Understanding Copyright & ISBN for Self-Published Authors
When self-publishing a book, copyright and ISBN (International Standard Book Number) are two critical components that protect your work and ensure it reaches the right audience. Understanding these elements can help you avoid legal issues, improve book distribution, and establish credibility as an author.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ What copyright is and how it protects your work
✅ How to register copyright for a self-published book
✅ What an ISBN is and why it’s important
✅ How to get an ISBN for your self-published book
✅ The differences between free and paid ISBNs
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1. What is Copyright & Why Does It Matter?
What is Copyright?
Copyright is the legal protection of your creative work, giving you exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and sell your book. As a self-published author, copyright ensures that no one else can copy or profit from your book without permission.
Key Benefits of Copyright:
✔️ Protects against plagiarism and unauthorized use
✔️ Gives you legal ownership over your book
✔️ Allows you to sell or license rights for adaptations (movies, audiobooks, translations)
✔️ Helps establish proof of authorship
💡 Good news: You automatically own copyright to your book as soon as you write it. However, official copyright registration gives additional legal protection.
2. How to Register Copyright for a Self-Published Book
Although copyright is automatic, registering it officially provides additional legal proof in case of disputes.
How to Register Copyright (USA)
In the United States, you can register your book with the U.S. Copyright Office:
- Go to www.copyright.gov
- Select Literary Works
- Fill out the application form
- Upload a copy of your book
- Pay the registration fee ($45-$65 for online filing)
Once approved, you’ll receive an official copyright certificate, which can be useful if legal issues arise.
How to Register Copyright (India, UK, Canada, etc.)
Each country has its own copyright office. Here’s where you can register:
- India: Copyright Office India (copyright.gov.in)
- UK: Intellectual Property Office (www.gov.uk)
- Canada: Canadian Intellectual Property Office (www.ic.gc.ca)
💡 Pro Tip: While copyright registration is optional, it’s highly recommended if you plan to sell internationally or in large volumes.
3. What is an ISBN & Why Do You Need One?
What is an ISBN?
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique 13-digit number assigned to a book for identification and cataloging. It is used by booksellers, libraries, and distributors to track and order books.
Why is an ISBN Important?
📌 Required for print books sold in bookstores and libraries
📌 Helps with book discoverability in online databases
📌 Makes your book look more professional and credible
📌 Essential for multiple editions (paperback, hardcover, audiobook)
💡 eBooks on Amazon (Kindle Direct Publishing) do not require an ISBN, but having one can still be beneficial.
4. How to Get an ISBN for Your Self-Published Book
There are two ways to get an ISBN:
1️⃣ Buy Your Own ISBN (Recommended for Full Control)
If you want full ownership of your book, it’s best to purchase your own ISBN. This ensures that you are listed as the publisher instead of Amazon or another platform.
Here’s where you can buy ISBNs:
📌 USA: Bowker (myidentifiers.com) - $125 per ISBN or $295 for 10 ISBNs
📌 UK: Nielsen ISBN Store (nielsenisbnstore.com) - £89 per ISBN
📌 India: Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency (isbn.gov.in) - Free but takes time
📌 Canada: Library and Archives Canada - Free
📌 Australia: Thorpe-Bowker (www.myidentifiers.com.au)
💡 Pro Tip: If you plan to publish multiple books, buying ISBNs in bulk is more cost-effective.
2️⃣ Get a Free ISBN from Amazon KDP or Other Platforms
Some self-publishing platforms offer free ISBNs, but there are limitations:
✔️ Amazon KDP (for print books) provides a free ISBN, but Amazon will be listed as the publisher.
✔️ IngramSpark also offers a free ISBN, but you may face restrictions in distribution.
💡 If you want full control over your book’s distribution, use a paid ISBN.
5. ISBN vs. Copyright: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | ISBN | Copyright |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Identifies the book for sales & distribution | Protects the content from being copied |
| Required for | Print books, some eBooks | All original works (automatic) |
| Legal Protection? | No | Yes |
| Cost | Paid (varies by country) | Free (automatic) or Paid (for registration) |
| Ownership | Publisher or author | Always the author’s |
6. Common Myths About Copyright & ISBN
❌ Myth: “I need to register copyright to own my book.”
✔️ Truth: Copyright is automatic once you write your book. Registration just provides extra legal proof.
❌ Myth: “All books need an ISBN.”
✔️ Truth: ISBNs are only required for print books. Some eBook platforms, like Kindle, don’t require them.
❌ Myth: “I can use the same ISBN for different book formats.”
✔️ Truth: Each format needs its own ISBN (paperback, hardcover, audiobook, etc.).
❌ Myth: “A free ISBN is just as good as a paid one.”
✔️ Truth: Free ISBNs list the publishing platform as the publisher, limiting distribution control.
Final Thoughts
📌 Copyright and ISBN are essential tools for self-published authors to protect and distribute their books professionally.
📌 Copyright registration isn’t required but highly recommended for legal protection.
📌 Buying your own ISBN gives you more control over publishing and distribution.
📌 Different formats of the same book (eBook, print, audiobook) require separate ISBNs.
🚀 By understanding and managing copyright & ISBN correctly, you ensure that your self-published book is legally protected and professionally distributed!