Whether you’ve already written an e-book or you are just thinking about it, you’ve certainly had concerns about whether or not unscrupulous people will distribute or download your e-book for free and thus violate your copyright.
Of course, in this digital world it’s very difficult to prevent someone who has your e-book from either e-mailing it to others or just putting it up on a sharing or torrent site. I recognize that this will happen to some extent with my e-books and other information products, but I’ve taken some steps to both decrease the likelihood it will happen and also recoup some money if it does happen.
My E-Book Copyright Notice in the Prefatory Matter
Here’s the notice I put on the title page of Writing College Textbook Supplements: The Definitive Guide to Winning High-Paying Assignments in the College Textbook Publishing Market, second edition:
Purchase of this ebook allows you to have one copy on your computer and to print out one copy. Distributing this ebook electronically, or printing out more than one copy, is a violation of United States and international copyright laws and is subject to fines and legal action.
My E-Book Footer Copyright Notice
And this copyright notice is in the footer of every page:
Forwarding or redistribution of this publication is prohibited.
All rights reserved. All contents © 2011 John R. Soares.
http://ProductiveWriters.com
This stresses that the purchaser is only entitled to use the one copy for his/her own use. Now, I know that some unscrupulous people will send the e-book to their friends, or worse, but I do want to have the reminder that it’s wrong appearing on every page.
And while we’re examining important notices in ebooks, let’s also look at my…
Important Ebook Disclaimers
I include:
This book discusses financial, health, psychological, and other topics. You are responsible for your own physical and mental health and financial well-being, and all of your actions. Consult a licensed professional for specific advice.
This decreases the possibility of legal issues, and it encourages readers to take responsibility for their lives and their decisions.
I also include:
Some portions of this book may appear on one or more of John Soares’ websites, or in print.
This isn’t really necessary, but I want purchasers to be aware of this. For example, I’ve edited excerpts of Intelligent Productivity for Freelance Writers and used them here as blog posts.
And…
ORDERING MORE COPIES
Please order more copies at:
http://ProductiveWriters.com
This has two purposes. First, it indirectly reminds purchasers that they are not allowed to reproduce or forward the e-book for the use of others; if they want someone else to have it, they need to pay for it. Second, it’s a subtle reminder to anyone who illegally obtained the book that they have a way to make themselves honest.
Affiliate Links Disclosure
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says you have to disclose affiliate links, and it’s also the ethical thing to do.
AFFILIATE LINKS DISCLOSURE
I give links to Amazon.com for all recommended books. Note that the Amazon links are affiliate links, which means if you click on the links and then purchase from Amazon, I will make a small percentage of the sales amount. I only suggest books I have read and think are important and useful to you. Most of the books are also available at major bookstores and local independent bookstores.
Your Take
What do you think of my steps to protect copyright and minimize any legal troubles? What would you add or take away? If you’ve written an e-book, do have similar clauses?
(Copyright symbol photo credit: OCAL. Thanks!)
Great tips, John. You’re right, it won’t stop some, but it is amazing how many people are unaware that sharing e-Books or copying portions of it violates any laws.
One author I know adds the fine amount to his notice – something along the lines of penalties of up to $100,000 PER COPY distributed. I would also add something about it not being reprinted or reproduced without the author’s express written permission.
Thanks for stopping by Cathy. I’ve also seen that “penalties of up to $100,000 PER COPY distributed” notice, but that’s a little over the top for me.
I went with my “Distributing this ebook electronically, or printing out more than one copy, is a violation of United States and international copyright laws and is subject to fines and legal action” because it seems a bit less draconian.
And I don’t discuss the reprint/reproduction question because I wouldn’t allow it under any circumstances. If other people want the e-book, they need to order it directly through me.
This is excellent, John. I must compare with my own disclaimer. I particularly like the addition of ordering information to each page.
Thank you Sharon. I actually only include the ordering information in the prefatory matter at the beginning of the book.
Yes, of course – it’s adding the full copyright on every page that’s a good idea. I usually have my name and the book title but not always the full copyright.
It’s unfortunate that I feel the need to add that copyright to every page, but so many people don’t have a good grasp of copyright these days, so I feel compelled to do it.
Great help John.
Your words will stop many from sharing but, as you know, it won’t stop all.
I have similar words in my own e-books but I believe yours are stronger.
I like the idea of adding a fine amount but I’m not aware of how you can monitor such sharing though.
Andrew
No, Andrew, it won’t stop all sharing, but I think it will stop people who are ethical and decent.
John, I use something similar in the front matter and just don’t worry about folks who may copy or otherwise misuse my ebooks… I really can’t do a darn thing about it as near as I can tell. The copyright simply puts me in a position to do something if someone starts making significant money off material copied from me.
I didn’t realize the FCC requires affiliate link notice… everywhere? Websites, ebooks, etc. Do they spell out how that notice is supposed to be used?
Have a look at my affiliate notice in the sidebar Anne.
I think we’re supposed to make it clear that we will be compensated if a visitor/reader clicks our links to products and then makes a purchase.
Yes, I’ve been aware of your notice – have added something similar in my about pages… thanks for the link below.
John, I did some searching on the FCC.gov site and have no idea how to find it… radio uses the term affiliate so much it makes it difficult for someone to sort out… do you have a reference on the FCC and affiliate links?
Thanks
Anne, have a look at this link:
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/endortest.shtm
Thanks John… that link is now bookmarked… appreciate it.
This is great info! Thank you for sharing your
insights. I am looking forward to producing my
own material and this helps answer some important
questions.
Glad it helped Aimee. Good luck with your e-book!
Hi John,
Great information and tips, thanks for sharing. I’m from Manila and unfortunately not a lot of people here know that it’s a crime to share e-books. Part of the problem I think is that our law enforcement people doesn’t have the training or knowledge yet to identify the offenders. That’s why articles like these are valuable because it provides awareness.
– Cristina
Great tips here John.
I have read a bunch of your hiking stuff, and came across this blog while doing a project for work. I will continue to follow.
Happy trails 🙂
~Sarah
I like all of these; i use the footer in my own ebooks. and i feel it does work to deter unauthorized copying. Nice post.
Thank you for sharing your concerns in protecting the rights of ebook owners. It is difficult to stop sharing unless we get advanced technical breakthrough.
Until that moment, we should try our level best to convince readers to honor the rights of book writers.
I focus on encouraging people to do the right thing; I’m far less interested in pursuing people and trying to punish them if they do illegally share my e-books.