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Is Your Book Protected? Copyright, ISBNs, and Publishing Rights Explained
- Atticus Press
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
One of the most common questions new and even experienced authors ask is this: How do I make sure my book is protected? The publishing world today moves quickly, and with more platforms available than ever before, understanding your rights is essential. Yet, it is also one of the most confusing topics because authors rarely receive clear, simple explanations.
This email will give you that clarity. Whether you are publishing your first book or your fifth, having a strong understanding of copyright and publishing rights will give you confidence and prevent mistakes that many authors regret later.
Copyright Is Simpler Than It Seems Let us begin with the most important point. The moment you write your book, you own the copyright. Copyright is automatically granted to you as the creator of the work. No company, platform, publisher, or distributor can take it from you unless you sign it away voluntarily.
Where authors often get confused is in the difference between: Copyright Ownership
versus
Publishing Rights and Permissions
Owning your copyright means the work belongs to you. Publishing rights refer to the permissions you give a publisher, distributor, or platform to produce, sell, or distribute your book.
Many traditional publishers require authors to sign away rights for several years, sometimes permanently, and in some cases for multiple formats like print, ebook, and audiobook. For many authors, especially first time authors, this can limit creative control and reduce potential earnings.
This is why it is important to partner with a publishing team that respects your rights and ensures that you remain the owner of your work. Want clarity on your own publishing rights? If you are unsure whether your book is fully protected or what rights you may be granting without realizing it, a short conversation can bring clarity fast.
Speak with a Publishing Advisor to review your copyright and publishing options.
How Atticus Approaches Copyright and Ownership Atticus Publishing follows a simple principle: the author always owns their book. We help you secure your copyright properly and make sure everything is documented and protected, but the ownership remains with you. Our role is to support you, guide you, and bring your book to market professionally. It is not to take control of your intellectual property.
This approach gives authors peace of mind because they know the work they created stays in their name, and they retain full authority over future decisions such as licensing, film rights, translations, and other opportunities. Understanding ISBNs Another point of confusion for many authors is the ISBN. The ISBN is the unique identification number for your book. Every format of your book, including paperback, hardcover, and ebook, requires its own ISBN.
Here is what most authors do not realize:
ISBNs are not automatically provided by Amazon, bookstores, or distributors.
If you use a free ISBN from a platform, they are technically listed as the publisher of record.
If you purchase or are assigned your own ISBN, you are listed as the publisher, and your book appears more professionally produced.
At Atticus Publishing, we help authors secure professional ISBNs and ensure that all book details, metadata, and listing information are accurate and aligned with industry standards. This helps your book look credible, searchable, and aligned with the quality expected from bookstores and libraries.
Publishing Agreements That Protect You
A professional publishing agreement should be clear, transparent, and easy to understand. You should know:
Who owns the copyright
Who controls the pricing
Who receives royalties
How long the agreement lasts
What rights you retain
What rights you are granting
Many authors have experienced frustration in the past because they were not informed about these details. Some discover later that their previous publisher controlled their pricing, their royalties, or their release schedule. These issues can slow the progress of your book and create long term obstacles.
Our goal is to help authors avoid these problems entirely by working with agreements that respect your creative ownership and give you full clarity from the beginning.
Bringing It All Together
Copyright, ISBNs, and rights management are the foundation of a secure publishing experience. When these elements are handled properly, you can focus on what matters: creating a powerful, well produced book and bringing it to readers with confidence.
You deserve to know that your work is safe, your ownership is intact, and your publishing team is guiding you with transparency and expertise.
If you would like help securing your copyright, setting up ISBNs, or reviewing your publishing options the same way we support our bestselling authors, reach out anytime. Your Publishing Advisor at Atticus Publishing would be happy to guide you.
Your book deserves protection, clarity, and respect.
Understanding copyright, ISBNs, and publishing rights puts you in control of your work and your future as an author.
Connect with an Atticus Publishing Advisor to make sure your book is legally and professionally secure.
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