Authors Through legislation, Congress and the courts have defined authors to include the requirement that a writer produce original work through intellectual labor. This has come to mean that anyone who expresses an idea in a tangible form – words, painting, sculpture, photograph, or music – is considered an author for copyright purposes.

Information listed on a copyright page: Author's name (last name, first name) Title of book and author's name (first name last name) Subject(s) of book ISBN (International Standard Book Number) Library of Congress classification, classification number, year of publication Dewey Decimal classification (optional)

Work for Hire For copyright purposes, the creator of an original work is not always considered the author. If the creator is a staff member being paid to create the work, the employer holds the copyright. But if the creative work does not fall under the employee's normal job duties, the creator may quite possibly hold the copyright. When a freelancer produces a creative work, the author is the copyright holder unless the work is performed under a written contract, signed by both parties, and the contract specifically states that the work is done as "work for hire." If there is no contract, signed by both parties, clearly stating that the work is done for hire, the copyright is retained by the author even if the work is done on commission or by special order. Additional Work for Hire Rule - The employer must ask the author to do the work, and pay for it. If the author approaches the employer with an idea, the resulting work is technically not work made for hire.

Types of Books Best Seller Categories hardcover hardcover fiction trade paperback hardcover nonfiction mass market paperback trade paperback reference mass-market paperback children's almanacs, atlases, and annuals textbook mail order electronic

The Copyright Legend Using the copyright legend is the best way to protect your work. Unless you have sought copyright registration, and your work carries the copyright legend, you cannot sue for copyright infringement. Simple Form: In the United States, any of these legends can be used: Copyright 1999 First Name Last Name Copr. 1999 First Name Last Name © 1999 First Name Last Name Universal Copyright Convention To comply with Universal Copyright Convention, which protects your work in other countries that have agreed to the Convention, you must include the © symbol. © 1999 First Name Last Name Some countries, especially those in Latin America, also require the phrase "All Rights Reserved." The best legend to use: © 1999 First Name Last Name. All rights reserved.

Using a pen name? Register your work with the pen name.

To obtain FREE copyright forms, write or call: Information and Publication Section LM-455 Copyright Office Library of Congress Washington, DC 20559 202-707-9100

Primary Copyright Forms Form TX: for nondramatic literary works Form PA: for works of the performing arts, including dramatic works Form VA: For works of visual art (photographs, illustrations, etc.) Additional Copyright Forms Form GR/CP: for a group of works contributed to periodicals (adjunct used with one of the primary forms) Form SE: for serials, such as magazines and newspapers Form RE: for renewal of copyright granted under the 1909 Act Form CA: for correcting a previously submitted form Registration Requirements: ...All items must be delivered at the same time. Completed application form (photocopies are not acceptable) Application fee (usually $20) One complete copy of an unpublished work or two complete copies of the best edition of a published work

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