Copyright - Stupid questions??

[PG1947]

These might be stupid questions but I have already published on lulu.com but I've decided to go for a lulu ISBN and Extended Reach (if it means the book is available on Amazon.uk).  However, on reading some of the information on criteria for Extended Reach Distribution it states that an example of the copyright page should be thus =

(c) 2008 Lulu Author. All rights reserved

Does this mean that the above is entered but you change the year to the year it was published or do you also insert your own name where it says Lulu Author?  Sorry, but its not clear - also would I have to get rid of the previous copyright page on my book (one I made up myself) and replace with the example they are suggesting.  It is my understanding that \I will have to upload another copy making sure its another edition but do I have todo this in order to get the free ISBN.  It doesn't make sense if this is the case as I would have to make some changes to the book so that it meets the criteria.  On top of all of that when you go to purchase Extended Reach by clicking on 'manage' the details you see states that it is only available to US citizens.  What is that all about.  Help please.

[Maggie]

You enter the author's name and the copyright year.

For example:

© Paul Mackey 2011 (text)

© Susan Barns 2011 (illustrations)

or

Copyright © Paul Mackey 2011 (text)

Copyright © Susan Barns 2011 (illustrations)

[Ken Anderson]

No question is a stupid question.

You can see an example of a typical copyright page here.

There is a lot of flexibility in a copyright page but as long as you can the date, name and ISBN on the page you are covered.

As you haven't used an ISBN on your original book I would suggest you Retire that book and start a new one opting for Extended Reach in the first place. You're going to have to add the ISBN to the copyright page and a barcode on the back cover anyway. You may always wish to change the pricing.

[SRCBA]

As to ExtendedReach being available only to US citizens, I am not sure that this has anything to do with copyright.  I am a lawyer and, while not concentrating in intellectual property, I did write my Master's Thesis on the U.S.'s admission to the Berne Convention on International Copyright Law.  Any work that is published in the US is protected by US Copyright Law regardless of the nationality of the author/producer.  I rather think that the limitation on ExtendedReach to US Citizens may have something more to do with Lulu's contractual obligations to Amazon or possibly the need to report royalties to the IRS.

[Ken Anderson]

I don't know where the concept of Extended Reach only being able to US Citizens came from. I think someone may have misinterpreted the rules.

Please read this for more information.

[Gifted1]

I am clear on all but one thing. Which year do I use on the copyright page? The actual year of creation or the year I actually publish the book? Thanks in advance!

[Maggie]

I would use the year of creation if you displayed it elsewhere before publication in a book. I think the earlier you establish it is your work the better.

[Gifted1]

Thank you Maggie!

[NickPopio]

Maggie and Ken are on top of this as usual. Great job!

[pressguy2]

On a similar thread, and in relation to this exact point...

Every page in my work has been displayed elsewhere the day after it was written.  Should I simply copyright the years?  (copyright 2008, 2009, 2010)  

I like the idea of copyrighting based on the date of creation, but this poses a dilemma as I don't want to copyright each individual page based on the year it was written.