How to Copyright a Book: The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve written a book — congratulations! Now it’s time to protect it.
Whether you’re preparing to publish or just safeguarding your manuscript from potential intellectual property thieves, registering your copyright is a smart move. While copyright protection exists automatically the moment your work is created and fixed in a tangible form, registering it with the U.S. Copyright Office gives you the legal foundation to enforce your rights.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact 7-step process to officially copyright your book, with helpful tips along the way.
📚 The 7 Steps to Copyrighting a Book in the U.S.
- Go to the U.S. Copyright Office website
- Select the “Literary Works” category
- Create a new account
- Start the registration process
- Enter your book’s details
- Pay the registration fee
- Submit your book to complete the process
1. Visit the U.S. Copyright Office Website
Head to copyright.gov/registrations — the official portal for copyright registration.
You can submit your application either online or by mail. However, the online process is faster and significantly cheaper (typically $45–$65 vs. $125 for paper submissions). Paper applications also take much longer to process — sometimes up to 15 months.
2. Choose “Literary Works”
Once on the site, select “Literary Works” to register books, poems, articles, novels — essentially anything written to be read.
If you're not registering song lyrics, scripts, or audio recordings, this is the category you want.
Click “Register a Literary Work” to move forward.
3. Create a New Account (If You Don’t Have One)
If this is your first time registering, click the link that says:
“If you are a new user, click here to register.”
You’ll be asked to provide your contact information, a username, and a password. Don’t worry — you can register the book under a pen name later, so use your legal name here if needed.
4. Start the Copyright Registration Process
After logging in, look for the option:
“Register One Work by One Author”
This option qualifies you for the reduced $45 filing fee, as long as:
- You are the sole author, and
- You are the sole claimant (i.e., copyright owner)
Click “Start Registration” to begin.
💡 Pro tip: The site runs best on Firefox, but it’s notoriously clunky on all browsers. Hang in there — the process is quick once you get going.
5. Enter Your Book’s Details
Now comes the admin work. You’ll need to fill in a few basic details about your book, including:
- Title
- Author information
- Copyright ownership
- Publication status (published or unpublished)
At each step, click “Continue” to proceed. Once completed, review your answers carefully and hit “Add to Cart.”
6. Pay the Registration Fee
In your cart, select “Pay – Credit Card/ACH” to proceed. You’ll be redirected to the U.S. Treasury website to complete your payment securely.
You can pay via:
- Credit or debit card
- Direct deposit (ACH)
7. Upload or Send Your Work
Once payment is confirmed, you’ll be prompted to submit a copy of your book. This can usually be uploaded directly online, unless the Copyright Office requests a physical copy.
They will ask for the “best edition” of your book available. Generally:
- A hardcover edition is preferred over a paperback
- A physical copy is preferred over a digital one
If you have multiple editions, send the nicest version — that’s what they’re looking for.
✅ And That’s It!
Your book is now registered with the U.S. Copyright Office and is legally protected.
While the process can feel a little outdated, it's worth the peace of mind. Should anyone try to infringe on your work, a registered copyright gives you the legal power to defend your rights in court and potentially claim damages.
💡 Final Tips:
- Save your login details for future use.
- Keep a copy of your registration confirmation and receipt.
- Don’t delay — it’s best to register before publishing.
Feel free to copy and paste this article for later-Download How to Copyright a Book: The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide
