Being an independent author is no small feat. You’re not just writing books—you’re also wearing the hats of editor, marketer, publisher, and, at times, legal expert. There’s a lot to learn, and some of it—especially anything with legal ramifications—can feel downright intimidating. That’s where copyright comes in.
Copyright is one of those tricky topics. It’s complex, and if you want to do a deep dive, there are plenty of great resources. But for now, let’s cut through the confusion and go over the basics every author must know. What exactly does copyright mean? How does it affect your author career? And what steps should you take to ensure your work is legally protected?
Let’s break it down.
What is Copyright?
Copyright is a legal protection granted to creators of original works—including books, articles, blog posts, and even marketing copy. In simple terms, if you write it, you own it (with some exceptions).
Once you’ve written something down—whether it’s a manuscript in a Word doc or a handwritten novel on coffee-stained napkins—it’s automatically protected by copyright. You don’t need to register it for protection to exist, though registration can offer additional benefits (more on that later).
What does copyright protect?
- Your words and phrasing
- Your unique characters and world-building (though not broad ideas or concepts)
- Your book’s cover art (if you created it)
- Your marketing materials (if you wrote them)
What does copyright NOT protect?
- Ideas and concepts – The idea of a wizard school wasn’t copyrighted, but J.K. Rowling’s specific execution of Hogwarts School in Harry Potter is.
- Book titles and short phrases – Titles can sometimes be trademarked, but they’re not covered under copyright. In other words, don’t stress if your title is similar to another one that’s out there in the world.
- Facts and public domain works – If Shakespeare wrote it, you can use it. But how do you know if a work is in the public domain?
What is the Public Domain?
Works enter the public domain when their copyright protection expires, meaning anyone can use, modify, or republish them without needing permission. This includes older books, art, and music.
How do you know if something is public domain?
- In the U.S., works published before 1929 are in the public domain.
- Copyright lasts the author’s lifetime + 70 years in most cases (for works created after 1978).
- If a book was published before 1964 and its copyright wasn’t renewed, it’s also public domain.
- Every January 1st, a new batch of older works enters the public domain (thanks to the U.S. copyright term laws).
Examples of public domain works you can freely use:
- Anything written by Shakespeare (1564–1616)
- Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818)
- Arthur Conan Doyle’s earlier Sherlock Holmes stories (pre-1929; later ones are still under copyright)
If you’re unsure whether a work is in the public domain, check sites like Project Gutenberg or the U.S. Copyright Office database before using it in your own book or marketing.
What are Some Copyright Law Basics for Authors?
Every country has different copyright laws, but if you’re an author publishing in the U.S these are some key things to know:
- Your work is protected the moment it’s fixed in a tangible form – No registration is required.
- You own the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, display, and perform your work – Meaning others can’t legally copy or sell it without your permission.
- Copyright lasts a LONG time – In the U.S., it typically lasts for the author’s lifetime + 70 years.
- Registration strengthens your legal standing – If someone copies your work, registered copyrights make it easier (and cheaper) to enforce your rights in court.
Want to register your copyright? Head to the U.S. Copyright Office website (www.copyright.gov) to file a claim. It costs around $45–$65 for most books.
Copyright & Marketing: What Authors Need to Know
When promoting your book, you might wonder: “Can I use quotes, images, or excerpts from other works?” The answer depends on fair use and licensing.
Using quotes & excerpts from other works
- You CANNOT freely copy large sections of another book, even for marketing.
- You CAN use short excerpts under fair use (e.g., a few sentences for a review), but fair use is a legal gray area.
- Always credit the source when using quotes!
Using images in marketing (covers, social media, ads)
- Just because an image is on Google doesn’t mean it’s free to use.
- Stick to royalty-free image sites (Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay) or purchase licensed images.
- If you hire a designer for your book cover or marketing, clarify who owns the rights to the final work.
Using music
- No, you can’t just throw a Taylor Swift song into your book trailer.
- Use royalty-free music or purchase a license (e.g., via sites like AudioJungle or Epidemic Sound).
What to Do if Someone Steals Your Work
Unfortunately, copyright infringement happens. If someone uploads your book to a piracy site, here’s what to do:
- Send a DMCA Takedown Notice – The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) allows you to request a site remove your stolen work. You can often do this via the website’s contact page.
- Report the infringement to retailers – Amazon, Apple Books, and others take copyright complaints seriously. They have forms for reporting stolen content.
- Consider legal action – If someone is profiting off your work, you may need an intellectual property attorney.
If you find pirated copies of your book, don’t panic! Many indie authors deal with this. Focus on building an engaged audience that prefers to support you legally.
Key Takeaways for Authors
- Copyright protects your written work automatically.
- Registering your copyright gives you extra legal protection.
- Be careful when using quotes, images, and music in marketing.
- If someone steals your book, you can take action to remove it.
Remember, copyright isn’t just about legalities—it’s about protecting your hard work and creativity. So, write with confidence, market smartly, and keep your stories safe!
Have more questions about book marketing? Check out Written Word Media’s Effective Marketing Promotions & Ads to get your book in front of readers the right way.