Q: I'm publishing my first book. I registered with US Copyright Office. Do I need an international copyright ?
The company publishing/editing my book states I need an international copyright and they are trying to sell me one for $1,100 for a lifetime copyright. I have registered and submitted my book to the US Copyright Office with a receipt as follows:
The following files were successfully uploaded for service request 1-9968418421
File Name :vacuuming_is_just_indoor_mowing_full_transcript_for__copyright.docx
File Size :3543275 KB
Date/Time :12/11/2020 5:09:06 PM
Some say there is no "international copyright". I'm a broke, starving artist and don't have the money to spend on an "international" copyright. Is this something I need or just an upsell process from my publisher?
A: Yes, it sounds like an upsell. Most US authors only register in the US. Are there certain countries where you intend to market your book, and you are particularly concerned that you might have a large audience there, and it might be extensively copied there? If not, tell your publisher no thank you. If so, look into securing local copyright protection in those countries. _Timing_may_be_important._ You may already have secured copyright protection via a treaty, by registering in the US. Keep in mind that each country has its own rules, and you may have to register _before_ publishing.
Bernard Samuel Klosowski agrees with this answer
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