A book’s copyright page provides important legal and practical information about its publication. There’s no single required format for a copyright page, or even what must be included. In fact, in the United States, even a copyright notice isn’t necessary because an author’s work is generally protected by established laws.
Both independent authors and publishers still choose to include copyright page information in their books for several reasons. Copyright pages follow a long-standing tradition, establish and communicate copyright ownership, document important publication details, and provide useful information to booksellers, libraries, and retailers.
Typically placed directly after the title page, a copyright page may include:
- Copyright notice
- Publisher or imprint information
- ISBN for published formats
- Legal notices, permissions, and credits
- Cataloging information
- Author information
- Edition and printing details
Traditionally published books often contain all of these details and more. Independent authors may include some or all of them, depending on how their book is published and the information they want to provide.
No matter what you include or leave out, the key is to keep your copyright page compact, clear, and professional. In this article, we explore the common elements of a book’s copyright page to help you decide what to include in your self-published book.
Copyright Page Basics
The primary purpose of a copyright page is to communicate ownership over a book’s contents. It also provides a convenient location for key publication and bibliographic information.
At a minimum, most copyright pages include a copyright notice, edition information (if applicable), and a list of ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers) for each published format.
Copyright Notice
A copyright notice identifies the book’s copyright holder and its original publication year. A standard copyright notice contains three elements:.
- The word “Copyright” or the copyright symbol (©). The abbreviation “Copr.” may also be used.
- The original year of publication. If your book has gone through multiple revisions or editions, you may wish to include multiple years.
- The name of the copyright holder. Depending on your publishing arrangement, this may be you, your publisher, or another entity.
For example: © 2026 Anna B. Author
Although a copyright notice is not required for protection in the United States, including one explicitly asserts those rights and identifies the person or entity to whom they belong.
Many authors also include a rights statement following the copyright notice. This may be as simple as “All rights reserved.” Others use a longer statement that outlines restrictions and provides a way to request permission.
For example: No portion of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the publisher, except as allowed by U.S. copyright law and fair use. For permission requests, contact the publisher.
If you use a similar statement, it is recommended that you also provide contact information for yourself or your publisher.
Copyright Symbol
The copyright symbol is generally represented by a small letter C enclosed in a circle. Many word processing programs allow you to insert this symbol through a symbol or special characters menu.
If the official copyright symbol is not available, you can also substitute a capital letter C encapsulated in parentheses: (C). Many word processing programs will also automatically convert this combination into the standard copyright symbol.
Pen Name
If you choose to write under a pen name, your copyright page may list your chosen author name.
However, if you need to legally register the copyright for your book, it is often recommended that you do so under your legal name. Authors should follow the US Copyright Office’s requirements for a book published under a pseudonym.
In any case, your copyright page should represent your author name as required by your publishing arrangement and how you want to identify yourself as an author.
Legal Notices, Permissions, and Credits
Depending on the type of book and its contents, the copyright page may include legal disclaimers, permissions information, contributor credits, and trademark notices.
For many books, a disclaimer can help clarify the nature and intended use of the book and its contents. The type of disclaimer you use will largely depend on the type of book you have written.
In fiction, it is common for authors to note that characters, places, and events are a result of the author’s imagination and that any resemblance to real people, places, and situations is purely coincidental. Historical fiction may require additional clarification, especially when it includes real historical figures, places, and events. Authors may explain that, while real people or situations may appear in the book, their portrayal has been fictionalized.
For nonfiction, many authors note that a book’s content is based on the author’s own experiences or research and is intended for informational or entertainment purposes only. Memoirs and other personal works may also explain that names, identifying details, and timelines may have been compressed or changed for privacy, clarity, or storytelling purposes.
The copyright page can also be a key place to acknowledge additional authors, copyright holders, and contributors to the publication.
If your book includes quotes, passages, or characters trademarked by another entity, you may need permission to use that material. Many authors also note those permissions on the copyright page to indicate that those elements were used with permission and to credit the copyright holders appropriately.
It’s also common to credit contributors such as designers and illustrators on the copyright page, as well as to add trademark notices where applicable. Trademark notices should identify all registered and pending trademarks, including both those belonging to the author and those registered to someone else.
Library Of Congress Control Number (Congress Control Number)
A Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) is a unique identifier assigned to a publication when a catalog record is created by the Library of Congress. Unlike an ISBN, an LCCN does not vary by book format; instead, a single number references the work as a whole.
An LCCN isn’t required to publish a book, so many indie authors choose not to obtain one. However, an LCCN is free, and eligible authors can apply for it through the Pre-Assigned Control Number program.
Most of the time, you must request an LCCN before publication. After publication, a book may only receive an LCCN if it is independently selected by the Library of Congress for acquisition and inclusion in its collection.
Cataloging Data Block (CIP / Data Block)
A cataloging data block, also known as a “Cataloging-in-Publication” or CIP data block, is a standardized set of information to help librarians, booksellers, and wholesalers classify and catalog the book. A CIP data block is typically issued by the Library of Congress or another national library.
If you receive an official CIP data block, it should be entered into the copyright page exactly as it is issued.
A standard CIP data block includes:
- Author information: The primary author’s name (formatted as last name, first name), often followed by their birth year.
- Title and publisher: The book’s full primary title, subtitle, and publisher information.
- Identifiers: ISBN, LCCN, and other unique identifiers if applicable.
- Subjects: A standardized subject heading to describe the book’s topic.
- Classification numbers: Dewey decimal and other library classification information.
These details may not be critical to most readers, but librarians, wholesalers, and book retailers use them to quickly assess and categorize books within their collections. Including this information can also help authors get their books onto shelves faster, as booksellers and librarians don’t have to spend hours gathering those details.
P-CIP data blocks mimic the data blocks issued by the Library of Congress but come from independent vendors rather than a national library.
Archives Canada
Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is the national library of Canada. It collects and catalogs materials created and made publicly available in Canada.
Publishers, including self-published authors publishing in Canada, may be legally required to deposit any new works to the Archives Canada collection. That includes a copy of any physical books, serials (such as magazines and journals), audiobooks, and ebooks.
Self-published authors and publishers outside of Canada may also submit their work for the collection, but are not generally subject to Canada’s legal deposit requirements.
Because submission to LAC typically happens after publication, LAC information is not generally a standard element of the copyright page. If you wish to note that your book was or will be deposited to LAC, you can use the ISBN as the identifier.
Edition Information and Printing Details
Many books, especially nonfiction books, are periodically updated and re-released as new editions. Including edition information on the copyright page helps readers, booksellers, and libraries distinguish one version of the book from the other.
Many authors do not include detailed edition information for a book’s first printing. However, you may want to include that information in subsequent printings. Simply state the edition number and the publication year.
For example: Second edition, 2027.
Some authors also choose to include the month, especially if two or more editions are released in the same year.
A printer’s key, or number line, may also identify a particular printing. If your publisher uses one, include it on the copyright page as appropriate.
It’s also helpful to note the country where the book was printed.
For example: Printed in the United States of America.
ISBNs and Ordering Information
An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a unique identifier that lets librarians and booksellers purchase, organize, and manage books by title and format.
An ISBN is assigned at the product level, so different formats and editions of a book typically have separate ISBNs.
Many authors choose to list each ISBN on the copyright page. Each ISBN should be noted alongside its format, such as:
ISBN: 978-00-00000-00-0 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 978-00-00000-00-0 (Paperback)
ISBN: 978-00-00000-00-0 (2nd Edition Hardcover)
Listing ISBNs in this way lets readers, booksellers, and librarians know that the book is available in other formats.
If you expect to sell your book in bulk or to classrooms, you may want to also consider including ordering information or a contact method on the copyright page.
Publisher, Imprint, and Noble Press Example
The publisher or imprint identifies the entity responsible for producing and distributing a book. Displaying this information on the copyright page also gives readers and booksellers a clear point of reference for the publication.
The publisher’s name should be clearly displayed along with a contact address or other relevant information when available. For example:
Noble Press
320 Water St., Box 700
Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania 16316
www.noble-press-publishing.com
Author Website and Contact
As authors become increasingly connected to their audiences through multiple channels, it is common to include the author’s website and contact information on a book’s copyright page.
Many authors will list their website URL, allowing readers, librarians, and booksellers to easily learn more about them and their work.
Authors should only include a professional email address if they personally accept inquiries related to the book’s copyright.
Copyright Page Templates
Copyright pages vary widely in complexity. Traditionally-published or multi-contributor works may fill an entire page with relevant information, while some self-published works contain little more than a copyright notice and basic publication details.
There is no single format that works for every book. The following examples show how commonly used copyright page elements can be arranged. Your copyright page may require different information depending on your book, publisher, and distribution strategies.
Simple Self-Published Copyright Page Template
© 2026 Anna B. Author. All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America.
ISBN: 978-00-00000-00-0 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 978-00-00000-00-0 (Paperback)
First printing, 2026.
Noble Press
Conneaut Lake, PA 16316
Traditionally-Published Copyright Page Template
© 2026 Anna B. Author.
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the publisher, except as allowed by U.S. copyright law and fair use. For permission requests, contact the publisher at the address below.
Printed in the United States of America.
ISBN: 978-00-00000-00-0 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 978-00-00000-00-0 (Paperback)
Library of Congress Control Number: 000000000000
This book is a work of fiction. All characters, places, and events are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual people (living or dead), events, or places is purely coincidental.
Book design by Book D. Signer
Front cover art by Patty J. Artist
First printing, 2026.
Noble Press
320 Water St., Box 700
Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania 16316
www.noble-press-publishing.com
Final Checks Before Printing
Before printing your book, make sure that you do a final check of your copyright page to make sure all information is included and accurate.
Carefully review all names, ISBNs, edition information, publishing details, cataloging numbers, and dates. Confirm that all permissions and credits have been documented, and verify that all information matches the details on your registration records.
Taking the time to verify these details not only helps librarians and booksellers locate and categorize your work, but also builds confidence in your self-published book by presenting a professional image that elevates your author profile.
