One of the most essential sections in the book, the copyright page, is sometimes overlooked by readers. It’s generally printed on the back of the title page in a physical book. It appears after the title page in an e-Book.
You might ask why the copyright page is so important if everyone skips it. The copyright page of a book is crucial, particularly if you wish to protect your content against copying.
Your work is safe even if you don’t have it. Because the page is gone, no one can plagiarize. Copyright is attached to any original work by default.
However, having a copyright page is still a wise decision for self-published authors.
This is Why:
- It’s the equivalent of a “No Trespassing” sign. Even if you don’t have a sign, your property is still yours. The warning, on the other hand, informs them of their rights and lets them know you’re keeping an eye on them.
- It simply states that you are the book’s author.
- It’s free as long as you stick to the basics.
- There’s no excuse not to have one because it’s so simple.
- People in the book trade, particularly librarians, retailers, and distributors, will benefit from the information. It could be useful to some readers as well.
- Your rights are clarified on the copyright page, especially if you have disclaimers.
What to Include in a Book Copyright Page?
Here are the things to include in a book copyright page:
- Copyright notice
- ISBN
- Rights and permissions
- Disclaimer
- Edition information
- Design, production, editing, illustration credits
- Publisher’s address
- Ordering information
- Trademark notices
- Author website
- Country in which the book was printed
- Environmental notices
1. Copyright Notice
The Author of the book and the year it was published are listed on the copyright notice.
It should look like this:
Copyright © [Year] [Author Name]
Your copyright is protected for the rest of your life plus another 70 years. The work will thereafter be released into the public domain.
Use the year the book was published, not the year you began writing. The copyright will be extended as far as possible in this manner.
Also, make sure to include your name. Not the name of the publisher or the printer.
Extra tip: You can specify on the copyright page whether your book was released under a pen name. However, if you decide to register your copyright with the United States Copyright Office, make sure to include both your pen name and your real name.
2. ISBN
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a number that identifies a book. It’s a 13-digit code that distinguishes books, eBooks, CDs, etc.
You don’t need an ISBN if you’re simply publishing an e-Book.
However, you could still want one. Your book will be included in the Books in Print database if it has an ISBN. This makes it easy for people to find and buy your book.
ISBNs are also used by all parties engaged in ordering, listing, selling, and stocking your book, including publishers, bookstores, libraries, online retailers, and other supply chain partners. They’re similar to social security numbers for books.
Apart from e-Book platforms (such as Amazon’s Kindle Store), ISBNs are required by most booksellers.
For each edition and format of your book, you’ll need a distinct ISBN. If your book is available in hardback, paperback, audiobook, and e-book formats, each one will require its own ISBN.
3. Rights and Permissions
Simply write “All rights reserved.”
This implies you have permission to reproduce any section of your book.
You have permission to publish an excerpt. Print the whole book. Distribute it. Make sequels, spin-offs, or other derivative works. You can do whatever you want. You are the exclusive owner of the rights.
“All rights reserved” also implies that such rights are not available to others. They must obtain your permission before using any element of your book.
4. Disclaimer
The disclaimer section is typically included in fiction novels, and it protects you from any legal action if your characters or storylines are based on real persons or events.
It recognizes that some of the characters may seem like actual individuals, but it insists that this is a work of fiction.
Even if it’s a frivolous lawsuit, you might be sued for what you write in your book.
Books are open to the public, and their message isn’t always received in the way that the authors intended. The last thing you want to happen when you publish a book is for someone to accuse you of libel, misrepresentation, or offering false advice. so, writing a proper disclaimer is always advantageous.
5. Edition and Country of Printing
The place of the book’s printing and its edition is also listed on the page.
6. Publisher Information
The copyright page should include publisher information (such as name and address).
- In a book, where does a copyright page go?
- How can I acquire a copyright for a book that I self-published?
- In a KDP book, do I need a copyright page?
7. Edition Information
The edition information should show on the book copyright page, even if it is on the title page. This doesn’t have to be a long paragraph; simply a single line of text stating which edition it is sufficient.
8. Design, Production, Editing, and Illustration Details
It’s okay to include a list of persons who helped make your book what it is in the acknowledgments section, but it’s also fine to do so here.
9. Author Website
If you’re self-publishing, include the author’s website on the page.
10. Ordering Information
If your book is released by a large publisher, this page should include ordering information such as quantity sales, textbooks, and orders from trade outlets or wholesalers.
11. Trademark and Environmental Notices
The book copyright page should include trademark notice information, as well as the names and logos of the publishing firm. The copyright page might also include words that attest to the book’s environmental concern.
Conclusion
Some copyright pages are as simple and clear as stating the copyright owner and the year. That’s enough to show that the book is insured and legally protected. The length and content of this part are determined by the publishing house in traditional publishing, but when you self-publish, you will write the copyright page.
Although including all of the aforementioned data is detailed and professional, merely listing the copyright holder and the date will suffice. It doesn’t have to be difficult to copyright your book.
It’s entirely possible and simple, just like anything else in self-publishing, as long as you have the correct knowledge and a competent printer on your side.
-Isabell S.
