How do I get a short book copyrighted?

[Newintown112]

So I’ve written a short children’s book and I’m going to illustrate it myself. I know a local company who will do prints of it for me.
Question is- how do I get it copyrighted?
Thanks..

Hi there - copyright is automatic, you don't need to register for it. If you want, you can assert your copyright at the front by using the copyright symbol, your name and the year you wrote it, but even if you don't it is still copyright to you.

www.gov.uk/copyright#:~:text=There%20isn't%20a%20register,software%2C%20web%20content%20and%20databases

Thanks! Gosh I didn’t know that. I thought you had to apply for it!

You will also need an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) so that people can order your book, these are available from Nielsen who are the official issuers (other companies offer this service but for an additional fee, don’t be fooled, they get it from Nielsen).

You will probably need to deposit 5 copies with the British Library (it’s been a while since I was involved in publishing).

If your printer is a proper printer of books they should be able to advise on the correct copyright declaration etc. in the front of the book.

@RamblinRosie

You will also need an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) so that people can order your book, these are available from Nielsen who are the official issuers (other companies offer this service but for an additional fee, don’t be fooled, they get it from Nielsen).

You will probably need to deposit 5 copies with the British Library (it’s been a while since I was involved in publishing).

If your printer is a proper printer of books they should be able to advise on the correct copyright declaration etc. in the front of the book.

Only if she intends to sell it. She can print a book for her own personal enjoyment without an ISBN and sending proofs.

Also Barnes and Nobles publishing prints personal books on demand. It is cheap and easy, can have the whole thing set up and ordered in about half an hour.

Thanks! So I could use Barnes and Nobles..
I was thinking of selling an agreed number of copies eg to an independent book shop ( if they wish them) or selling them on eBay - or Amazon- but I’m not sure if members of the public can sell on Amazon..

you can self-publish with a print-on-demand service like lulu (other services exist) - don't pay upfront for numerous copies to be printed that may never sell. the only companies still offering that are desperately clinging to the 20th century.

Thanks- I read some really poor reviews regarding Lulu. Don’t know if anyone hear has used them?

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