Category: Writing Journey

Copyright exists automatically in an original work of authorship once it is fixed, but a copyright owner can take steps to enhance the protections. The most important step is registering the work. Registering a work is not mandatory, but for U.S. works, registration (or refusal) is necessary to enforce the exclusive rights of copyright through litigation. Timely registration also allows copyright owners to seek certain types of monetary damages and attorney fees if there is a lawsuit, and also provide a presumption that information on the registration certificate is correct.

Copyright registration also provides value to the public overall. It facilitates the licensing marketplace by allowing people to find copyright ownership information, and it provides the public with notice that someone is claiming copyright protection. It also provides a record of this nation’s creativity.

Did you know that you only have 3 months to register your copyright once your work is:

1.) Published/Distributed, and

2.) Before infringement occurs, to recover full damages and attorney fees.

If you’ve written a book or created some other original work such as a blog, photo, or illustration, you must register your copyright to prevent unauthorized use. Copyright’s registration protects you against illegal copying and theft or plagiarism of your work. In order to protect your work, you must first register your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office to fully enforce your rights and the ability to:

1.) Recover up to $150,000 in statutory damages.

2.) Protect your work for life.

3.) Establish a legal record of content ownership.

How to begin registering your published works? First you go to: www.copyright.gov, click on “Register Your Works” and follow the online instructions. Once your work has been submitted, pay the filing fee and you should receive confirmation via email regarding the approval of your application. Since the Copyright Office is currently teleworking, a Copyright’s Certificate will be sent when the staff returns to the office.

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At some point in the process of publishing your book, you’ll need to turn your attention to the sales copy. This is the copy that you see as part of a book’s description when shopping online or on a book’s dust jacket (if hardcover) or back panel (if paperback). A sales copy hints at the genre, introduces the main character(s), does not give away the plot and entices the reader to buy the book.

• First you must start with a captivating headline that will capture the reader’s attention. This eye-catching statement should entice the potential reader with promises of discord and what they will gain by reading your novel. The goal is to have the reader form some type of emotional attachment to the headline that draws them into purchasing your book.

For example, my book, PNĔUMÄ starts off with:

A prohibited union between two species…Marred by deception and greed…            

This caption is brief but straight to the point, confirms that there is a conflict on the horizon and promises that a villain or two is surely to make an appearance.

• Next, the body of the sales copy will need to focus on what your book is about and not give away the ending. It must stir human emotions while strumming the reader’s imagination to a point where they feel connected to the characters in some way, shape or form. Choose a voice for your book that matches your genre and fuel it with sentiment and excitement.

• And finally, leave a cliffhanger that will have the reader wanting more. As mentioned previously, do not give away the ending but teasing is perfectly acceptable which will give them just enough to at least take a closer look or even purchase your book.

When in doubt, write several drafts of the sales copy until you are completely satisfied. You may even take it a step further and have a few beta readers provide additional feedback before finalizing.

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What is an ISBN and Why is it important to have one for your books or published works?

The International Standard Book Number is a numeric commercial book identifier which is intended to be unique. In other words, it is simply a product number that helps during the marketing/distribution of your book and DOES NOT provide any form of legal or copyright protection (this will be discussed in a separate post). It is important to have an ISBN because it provides a standard way for publishers to number their products so that it cannot be duplicated by other publishers.

An ISBN is intended to be assigned to each separate edition and variation of a publication. For example, an e-book, a paperback, and a hardcover edition of the same book should have a different ISBN.

If you plan on publishing your works then you will need an ISBN in order to sell and/or market in bookstores and with online retailers such as Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million etc.

Bowker is a great resource for indie and self-published authors. An author may purchase a single ISBN or a bundle at very affordable prices. I would suggest conducting additional research on whether you should obtain your own ISBN or utilize the online retailer’s assigned ISBN. For me personally, I decided to purchase my own that way the same ISBN could be used everywhere and not limited to one retailer.

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An Author’s page will provide your readers with additional knowledge about your background while discovering additional works by said author. It is essential to create an author’s page for your published books – both Amazon and Goodreads allows an author to create an Author’s page free of charge.

Regardless what platform you choose (I have both), they are both driven to promote your published works and directed to engage with your readers.

The Goodreads Author Program – is ideal for all authors, regardless of where your book or works has been published.

Amazon Author Central – is only ideal if an author has a published book or works through Amazon whether it is in print, ebook or audio format.

**Tip** Create an Author’s page for both Amazon & Goodreads as soon as your books are available.

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