Welcome to another episode of Author’s Mic, where we get real about the business and journey of indie publishing. I’m Kelly — indie author, indie publisher, and the voice behind Bright Headed Publishing.

Today we’re diving into a topic that causes confusion for a lot of new and aspiring authors:

Do I really need to copyright my book?

If you’ve ever asked:

“Isn’t it protected once I write it?”

“Can’t I just mail it to myself?”

“Isn’t copyright expensive?”

Then this post is for you.

Let’s break down the facts, bust the myths, and get your work protected the right way.

💣 Common Copyright Myths (And Why They’re Wrong)

Myth #1: “It’s already protected.”

Technically, yes—your words are protected the moment you write them.

But that protection doesn’t hold weight in court unless you register it with the U.S. Copyright Office.

Myth #2: “I’ll just mail it to myself.”

That’s called a poor man’s copyright. And in legal terms? It’s useless. A sealed envelope proves nothing.

Myth #3: “It’s too expensive.”

A copyright costs $45 to $65. You’ve probably spent more on coffee or ads. And protecting your intellectual property is always worth it.

Myth #4: “Nobody’s checking for my book like that.”

If you wrote it, it matters. Period. Protect it.

🔍 Let’s Break It Down: The Copyright Basics

WHO should copyright their book?

You. Every author. Whether it’s your first book or your fifth—register it before you release it.

WHAT does a copyright protect?

✅ Your exact wording

✅ Your unique story structure

✅ Dialogue, characters, scenes

❌ It does NOT protect:

– Ideas or concepts

– Tropes or titles

– Facts or public domain material

WHEN should you register?

After your manuscript is finalized, but before you publish, pitch, or share it publicly.

WHERE do you register?

Only at the official U.S. Copyright Office: www.copyright.gov 

WHY should you register?

Because registration:

Lets you sue for infringement

Lets you claim statutory damages

Proves you were first

Protects your brand and future work

HOW do you register?

It’s simple:

Visit copyright.gov

Create a free account

Click “Register a Work”

Upload your manuscript

Pay the fee

Submit

Wait for your official certificate

No lawyers. No gatekeepers. No excuses.

📝 Free Resource: Copyright Guide + Checklist

Want step-by-step help?

Download my FREE 14-page Copyright Guide, including a printable checklist, via my Linktree:

👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/BrightHeadedPublishing

You wrote the book.

Now act like it’s worth something—and go protect it.

📣 While You’re Here…

✅ Want to be a guest on The Author’s Mic?

Promote your book, share your journey, or drop some indie author gems. Details are on my Linktree.

✅ Looking for a new way to promote your book?

Pitch it to the Indie Reader Society (IRS). We’re currently featuring Weight For It, but always looking for what’s next.

✅ Love bold, emotional indie books?

Join the Indie Reader Society — it’s free and we’d love to have you.

✅ Thinking about writing a book but don’t know where to start?

Grab my free 44-page writing guide in the Linktree.

✅ Want to support me as an author?

My books You Sound White and Weight For It are available now. Buy direct from my website for a signed copy.

Thank you for being here.

Let’s keep building something powerful — together.

🎤 This has been The Author’s Mic.

Topics Covered:

Copyright for Authors, Protecting Your Book, Indie Publishing Tips, Legal Tips for Writers, How to Register Copyright, Self-Publishing Advice, Writing Guides, Intellectual Property, Book Marketing Tools, Author Resources