Lecture on the Writing Business: ISBNs and Copyrights

Introduction

• Speaker: Kevin McLaughlin, a multiple USA Today bestselling author.
• Focus: Understanding key aspects of the writing business, particularly ISBNs and copyrights.
• Purpose: Correct misconceptions and address best practices for authors.
• Format: Lecture followed by Q&A.

About the Speaker

• Over 100 published books.
• Experience with copyrights, typography, and the book business for over 30 years.

ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers)

Basics of ISBN

• Created in 1967 for tracking physical book inventories.
• Used for physical books, e-books, audiobooks, and digital products.
• Managed by different bodies in different countries; for-profit in the US, UK, and Australia.

Common Misconceptions

• ISBNs do not equate to copyright or ownership of a work.
• Legal cases confirmed ISBN ownership doesn't imply publisher liability.

Best Practices for Indie Authors

• E-books: Generally do not need ISBNs; platforms like Kobo, Apple, and Amazon provide numbers (e.g., ASIN).
• Print Books: Use the same ISBN for print across KDP and IngramSpark; do not use expanded distribution on KDP.
  • Ensure ISBNs are uploaded to both platforms within 72 hours to prevent locking.

Buying ISBNs

• Recommended to buy in bulk; larger packs are more cost-effective (e.g., a pack of 100 is cheaper than multiple packs of 10).
• ISBN locking issues can be administratively challenging; consider unpublishing and republishing under a new ISBN if locked.

Exceptions

• Countries with Public Lending Rights profit from having ISBNs on e-books.
• Specific situations like college textbooks may require consistent ISBN use across all platforms.

Copyrights

Fundamentals

• Granted to human-created expressions (books, software, art, etc.) upon creation.
• Protected globally under the Berne Convention.

US-Specific Details

• Registration is required to sue for infringement in the US.
• Protects expression, not ideas (e.g., plots aren't protected).

Duration and Public Domain

• Lasts 70 years after the author's death.
• Public domain includes expired works, specific creator releases, and non-human creations.

Registration Benefits

• Timely registration (before publishing or within 3 months) offers statutory damages and reimbursement for legal fees.
• Registrations serve as proof of ownership, especially when contested by platforms like Amazon.

Fair Use and Infringement

• Fair use applies in educational and news contexts (e.g., book reviews).
• Permission, not just credit, is essential for using others' copyrighted material.

Considerations for Serial Works

• Group registration is an option for serial works (e.g., Kindle Vela).
• Register as a group post-publication to cut costs.

Miscellaneous

• Trademarking book series titles is rare and potentially costly; caution advised.
• Advice for authors considering rights sales (film, TV) includes maintaining a clear chain of title.

Q&A Highlights

• Discussion on ISBN locking, public lending rights, copyright registration nuances across countries.
• Clarified ISBN use for different book formats (hardback, paperback, etc.).

Conclusion

• Emphasized importance of understanding copyright as a core business element for authors.
• Encouraged professional development and legal consultation for complex rights issues.

These notes summarize the key points and advice presented during Kevin McLaughlin's lecture on ISBNs and copyrights in the writing business. They are intended as a study guide and reference for authors navigating these essential aspects of their careers.