Do Indie Authors Need to Copyright Their Books?

(Note- this is not legal advice, please consult a lawyer for official legal advice)

Technically, your book is protected by copyright as soon as it is created, and you don’t need to take any formal action to establish your ownership of the work.

However, registering your copyright with the government provides additional legal protection and can make it easier to enforce your rights if someone infringes on your copyright.

As an indie author, you own the copyright to your book and it is up to you to decide whether to register your copyright with the government.

Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider registering your copyright:

Legal Protection: Registering your copyright with the government provides legal protection and gives you the right to sue for damages if someone infringes on your copyright.

Deterrent to Infringers: Having a registered copyright can also serve as a deterrent to potential infringers, as it shows that you are serious about protecting your work.

Proof of Ownership: Registering your copyright provides proof of ownership and can make it easier to establish your ownership of the work in legal proceedings.

International Protection: If you plan to sell your book internationally, registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office can make it easier to protect your work in other countries.

Overall, while you technically own the copyright to your book as soon as it is created, registering your copyright with the government can provide additional legal protection and may be worth considering as an indie author.