Overview of Self-Publishing and Copyright

When you finish a creative work, edit it, rewrite it, and prepare it for publication, it is automatically copyrighted. This legal protection on creative works, including books, is granted as soon as the work is completed in its entirety. Once you publish your book on Amazon, you essentially take up your exclusive first right of publication, meaning you can never offer that right again. To secure your copyright, it is advisable to post a copyright notice on your work. Additionally, as an author, you own the copyright to your book. However, certain conditions and benefits are tied to registering your copyright with the appropriate national or international copyright office.

Copyright and Publication

In the United States and in many Berne Convention signatory countries, the moment a creative work is published, it is automatically under copyright. While the basic protection is immediate, taking steps to officially register your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office offers several advantages. For instance, in the U.S., you have 90 days from the date of publication to pay a fee and register your copyright. Once registered, you can sue in Federal Court for piracy damages and potentially recover attorney fees. If you do not have a numbered form, you cannot file a lawsuit in Federal Court for piracy of your work.

Exclusive Rights and Royalties

When you self-publish a book on Amazon through services like KDP Select, you agree to certain terms of exclusive publishing. This means that the digital format of your book will be exclusively through KDP for a certain period. This exclusivity limits your ability to distribute your digital book elsewhere, such as on your own website. On the other hand, you retain the rights to distribute your book in physical format or in any format other than digital.

If you choose Amazon’s higher 70% royalty rate, you must adhere to the terms of exclusivity. This means you cannot distribute the digital book anywhere else, including on your own website, without canceling the contract in writing. For the lower royalty rate of 35%, you have more flexibility to manage your distribution channels. However, even after canceling your agreement with KDP Select, Amazon can continue to distribute your book for a while to fulfill any standing orders or to deplete stock on hand.

Final Thoughts and Suggestions

If you are unsure about the terms and implications of exclusive publishing on Amazon, it may be wise to consult with a legal expert who specializes in publishing and intellectual property. This advice can help you navigate the complexities of publishing and ensure your works are protected. In addition, exploring alternative self-publishing platforms such as IngramSpark or Authorlink can provide you with more choices and flexibility in terms of distribution and royalties.