Think Your Book Is Safe? Think Again—Copyright & ISBN Secrets Every Writer Must Know

Finishing your manuscript is just the beginning. If you don’t protect your work, you could lose it. Literally. This updated guide will show you why registering your copyright and obtaining an ISBN is more than just paperwork—it’s your legal shield, your publishing identity, and your ticket into the professional world of writing.

What Is Copyright and Why Do You Need It?

Copyright is the legal right that recognizes you as the creator of an original work. It gives you full control over how, when, and where your book is published, and it protects it from plagiarism or unauthorized use.

Good to know: In many countries—including all of Latin America, the U.S., and Europe—copyright exists automatically the moment you write your book.But here’s the catch: without official registration, proving ownership can be difficult if a legal issue ever arises.

What About the ISBN? Is It Mandatory?

The ISBN (International Standard Book Number) does not protect your copyright. Instead, it’s like a digital fingerprint for your book. It identifies your book in bookstores, libraries, and databases worldwide.

Having your own ISBN allows you to:

• Sell your book in online and physical stores

• Be listed in library and academic catalogs

• Appear more professional as an independent author

If you're serious about publishing, you need an ISBN—even if you're self-publishing on platforms like Amazon.

What Many Writers Don’t Know…

• Publishing your book on social media or Amazon does not protect your rights.

• If someone copies your book and you didn’t register it, proving it’s yours could be impossible.

• The ISBN Amazon gives you is not actually yours. It belongs to them—so they are listed as the publisher, not you.

What Should Independent Authors Do?

1. Register your book with the copyright office or intellectual property registry in your country.

2. Get your own ISBN as an independent author or publisher—or hire a professional service to do it for you.

3. Include both the copyright and ISBN in all your editions, whether digital or print.