Common copyright mistakes self-published authors make

Common copyright mistakes self-published authors make

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Publishing your own book can be incredibly rewarding, but navigating the copyright landscape can be tricky. Mistakes in copyright can cost authors both time and money, so know it’s best to know what you need to consider before jumping in.

1. Misunderstanding copyright basics

For many self-published authors, “copyright” is a term frequently mentioned. But what exactly does it mean? Copyright protects the rights of the creators of original work, including literary works such as books. In Australia, as soon as you write something down—whether with a pen or on a keyboard—copyright protects your work, safeguarding your ideas and work from unauthorised use.

Some key notes to remember:

  • Why does copyright matter? Copyright protection ensures that you hold the exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and display your work. This means no one else can legally profit from your hard work without your permission. Losing control over your content is the last thing any author wants.
  • How long does copyright last in Australia? Generally, copyright lasts for the author’s life plus 70 years. This allows your heirs to benefit from your work long after you’ve passed away.
  • In Australia, copyright protection begins as soon as you create and express your work in a tangible form—no registration needed. However, registering your copyright provides extra legal benefits, which we’ll cover later.

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2. Trying to register for copyright in Australia

Many self-published authors in Australia mistakenly believe they need to register their work for copyright protection. However, unlike the United States, Australia doesn’t require formal registration. Copyright protection in Australia occurs automatically, protecting your work without any extra steps or unnecessary stress and costs. This protection covers all original works of authorship, ensuring the security of your intellectual property.

2.1 When registration is useful

While not necessary, registering your work can offer some benefits if you’re planning to sell your book internationally. Each country has unique rules and regulations, so if you’re considering registering broader copyright protection, be sure to do your research.

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3. Ignoring plagiarism

Plagiarism is more than just a bad word; it’s a serious offence. Copying or using someone else’s work without proper attribution or permission can damage your reputation and lead to legal issues.

3.1 Defining plagiarism

Plagiarism involves using another person’s copyrighted work or ideas without giving proper credit. This act not only violates academic integrity but also infringes on copyright laws, leading to serious consequences. Understanding and avoiding plagiarism is crucial for maintaining ethical standards and protecting intellectual property.

3.2 How to avoid plagiarism

To prevent plagiarism, always cite your sources. Whether you draw inspiration from a book, article, or blog post, be sure to give credit where it’s due. Even when paraphrasing, proper attribution is essential. Avoid plagiarism by referencing your sources correctly and maintaining academic integrity.

3.3 Tools to help

Numerous tools can help check for plagiarism. Software like Grammarly and Turnitin scan your manuscript, highlight potential issues, and ensure your work is original. Using plagiarism detection tools can help give you peace of mind before publishing.

3.4 Seeking permission

Before using copyrighted material, always get permission from the original creator. Obtaining a licence helps you avoid legal issues. Many creators will grant permission, often for a fee or credit.

3.5 Fair use and its limits

Many authors support the idea of “fair use,” a doctrine that permits limited use of copyrighted material without needing permission. However, understanding fair use can be tricky as country and context affect it. If you’re unsure about fair use laws, seeking legal advice is wise.

3.6 Creative Commons Licenses

Consider using creative commons-licensed works, available for public use under specific conditions. These licences vary; some permit commercial use and modifications, while others do not. Creative Commons licensing provides a great way to access free resources for your projects, respect copyright laws, and boost your content creation efforts.

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4. Overlooking public domain and creative commons

The public domain and Creative Commons provide treasure troves of free content that many authors overlook. There is a wealth of freely usable resources available for your projects through these platforms.

4.1 Understanding public domain

Public domain works are not bound by copyright protection, allowing anyone to use them without permission. This category includes materials published before a certain date or those that creators have intentionally released into the public domain.

4.2 Exploring creative commons

Creative Commons licences allow creators to share their work with some rights reserved. This means you must follow the licence terms, such as giving proper attribution and not using the content for specific purposes. Learn how Creative Commons licences simplify and legalise content sharing while protecting creators’ rights.

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5. Not keeping proper documentation

Proper documentation is essential for safeguarding your intellectual property and proving ownership in case of disputes. Thorough records protect your IP and ensure your rights are secure.

5.1 Importance of documentation

Maintaining detailed records of your work, such as initial drafts, notes, and correspondence, helps prove your authorship. This becomes crucial if someone else tries to claim your work.

5.2 Types of documentation

Save copies of your manuscript at various stages, keep all emails and letters related to your work, and maintain records of any permissions or licences you obtain. Using software like MS Word to write your manuscript can help as it stores information regarding the date a document was created, helping further prove ownership. Taking these steps helps protect your writing and ensures you have all necessary documentation.

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6. Failing to address copyright infringement

Ignoring copyright infringement can lead to losing control over your work and incurring significant financial losses. Protect your intellectual property and avoid copyright violations to keep your creative assets safe and profitable.

When facing copyright infringement, seek legal advice. An intellectual property lawyer can guide you on the best actions to take and help protect your rights. Consulting a copyright lawyer helps you understand your options and strengthens your case.

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Writing your author bio to enhance your brand

Writing your author bio to enhance your brand

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Crafting your author bio can seem overwhelming, but it’s essential for engaging readers and boosting your author brand. Your bio serves as more than a summary of your life—it’s a key marketing tool as a strong author bio significantly impacts your success. 

1. The importance of an author bio for your author brand

Your author bio often serves as the first thing readers see when they discover your work, acting as your literary handshake. It provides a snapshot of who you are, your writing credentials, and what readers can expect from your books. A well-crafted bio builds credibility and connects you with your audience on a personal level, encouraging them to invest in your book and your author brand.

In the competitive world of self-publishing, a compelling author bio sets you apart from other writers. It doesn’t just list your achievements; it tells a story that aligns with your brand. Your bio should reflect your personality and writing style, giving potential readers a taste of what they will experience in your book.

Remember, your author bio also functions as a powerful book marketing tool. Use it on your book’s back cover, your website, social media profiles, and even in press releases. Crafting a bio that resonates with your target audience is crucial for effective book marketing and building a loyal readership.

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2. Highlight your relevant credentials

When crafting your author bio, highlight your relevant credentials, including your education, writing awards, recognitions, and publishing history. Mention any experience directly related to your book’s theme. For example, if you’re a writer with a background in forensic science and have authored a crime thriller, this detail adds authenticity to your work.

Avoid overwhelming readers with too much information. Focus on the most relevant aspects of your writing career and the book you’re promoting. Instead of listing every award from primary school, choose the highlights that best showcase your expertise and credibility as an author.

If you’re a self-published author, consider mentioning it. Self-publishing shows your dedication and passion for writing. Including this detail can also resonate with aspiring authors, inspiring them with your journey.

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3. Tailor your author bio to your book’s theme

Just like your writing style varies with the genre, your author bio should match the theme of your book. For a light-hearted romance novel, use a warm and friendly tone in your bio. If you’re writing a gripping thriller, a serious and intriguing tone works better.

Tailoring your author bio to your book’s theme creates a cohesive brand image. It gives readers an idea of what to expect, making your bio an extension of your storytelling. Think about the emotions and themes your book explores and capture that essence in your bio.

For example, if your book delves into historical fiction set in medieval Europe, mention your extensive research or passion for history. This strategy not only builds credibility but also aligns your bio with the book’s theme, creating a seamless connection for your readers.

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4. Choose an appropriate tone for your audience

Match your author bio’s tone to your target audience’s expectations. For young adult readers, a casual and relatable tone works best. For academic non-fiction, a formal and professional tone suits better.

Think about who your readers are and what tone will engage them. Imagine yourself in their shoes and consider what would pique their interest in an author. The right tone can make your author bio more appealing and relatable, encouraging readers to explore your work.

Using humour can make your author bio engaging. A light-hearted joke or witty remark can add personality but use it sparingly. Ensure it fits your brand and writing tone. Aim to make your author bio memorable and enjoyable without overshadowing your credentials.

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5. Keep it concise

While it’s tempting to include every detail of your life, remember that brevity is key for an effective author bio. A concise and focused author bio will hold your reader’s attention better and boost your SEO ranking. Aim for around 100-150 words to intrigue your readers without overwhelming them.

Focus on important details like your education, significant achievements, and unique aspects of your writing career. This information not only defines you as an author but also helps with search engine optimisation. If your bio runs too long, readers might lose interest and miss the key points you want to convey.

To keep your bio concise, start by writing a longer version and then edit it down. Remove redundant information and focus on what truly matters. A well-edited, keyword-rich bio will create a stronger impact and leave a lasting impression on your readers while improving your online visibility.

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6. Keep your author bio updated

An outdated author bio can suggest that you’re not actively engaged in your writing career. Regularly update your author bio to reflect your latest achievements and projects. This practice informs your readers and demonstrates your growth as a writer.

When you publish a new book, win an award, or reach a significant milestone, update your author bio accordingly. Keeping your bio current enhances your book marketing efforts and provides fresh content for your readers. An updated and dynamic author bio serves as a valuable tool in promoting your latest work and engaging with your audience.

Additionally, regularly updating your author bio ensures it stays relevant to your target audience. As your writing career evolves, so might your audience and the themes in your books. Keeping your bio up to date reflects your growth and connects your readers to your journey as an author. Regular updates also improve your search engine visibility, making it easier for new readers to discover your work.

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7. Add personal touches

Highlighting your professional credentials in your bio is crucial, but don’t forget to add personal touches. Share your hobbies, interests, or personal background to make yourself more relatable to readers and create a deeper connection.

For instance, if you’re passionate about travel and it influences your writing, mention it in your bio. If you have a quirky pet that keeps you company while you write, share a fun fact about them. These personal details make your author bio more engaging and memorable.

However, balance is key. Personal touches should add warmth to your bio without overshadowing your professional achievements. The goal is to create a well-rounded author profile that blends both your professional and personal sides.

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The Little Book of
Big Publishing Tips.

 

In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.

Crafting your blurb to hook readers and boost book sales

Crafting your blurb to hook readers and boost book sales

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Crafting a compelling book blurb that grabs a potential readers’ attention is so important to your book’s success. A blurb is one of the first tools in your book marketing kit, so having a well-written one can help increase your book sales.

1. Understand the purpose of a blurb

Before you start writing a book blurb, you first must understand its importance. A book blurb serves as one of the first impressions for your book, after the book cover. It’s the short description on the back cover and displayed on the online listing that gives readers an idea of what your story is about, the themes, and the tone. Think of it as a sales pitch for your book; your goal is to spark curiosity and entice readers.

A well-written book blurb can mean the difference between a sale and a pass. It introduces key elements of your story while leaving enough mystery to make the reader want to buy the book to learn more. Remember, the primary aim is to provide just enough information to make the reader think, “I need to read this book!”

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2. Craft a compelling hook for your blurb

Every great book blurb starts with a captivating hook, an opening line that grabs attention and intrigues readers. Think about scrolling through countless books online—what would make you stop and take a closer look?

It’s common to begin with a question, a bold statement, or an intriguing scenario. For instance, “What if your best friend turned out to be your worst enemy?” or “In a world where magic is forbidden, one girl dares to defy the odds.” These hooks not only set the stage for your story and pique interest in the reader, but also hint at the genre of the book.

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3. Introduce your main characters

Your book blurb should introduce the main characters, giving readers a glimpse of who they’ll root for and who to be suspicious of. Focus on the protagonist and one or two key figures, not every character. We don’t want to confuse our readers with too many names to remember before they even start reading the book.

When describing your characters, be sure to keep descriptions short but impactful with strong adjectives and vivid language to bring your characters to life. For example, “Jane, a headstrong detective solving impossible cases, teams up with Mark, a charming thief with a mysterious past.”

Remember, captivating character introductions can boost your book’s appeal and attract more readers!

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4. Set up the conflict

Conflict is the heart of any story, so highlight it in your blurb. Ask yourself: what challenges or dilemmas do your characters face? What’s at stake? These elements drive the plot and keep readers engaged.

Make the conflict clear and compelling. For example, “Jane must solve the city’s most baffling murder before authorities execute an innocent man,” or “Mark’s quest for redemption leads him into a deadly game of cat and mouse.” Your blurb should layout the main conflict in a way that is intriguing to readers and makes them want to see how it unfolds.

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5. Build suspense within your blurb

To keep readers engaged, use urgency and excitement to build suspense in your book blurb. Be sure to avoid giving away your plot twists and major moments, instead only hint at them to create intrigue and stir curiosity. “As secrets unravel”, “with time running out”, or “when all seems lost” are classic examples of powerful and evocative phrases that don’t give much away but add to the suspense of your blurb.

Using these phrases in a sentence could be: “with the clock ticking, can Jane uncover the truth before it’s too late?” or “Mark must confront his darkest fears to save those he loves.”

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6. Keep your blurb short and sweet

Blurbs should be concise, the ideal length sitting around 150–200 words. This length perfectly gives potential readers a taste of your story without overwhelming them or being too squished on the back to the cover. Avoid being too wordy, as wordiness can dilute the impact and lose their interest.

Focus on the most compelling aspects of your story and make sure that every word has a purpose. Cut any sentence that doesn’t add intrigue or essential information. Remember, the blurb teases the story, not summarises it.

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7. Use strong, active language

The language you use in your blurb should be powerful and engaging, so using an active voice makes your writing more dynamic and immediate. Avoid passive constructions and weak verbs for better readability and be sure to choose words that evoke emotion and action.

For instance, instead of saying “The town is being terrorised by a mysterious figure,” say “A mysterious figure terrorises the town.” This small change makes the sentence stronger and more gripping.

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8. Highlight unique selling points

What makes your book stand out? Is it the unique setting, a subversive protagonist, or a twisty plot? Highlight these features in your book description to capture attention in a competitive market. As an example, if your novel blends historical fiction with fantasy, mention that. Or if your protagonist has a unique ability, make it clear. “In a dystopian future where memories are bought and sold, one girl’s forgotten past holds the key to humanity’s survival.”

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9. Show, don’t tell

This classic piece of writing advice applies to book blurbs, too. Rather than telling readers that your book is thrilling, show them through vivid descriptions and compelling scenarios.

For example, if you want to say, “This is a story of love and betrayal,” write instead “When Sarah discovers her fiancé’s devastating secret, she must choose between love and justice.” This approach engages readers, tells them more about the tone, characters, and themes, and gives them a taste of your storytelling style.

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10. Keep practicing writing a blurb

Like any skill, writing compelling book blurbs only improves with practice. The more you write, the better you’ll get at creating engaging summaries. To hone your skills, try writing blurbs for books you’ve read.

You can also practice summarising your works-in-progress at different stages. This helps you craft better book blurbs and can even provide new insights into your story. For the best results, focus on clear, concise, and captivating descriptions to attract readers.

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Most popular blog posts:

Interested in publishing your book but unsure where to start or what is even involved? Tell us about your project and we will post you a copy of our:

 

The Little Book of
Big Publishing Tips.

 

In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.