Copyright Information for Writers

Guest Post by Allison Manning

One thing that writers often wonder about once their manuscript is complete is whether or not they need to copyright their work. After spending hours pouring your blood, sweat, and tears into a completed work, the thought of someone stealing it is a gut-wrenching one, but is copywriting your work necessary to protect it? Let’s talk about what you, as a writer, need to know about copyright. 

Do I Have to Copyright My Work?

No, in the United States, you do not have to copyright your work to protect it. Your work is automatically copyrighted as soon as it is written in a fixed form on paper or in a digital file. These protections last from the moment it is written until 70 years after your death. However, copywriting your work officially may save you some hassle and provide you with legal protections if someone were to infringe on your work. 

How Do I Copyright My Work? 

Copywriting your work is a simple process, and if your book is traditionally published, it will already be done for you at publication. If you self-publish your work, you will need to copyright it yourself. 

You can complete a copyright application online here. The process is straightforward, and the website has videos and instructions to help if needed. You can also submit a paper application if you prefer. 

What Does it Cost to Copyright? 

Copyrighting your work officially is not free, but the cost is reasonable, and the peace of mind it offers is priceless. The price depends on the type of work you are copywriting, how many works you are copywriting, and your method of application to the copyright office. 

What are the Benefits of Copyrighting My Work? 

Copyrighting your book is the best way to protect it, particularly if you want to produce additional content related to your work or if you plan to display or have your work performed publicly. If you copyright your work, no one will be able to use your characters, plot, ideas, or any other likeness from your work. If they do, you can take them to court, prove the work is your own, and receive damages. 

What to Include on a Copyright Page

At a minimum, your copyright page, usually located directly behind the title page, includes the title of your book and the rights reserved notice. You can, however, include additional information like the ISBN, disclaimers, permissions, your publisher, and even your website.  

What is Fair Use for Writers? 

Fair use is a legal concept that allows for the use of copyrighted work in a limited capacity without requiring permission from the author to use it. Fair use can apply to both writers and the works that they have written. 

Fair use allows limited portions of a copyrighted work to be used as quotes, for criticism, commentary, news reporting, and educational purposes. There is no specific number of words that qualify for fair use, as each circumstance is different. If you want to use a portion of someone’s copyrighted work, the best course of action is to ask for permission. If, as a writer, someone uses a portion of your copyrighted work and you feel your work has been infringed, you can consult a lawyer and see if they believe you have a civil case. 

Copyrighting your work is not a requirement for publishing your work, but it is a good idea if for no other reason than peace of mind that no one else can take credit for your hard work. The copyright process is an easy one, and one well worth your time and money.