How to Copyright Your Book (step-by-step tutorial) + Answering YOUR Copyright Questions

Today we’re talking all about COPYRIGHTS. When to file them, HOW to file them, and why you should copyright your book before sending it out into the world. If you’re an indie author or a writer who feels anxious about sending your vulnerable book baby out into the world… this video is for you.
Like all legal things, copyrights can be a bit complicated. That’s why, in this video, we’re keeping things simple and getting right to the point. I’m going to show you STEP-BY-STEP how to copyright your book so that you can have peace of mind knowing your work is legally protected for years to come. I’m also going to answer some frequently asked questions about copyrights such as:
- What is a copyright?
- When should you copyright your book?
- Can you copyright a book title?
- Can you copyright an idea?
- Does a copyright notice work the same as a registered copyright?
- When do copyrights expire?
- How many copyrights do you need for one book?
If you have ever felt confused about copyrighting your book, I hope this video will answer your questions and give you confidence as you protect your intellectual property. Let’s get into it!
🔍 LEARN MORE ABOUT COPYRIGHTING YOUR BOOK IN THIS ARTICLE: kindlepreneur.com/how-to-copy...
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✨T I M E S T A M P S✨
00:00 Introduction
00:50 What is a copyright?
03:18 When should you copyright your book?
04:41 Can you copyright a book title?
05:29 Can you copyright an idea?
06:11 Is a copyright notice the same as a registered copyright?
07:14 HOW TO COPYRIGHT YOUR BOOK
16:32 Expiration and editions
17:40 Subscribe for more indie publishing videos :)
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✨ A B O U T ✨
My name is Abbie Emmons I teach writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling, transforming their ideas into a masterpiece, and creating a lifestyle that makes their author dreams come true.
Story isn’t about “what happens” - it’s about how what happens affects and transforms the characters. I believe that there is an exact science (a recipe, if you will) behind a perfect story. And if you know what ingredients you need, you can create your own perfect story with ease and confidence. That’s what we talk about every week on this channel - and if it’s something you’re into, be sure to subscribe and join this community!

[@anna-zc3id]

i think this might the only abbie emmons video where she doesn’t mention “ internal conflict”

[@Amy_Mi6]

😂

[@AbbieEmmons]

it's shocking.. I'm shocked

[@DanielByers-qf9qi]

One would not want to have internal conflict at this penultimate stage of publishing one's work, would one?

[@soyaliovee]

@@DanielByers-qf9qi it’s a joke lol

[@notalltheories]

@@DanielByers-qf9qi oh, but one does... one does!

[@joshuadavidson3689]

I think it's also worth mentioning what just happened to me. I purchased ISBNs from Bowker. They have an upsell page for copyrighting your book. They claim they're giving you discount by charging you $85 and they'll take care of the entire process. Well, I did it. They took my money, and I STILL had to pay the $65 filing fee. In other words, they ran off with my $85 and saved me about.... 5 minutes of headache. Wow. Don't do it. Their page is title "CopyrightsNow!" which is a property of DigiRights. I'm sharing this in the hopes that some of you that are thinking of purchasing your ISBNs through Bowker, DO NOT purchase the Copyright upgrade. They literally don't do anything for you other than ripping you off by claiming they're saving you bit of time.

[@AbbieEmmons]

Wow this is good to know! I've purchased ISBN numbers through Bowker before but always did the copyrights manually through this process in the video. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@joshuadavidson3689]

@@AbbieEmmons My pleasure. I hope other new authors see this too, and know what to watch out for.

[@glimmerofhope3074]

Thank goodness for you Abbie, you've seriously taught me so much and I'm farther along in writing a story than I've ever been. Thank you for all your hard work, you're a great teacher.

[@AbbieEmmons]

Aw I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you for being here and best of luck on all your writing endeavors! 🙌🥹

[@Al-rn5qy]

This is perhaps the best copyright tutorial available on KZbin! Thanks Abbie and "rock on" indeed!

[@AbbieEmmons]

Wow, thank you! I'm so glad it was helpful 😁

[@Godgoatsandguitar]

This is perfect timing!!! I just finished my first novel this week, and am ready for a copyright!

[@elliestales]

Hi Abbie 💚 I'm a writer from Italy and I'm trying to mix my passions for writing with videos and editing! I like very much your videos, they are always a motivation to create and write. Thanks for sharing ✨✨✨

[@akeelahbruce1821]

Same! Expect I'm not from Italy. I really want to create a book and have an entire "animated series" for it that would cover the books and things that could've been mentioned in it. Which is also why I'm prepping everything this year and hopefully publish my book next year as well as be able to animate/tween well

[@AbbieEmmons]

I'm so glad my channel has been helpful and inspiring for you! Thank you for being a part of the community! 💗

[@elliestales]

@@akeelahbruce1821 so nice! Congratulations for your projects ✨

[@ThrasherMan]

I'm glad I can get pretty much all the information I need to write a book from channels like yours Abbie! Most every aspect of writing is covered just on youtube!

[@Lorna-JWB]

I am so glad you made this video. I have seen so many people in writer’s group who believe that simply putting your work in print is a copyright protection. In America (since the UK is a little different on this), only a “registered” copyright is recognized in a courtroom in the event someone infringes on your copyright.

[@ReviewScene]

Grateful for this video, you literally show whats needed and how to do it all other videos are just repeating the same thing!

[@ronaustin]

Great job. You were clear, knowledgeable, and pleasant to listen too. You make it easy to complete the copywrite form. Thanks!

[@lilycole2398]

First!!!! Ilysm! I can't wait to read your book! Thank you for everything ❤️

[@kc_mkay]

Thank you so much! I've been working on my novel for a while now, I'm hoping to have it published sometime in 2024! I'm super excited to read The Otherworld, my book also has an island/lighthouse, except mine's a lot darker and more ominous lol. Can't wait to see what you publish next 💙

[@AbbieEmmons]

Yay! I'm so glad you found this video helpful 😁 That's so awesome your book includes a lighthouse! It sounds amazing 💖 Thank you for being here!

[@lianilgesfantasyautorin]

Needed that video. Perfect timing! Thank you for that. 😍

[@thetravelexplorer7787]

I just completed the copywriting of my book using your video as a guide. You are an invaluable resource.

[@z.i.smeraldo]

Idk where I'd have been without you Abbie. Thank you so much!

[@BreezyRenee333]

I LOVE seeing videos on this side of writing!! As someone who wants to publish novels, this type of video is immensely helpful!!

[@jay_sterling]

Thanks, Abbie!! Really appreciate you breaking the copyright process down and making it simple and straightforward. 😊

[@Epiriux]

This actually helps a ton! Thank you Abbie~ I'm still in the process of finishing my first draft but thinking about the copyright process was giving so much anxiety because I didn't know if i'd do it the right way lol Thank you so much for easing my mind!!

[@Corykenshinfan07]

ABBIE!! this timing is amazing 😭 I've been trying to figure out how to copyright my book! Thank you 🥺❤️

[@NeonAGC]

THANK YOU. I was wondering for a long time how I would do something like that, just setting it aside in my mind as I focus on actually writing at the moment. Now you've cleared up my confusion and eased my mind about this subject so now I know how to do it. Thank you!

[@Ruby-gm5do]

Perfect timing! Thanks a lot Abbie 💞☺️

[@bethf1580]

Wow! You made that look so easy! 😱 I thought it was going to be so much more involved and scary. After watching this video, the scariest part is the price, which isn't even half as bad as I thought it would be. Thank you so much!

[@DanielByers-qf9qi]

Thank you for answering questions I have had for years!

[@anngrace5050]

So incredibly helpful! Thank you abbie!

[@Tah-V-ah]

Abbie, thank you so very much, for all these wonderful tips and very useful info. When I first started writing, I was completely lost, as where to start and your video's, helped me build a book from ground up. Don't know, if it'll ever be published, but practice makes perfect! All my thanks, goes to you! ❤

[@AbbieEmmons]

You are so welcome! I'm delighted to know that my channel has been inspiring for you 😁🌟

[@anthonywritesfantasy]

Super practical. Definitely going in my KZbin MFA folder.... Seriously, your videos are some of the best tools in my toolbox!

[@subjecta1-teresa]

Hi Abbie, thank you very much for all your advices and tips and words. I am an fresh author published one book and I did quite a few mistakes… your windows helped me to get better and to do it right. I am working on my book series at the moment for 2 months already and your steps are helping me very ❤❤

[@zenebornman7917]

Thank you so much for this video Abbie!! I had so many questions and I thought it'd be so hard to do all this technical stuff. 😊❤

[@leeplantlover]

thank you so much!!! i was so scared to start this process but you helped me so much!! Thanks!!!!

[@percyandzozo1111]

Thank you so much, Abbie! This will help me a lot!

[@faithuntold]

I so needed this! Thank you Abbie! I look forward to protecting my debut novel with this!💕

[@milomazli]

Omg how cooool is thiiiis ❤❤❤ thank you Abbie!!!

[@jayashreechakravarthy4949]

How could I have missed it…a video that either could have sent with a single sentence that every educated human being in the world could have written with a lot of people sending me videos at once! You’re a vixen, ma’m

[@worthfightingfor2299]

Wow. This is incredibly helpful! I will definitely be referring to this when I'm at this stage in my publishing journey!

[@AbbieEmmons]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mirandarhea515]

You literally made my life so easy!!! Thank you!!

[@dumplinglovers7883]

YESS! on time as always. thank you so much Abbie

[@TheGinnyhp]

Thank you for holding my hand in the process of actually registering a copyright. ❤ How much weight does a copyright hold I wonder when put to the test? If one wants to punish plagiarism? I think that it would still be difficult to stop anyone from using the work...

[@AbbieEmmons]

A legally registered copyright holds a lot of weight when it comes to rights infringement. I'm not a lawyer so I can't speak very eloquently on this, but this article might answer some of your questions: www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/someone-stole-my-copyrighted-work-can-i-sue-for-infringement.html

[@JuliannaBravo-ni2fq]

Abbie, thank you for sharing and helping me achieve my dreams of becoming an author! much love to ya!

[@jamesagyin2712]

Thanks soo much Abbie you have inspired me a lot in your videos. Even to continue my book I abandoned and gave up on a long time ago. Big fan!

[@eyesopen2826]

This was INCREDIBLY HELPFUL!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

[@brooklynkramer470]

This was super helpful! I would love to see more videos like this, it really clears a lot up! 😅

[@matt_valentine]

Thank you for this video! You're awesome.

[@AvaScanlo]

Thank you so much for your videos, you’re amazing. I’m currently working on a ya contemporary and This video is perfect for the future plans I have with it. 💜

[@eli7692]

Thank you Abbie, I love it.

[@gabriellabatel]

This was super helpful, Abbie, because I was wondering if I should copyright my book or not. I really appreciate it!

[@AbbieEmmons]

Glad it was helpful!

[@narthebig]

I just want to say how amazing this video is. The government’s website is awful, but this helped guide me through it with confidence. Thank you!

[@woodburykim]

This was very good information. Thank you very much! I pray for Joy, Love, Peace, Prosperity, Good Health and an abundance of Blessings for you and your family and friends. 🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️❤️

[@Sages_and_Pages]

Thanks for this video! I've never seen this done before. It was very informative.

[@nuny4592]

This was actually REALLY helpful, thank you! I'd love if you did more on the legalities of the indie and self-pub route, tbh. Thank you for this so much!

[@MiriamRhodes]

Abbie, thank you so so so so much for this video!!! I can't even begin to tell you how awesome and valuable your channel is!! I've been writing for many years and am making the decision to pursue indie publishing (I queried, got rejected, and the more I've looked into the industry, the more I feel like "I don't want some publisher coming in here and ruining my babies!"). I am so scared, but so excited too! BTW, I just read 100 days of sunlight (you DESTROYED me!!!!) and I cannot wait for the otherworld to come out! :D Also, also have you done a video (or blogpost) on isbn's? That's another thing that scares me haha

[@nicolacallahan4185]

This is my first experience. Thank you so much for sharing this information.

[@samanthakennedy5111]

Hi Abbie, I'm an avid reader, I'll take books in any format. I've been working on writing my own novel and that's how I happened upon your channel. I've learned a lot from your videos and others. I have a few books figured out but keep getting stuck on the actual writing part. I know I'll push through this block! I heard about your book "100 Days of Sunlight" on your channel and bought the audible version. I've been listening to it all day at work and just wanted to tell you, it's fantastic. I'll finish it today (I work long days). Samantha

[@aresaurelian]

Love and be careful with your rights to your creative work. It is imperative that you own the copyright to your creative work at all times. Even if you must be an anonymous creator, there must be someone on the other side that have your interests covered that you trust. If not, that precious creative flame that gives wealth, culture, and prosperity to all can flicker and disappear. Keep it safe.

[@dr.reneegilmored.c.1849]

Great directions! Thank you!

[@CookinwithLace]

This was very helpful, thank you.

[@taramullen6806]

Thank you! This was so helpful!

[@mirellayzaguirre6217]

very helpful! Thank you!☺

[@leo-author]

Hello Abbie. Thank you so much for this amazing video. I LOVE your videos as I often mention and I have learnt a lot from you. I am currently in the formatting stage of my book. I will be releasing it for pre-order on 27th July. I hope that one day you can read the book that you helped me create. Thank You Abbie. Keep Up The Great Work You Are Doing My Friend.

[@LilingArtria]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you!

[@brynaadamo6344]

Thank you Abbie extremely helpful.

[@Whield]

Thank you Abbie for this video it is very helpful.

[@tyarahandford3579]

HELPFUL VIDEO. THANKS!

[@michellesillato4863]

Thanks so much Abbie. It looks like I got scammed not only out of Australian dollars to publish two books but they had both my manuscripts in their possession so I was quick to follow your guidelines and I have successfully registered the most important one which also had the artwork completed by an independent graphic artist. Again thank you so much xo

[@amandacalling]

Super helpful! Thank you 😊

[@pinehillart]

Very helpful! Thank you so much!!!

[@kimberlyjohnson7603]

Thank you Abbie😊. Your tutorial was very clear and so easy to follow ( even for a person like me, who can be technically challenged😂). God bless you and thank you so much again!

[@animefandom8603]

Thanks Abbie it is really useful info. Every time I have any problems in writing Your advice always helped me a lott😸😸

[@AbbieEmmons]

I'm so glad! 💗

[@kimberlyjohnson7603]

I actually published my childrens book on Amazon KDP a few months ago before learning this information....YIKES! Hopefully all is good😟. Thanks again!

[@jamescarvey2133]

Thanks, Abbie my manuscript is not ready to be copyrighted but you shared a lot of valuable info. Much appreciated

[@BruceWayne15325]

Thank you so much for sharing this video. I've just sent my book out to my ARC readers, and I wasn't sure what was involved with copyright. I honestly thought I just had to put a claim on the book and it was good. Oh the naivety of the new author ;).

[@RaphaelAvant]

Thank you so much on making this tutorial. I learned somuch

[@RosenRotInk]

Thanks for the video Abbie. :D Really interesting topic. I'm from Germany and looked this up for my country. In Germany, your work will automatically be protected by copyright, the day you start writing. You don't really have to do anything else. If you really want to be sure, you have to hire a notary and deposit the work there... but that will cost a lot. :) So for EU you don't have to register your work.

[@Nicholas300]

Great video. Just one thing regarding copyright is that you already have it. You should officially register as Abby is suggesting, but you should know your work is already protected. In many countries, including the United States, once you have created a novel in tangible form (such as writing it down or saving it to your computer), it is automatically protected by copyright. This means that your novel is protected by copyright law, even if it is not officially registered with the Copyright Office or does not use the copyright symbol (©). This automatic protection gives you certain exclusive rights, such as the right to copy, distribute, display and perform your work. Although copyright protection is automatic, there are advantages to registering your novel with your country's copyright office. Registering your work gives you additional legal protection and makes it easier to defend your rights in the event of infringement. For example, registration in the US is usually required if you want to sue for copyright infringement.

[@ListingSacramentoRealEstate]

Great tutorial!

[@GrimKreeper]

I learned more about the law from this video alone than I did in all of my years of school combined...

[@Rachel_AllThingsFoster]

Super helpful!

[@victorching6278]

Thanks for your video. I would never have been able to navigate the copyright process by myself.

[@Allwaysgolden222]

Love this

[@myopinions1]

So helpful.

[@Mr1gladiatore]

New to your videos. Between you, Jerry Jenkins, and K.M.Weiland, I'm confident that I'll be able to confidently make the transition from screenwriter to book author. This video is a godsend as I have been wondering about this for a while. Questions - 1) If you use a pen name, is there a place for it when you apply for a copyright? 2) Does registering your book with the WGA provide sufficient protection? If it's good enough for a screenplay then why not? 3) The moment you register your copyright, is that when you can then use it, or do you have to wait for the letter? 4) Who puts the copyright in the book, you or the publisher? Thanks a million.

[@secretconversationspodcast]

Thank you for the information

[@chandleralves698]

Thanks a million Abbie 😁👍🏻

[@dragonwarden3285]

If I could give you diamonds and gold for this video, I would! lol I've been looking for something like this for a while now! Thank you 🙏

[@alexamoreno3381]

This was seriously soooo helpful. Thank you so much for this info! I actually had a question sort of in relation to this- when finding an editor, how do you protect your work so that someone can't steal it before anything is finished? You don't copyright THAT soon, right?

[@AbbieEmmons]

I'm so glad this video was helpful to you! Copyrighting before submitting to agents/editors is up to you as the author. This article might help answer some of your questions: www.writersdigest.com/publishing-insights/should-i-copyright-my-writing-before-submitting-to-agents-and-editors

[@sggray3983]

Thank you so much❤

[@simplywhittneyk]

Thank you!!

[@JeffersonGoolsby]

Thank you. Registering first time: Chrome on Mac wasn't processing, but Firefox worked fine.

[@renepoggenpoel1711]

Great easy to follow instruction. If you submit the final edited draft, do you have to include the book cover as well?

[@Amonda-ir3uo]

I would have made a huge mistake by copying right by mail. Thank you, Abby, for this information. I found it to be very helpful. 🙂👍

[@samp4050]

Thanks Abbie, I have copyrighted all my work as I also write lyrics and poems and I am also using some of my unique sentences in my books.

[@Mark-gz9si]

Thank you for providing more practical evidence in creating a book like this! I just have one question: if you create a copyright registration based on your final manuscript, then shouldn't you make the copyright notice first instead of after?

[@elizabethb9186]

I'm a little confused, especially if your work is a graphic novel how to register it. And if the cover is your cover art. Thanks for the general info. Very helpful step by step registration!

[@Drjae]

You are PHENOMENAL! Now that I have followed your steps to registering the copyright for my book, do I have to wait for the certificate from the government before I can publish? Thank you for this!

[@cnlicnli]

@Drjae wrote, “…do I have to wait for the certificate from the government before I can publish?” The day the US Copyright Office (USCO) *“receives”* your completed and correctly-fill-out registration application + your deposit (a copy of your book) + your filing fee, that’s when it’s been officially “registered” If you registered your work as UN-published, wait a few days before publishing it (listing, selling, licensing, sharing, etc.). If may take a few weeks to receive your *Certificate of Registration* in the mail. Store it along with your book with your important papers. I store mine in a safe deposit box.

[@CGuevara00]

Thank you! :)

[@lbrowning2543]

Thanks so much! Do you have to get a new copyright if you change covers?

[@robgleason5848]

This was very helpful. Subbed ! I do have a question. Say you get your "final edit" back from your editor and register the copyright. A month later you decide to change a paragraph in the last chapter. Do you need to re- copyright the book? Thanks!

[@josephgilbert1864]

Thank you so much for this, Abbie!! I have a question regarding using fonts within the book. Are you able to be sued if you use standard fonts like Arial or Opens Sans, or would you need to purchase the font licence to be able to use it commercially?

[@brooklynbradley]

Excellent tutorial! Coupla questions: What if... I make minor revisions to the book, do I have to redo the copyright? And What about translations? Do I have to copyright each language? Thanks so much!

[@DanielleP0314]

Great informative video! Question: Before I published my first poetry book last year, I posted my poems from my book on Patreon the year before. Should I still apply to copyright my first book, even though those poems were originally written on another online platform?

[@dherokbattleborn]

I know other people already asked but you’ll probably have to make a follow up on what to do when you use a pen name

[@katcooperwrites]

This!!