Book Copyrights: How to Register Your Book with the US Copyright Office
Registering your copyright? Learn to file applications, pay registry fees, and submit depository copies.
Julian Thorne
Senior Managing Editor
"Your book is copyrighted the moment you write it, but registering it officially with the US Copyright Office adds legal protection in disputes."
Core Key Takeaways
- Filing Your Copyright Application Form
- Submitting Depository Copies of the Book
- Managing Rights Records and Catalog Logs
1. Filing Your Copyright Application Form
Submit your registration form online through the electronic Copyright Office (eCO), listing the author and publisher details.
- File copyright applications online through the eCO portal.
- Pay the required registry fee to complete filings.
- Submit depository copies to the library archives.
2. Submitting Depository Copies of the Book
Mail printed copies or upload digital files of your published work to the Library of Congress depository archives.
From Manuscript to Global Bookstores & Libraries
Get developmental CMOS editing, bespoke cover design, multi-format distribution, and launch marketing tailored for ambitious authors.
3. Managing Rights Records and Catalog Logs
Keep copies of your registration certificates to verify ownership in case of copyright questions on retail sites.
The Takeaway
Official registrations protect publishing rights. Golden Ivory Publishing assists authors with metadata setup and copyright registrations.
From Manuscript to Global Bookstores & Libraries
Get developmental CMOS editing, bespoke cover design, multi-format distribution, and launch marketing tailored for ambitious authors.
Related Guides & Tutorials
Anthology Copyrights: Registering Multi-Author Collections
Publishing an anthology? Learn about collective work copyright rules, contributor contracts, and registry steps.
Global Book Copyright: A Guide for Non-US Authors
International author protecting your work? Learn how global copyrights protect your book across the US, UK, and Europe.
Copyright Registry for Anthologies and Collections
Publishing an anthology? Learn how to register copyright, split collective rights, and compile contributor contracts.