work is legally protected and provides readers with essential information. By including the recommended elements, authors contribute to the transparency, professionalism, and integrity of their published works. Take the time to carefully construct your copyright page, as it plays a vital role in the overall presentation and protection of your creative creation. If you need more information and/or examples, see these blog posts by Dave Chesson and Scribe Media.
Photo Credit: PicJumbo | Pixabay
Legal Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified lawyer in your jurisdiction for all legal opinions for your specific situation.