How to Copyright A Book for Australian Authors

The complete guide to copyrighting a book for Australian self-published authors looking to protect their intellectual property!

If you’re an Australian author close to finishing your first book and curious about how to copyright a book in Australia, good news. We have the copyright answers and information you need to copyright-protect your book.

Australian authors don’t need to copyright or register their books. This is because of the Copyright Act of 1968, which protects authors’ work when they put their thoughts down on paper. However, there’s still a bit to unpack surrounding copyright laws and protection in Australia, so let’s dig a little deeper. The more you understand about how copyright works, the better protected you will be as an Australian self-published author.

If you’re starting in the self-publishing world and haven’t decided on the best self-publishing platform, check out our article on the Best Self-Publishing Platforms to Publish Your Book! We cover the pros and cons of the best self-publishing platforms available to Australian authors, including the two most popular print-on-demand platforms, Amazon KDP and IngramSpark Publishing.

If you need assistance with any self-publishing services in Australia, including editing, formatting, cover design, or uploading, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experienced team at Author Services Australia offers a full range of affordable self-publishing services to Australian authors.

What Is Copyright and Why Is It So Important for All Authors?

Copyright is one form of legal protection that safeguards original expressions of information or ideas in various formats, including broadcasts, music, images, sound, programs, and, most importantly, writing. This includes your book, regardless of whether you’ve published it or not.

As an author, copyright means you’ll have the exclusive rights to your original written work. This includes poems, novels, articles, and any other form of literary expression you utilize. Copyright law allows authors to:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Control the reproduction, sale, and distribution of their work.
               2. Either grant or deny others permission to create derivative works such as abridgments, adaptations, and translations.
               3. Display their work publicly or authorize others to do so on their behalf.
               4. Receive credit for work by asserting their rights, which include the right to be attributed as the original author of the work and to preserve the integrity of their original works.

Copyright protection ensures Australian authors benefit financially from their creative work. It also allows them to maintain control over their intellectual property. However, it’s important to note that there are some limitations and exceptions to copyright protection. In Australia, these exceptions and limitations include fair use provisions for education, research, criticism, study, review, parody, and news reporting.

How Long Does Your Copyright Protection Last In Australia?

The duration of copyright protection in Australia varies depending on the type of copyrighted material. It also depends on whether or not it’s been made public. Typically, copyright protection will last for:

• • • • • • 70 years after the author’s death for literary, dramatic, artistic, and musical works. This means that their works will be protected for the author’s entire life and 70 years after their death.
          • 70 years from the date of publication of any films and sound recordings that have been made public. This means that, for 70 years after they are made public, producers and creators will benefit from their creations.
          • 50 years from the date of broadcast for both radio and television broadcasts. While shorter than other copyright protections, this still gives broadcasters 50 years to manage and benefit from their content.

Once the copyright protection period has expired, the material enters what is known as the public domain and can be used by anyone without the need to obtain permission or pay royalties to the original author, creators, or copyright holders.

Can An Author Copyright the Title of their Book?

We often get asked whether authors can copyright their book’s title or use a title even if it’s been used by another author. The answer is no, you can’t copyright a book’s title, and yes, you can use a title previously used by another author.

The reason you can’t copyright a book’s title is that copyright law requires any original work to be longer than a single line of text. Short titles, phrases, subtitles, and slogans aren’t eligible for copyright under existing copyright legislation. However, book titles that are part of a series of works can be protected as a series trademark. For example, The Wheel of Time, Harry Potter, and The Lord of the Rings.

Many large companies take their trademarks and copyrights very seriously. Carefully consider how you use product names or brand names in your book.

Is A Book Cover Protected Under Copyright?

Because a book cover contains artistic works, including photographs, unique designs, and illustrations, it can be subject to copyright protection. In 2016, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and the Australian Publishers Association (APA) reached an agreement allowing libraries to use book covers for promotional purposes. They can now do this without seeking permission or paying the author. It will enable libraries across Australia to promote authors’ books without infringing on any potential copyright issues.

Who Owns the Copyright?

Typically, the original creator of the work is the copyright owner. However, the ownership of a copyright can be transferred or altered. This is done via a written agreement between the original copyright owner and the new owner.

Regarding book covers, if a publisher designs them in-house, the publisher typically retains the copyright unless otherwise stated in the publishing agreement.

For self-published authors, copyright would typically remain with the original cover designer, unless otherwise agreed. At Author Services Australia, authors who purchase a cover design package from us own the rights to their cover. They can use their cover as they please once any outstanding accounts have been finalized.

How to Copyright A Book for Australian Authors | Conclusion

Australian copyright laws protect Australian authors. If you’re self-publishing for the first time, you’d understandably have concerns about how to copyright a book to protect yourself. Australian authors are protected by Australian copyright laws once their ideas are written down. Australian self-published authors get to enjoy robust copyright protection.

If you have any questions about the self-publishing process, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

At Author Services Australia, we support Australian and New Zealand self-published authors and writers with a full range of affordable self-publishing services, including ghostwriting, copyediting, developmental editing, proofreading, ebook and paperback formatting, book cover design, children’s book illustrations, graphic design services, Amazon KDP Keyword and Category Research, manuscript uploading assistance, animated book cover reveal videos, and social media and marketing.

Are you getting closer to finishing your manuscript and about to self-publish your book, but need assistance from an experienced self-publishing services provider? Don’t hesitate to contact us. If you’re an experienced Australian or New Zealand author with words of wisdom you’d like to pass on to a new author, drop a comment below.