✍️ Protect with Copyright
First things first — yes! Copyright is automatic. The moment you write or create something, it’s legally yours. You own the rights to your work the instant it’s fixed in a tangible form (like typing it up or writing it down).
That said, maybe you’ll want to take the extra step and get a certificate. While copyright happens automatically, registering your work with the U.S. Copyright Office gives you an official certificate and adds legal protection. If someone ever infringes on your work, that certificate makes it much easier to defend your rights.
🪶 How to Register Your Copyright
Ready to make it official? Here’s how to get your copyright certificate:
Visit copyright.gov/registration and create an account (or log in if you already have one).
Choose “Register a New Claim” and then select the Standard Application under Register a Work.
When prompted, select “Literary Works” as the category for your book.
Fill out your application with:
Your book title
Any publication details (if applicable)
Your author and claimant information (you can use a pen name here if you wish)
Contact information for rights, permissions, and correspondence
💵 Filing Fee: The cost is $65, and you’ll receive a confirmation email once your application is submitted.
🕰️ Timeline: There’s no set timeframe — processing can take several weeks or even months. Once approved, your official copyright certificate will arrive by mail.
At Gilded Quill, we’re passionate about empowering authors with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. We hope this information helps you protect your creative work with confidence.
Have questions or experiences to share about the copyright process? Drop a comment below — we love hearing from our fellow writers!
Until next time — happy writing, happy reading, happy living. 💛
