Navigating Indieworld Discussing All Things Indie discussion

Just to let you know, I today received the Certificate of Registration for this children's illustrated storybook. The original application to the US Copyright Office was made on January 6, 2017, so, it looks like the current processing time is about 5.5 months.

Thanks, Theodore, that is good to know.

Thanks for the update. I knew it took months but wasn't expecting that long.

Carrie wrote: "Thanks for the update. I knew it took months but wasn't expecting that long."

Actually, I recall it being longer last year.

Theodore wrote: "Actually, I recall it being longer last year."

Yikes! Thanks for the info, Theodore! Hugs

Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger) wrote: "Theodore wrote: "Actually, I recall it being longer last year."

Yikes! Thanks for the info, Theodore! Hugs"

I was surprised when it showed up.

Ted

On the subject of copyright... do we have any lawyers present? I'm wondering about the inclusion of song lyrics in books. I've seen it done and was wondering if giving proper credit to the owner of the copyright is enough or do you need prior permission from them before inclusion?

Anyone know?

I used a short excerpt from Talking Heads, "The Democratic Circus," lyrics by David Byrne, in a sonnet I published on my Website as well as in a large (one-quarter-page) newspaper ad I once took out on Memorial Day some years ago, and found I needed to get David's permission.

https://www.theodore-cohen-novels.com...

Better safe than sorry. Which is to say, I don't think "fair use" limits pertain here.

There have been a few interesting articles on Bookworks about this

https://www.bookworks.com/2016/08/cop...

https://www.bookworks.com/2017/02/use...


You should check out the site and join. They have good articles.

Thanks for the replies :D

Eldon wrote: "On the subject of copyright... do we have any lawyers present? I'm wondering about the inclusion of song lyrics in books. I've seen it done and was wondering if giving proper credit to the owner of..."

Eldon, unless the music is in the public domaine, you need permission

Judy wrote: "Eldon wrote: "On the subject of copyright... do we have any lawyers present? I'm wondering about the inclusion of song lyrics in books. I've seen it done and was wondering if giving proper credit t..."

So I've discovered. Thanks Judy!

Eldon wrote: "On the subject of copyright... do we have any lawyers present? I'm wondering about the inclusion of song lyrics in books. I've seen it done and was wondering if giving proper credit to the owner of..."
Well, it's not exactly song lyrics, but I need to know about copyrighting books in general. I have finished writing my book and need to find information about the process. Do I apply for copywriting to a specific agency?

In the US, you can apply for a copyright online:

http://copyrightregistry-online-form....

The charge depends on the type of publication (either $35 or $50). A novel, for example, would be $35. A collection of short stories, on the other hand, would require payment of $50. Check out the URL above. The application process can be tricky in places, so read the instructions carefully. You can start and application and save your data, returning to it later. Telephone assistance also is available.

Thanks a lot for this valuable information - appreciate it.

Actually in the British Commonwealth, which means me in New Zealand, we are told not to bother with this paying for a copyright certificate lark. That it is unnecessary and just a way to make writers fork out for something they already have.

Copyright is quite clear in the law. Once you commit words to paper then you own them and therefore they are copyright to you.

Mind you America is not a signature of the Berne and Paris and UN copyright agreements is it?

P.D.R. wrote: "Actually in the British Commonwealth, which means me in New Zealand, we are told not to bother with this paying for a copyright certificate lark. That it is unnecessary and just a way to make write..."

Actually, the US signed the Berne Agreement in 1989...better late than ever (our behavior regarding copyrights has been shameful, that's for sure). You can see the List of Parties for all agreements at the URL below:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...

You are correct: once you commit to paper, you "own" the intellectual property. However, if I'm going into court or otherwise must prove ownership for some reason or another, having that piece of paper from the US Copyright Office would appear to be a handy item to put before the judge.

Can a Indie author proceed with publishing their book without the copyright in their hands for their book. (i.e. still waiting for it) ? I understand that it may take a little while for the final documents to come back to you after applying for a copyright of the book.

Joyce wrote: "Can a Indie author proceed with publishing their book without the copyright in their hands for their book. (i.e. still waiting for it) ? I understand that it may take a little while for the final d..."

Absolutely. I always apply for my copyrights on the day I publish my books.

o.k. Thanks for the quick reply. This is my first attempt at self publishing where I do each step myself. My first book, I went through a publishing company (AH) and they did the process for me (boy did that cost me a lot of $$$). So, this time is a learning process for me. Everyone I have encountered in the Indie community has been very helpful. Thanks...

(Oh the learning curve...)

Joyce wrote: "o.k. Thanks for the quick reply. This is my first attempt at self publishing where I do each step myself. My first book, I went through a publishing company (AH) and they did the process for me (bo..."

Yes, most of these houses do a good job...eventually...but can cost an arm and a leg! Once you take a little time to learn the process, things turn out to be rather "simple" (which is to say, rational). The US Copyright Office's Website can appear daunting at first, but their Help Line has been most useful to me at times.

Here's a helpful article.
http://www.rochestermedia.com/how-to-...

I did copy- write one of my characters, but not my books. as a whole. I also did copy-write the name If You Were Me and Lived in.... but not each individual book. The lawyer said it wasn't necessary.

Sure, I will add copyrights while publishing books.

Thanks for the information.