8b: What to Include in the Copyright Page and Complete the Copyrighting Process

According to Investopedia, copyright refers to the legal right of the owner of intellectual property. In simpler terms, copyright is the right to copy. This means that the original creators of products and anyone they give authorization to are the only ones with the exclusive right to reproduce the work.

Copyright law gives creators of original material the exclusive right to further use and duplicate that material for a given amount of time, at which point the copyrighted item becomes public domain.

How Does Copyrighting Work?

When someone creates a product that is viewed as original and that required significant mental activity to create, this product becomes an intellectual property that must be protected from unauthorized duplication. For instance, this article is heavily borrowed from the copyright board of Kenya and other sources so I cannot copyright it. The work must be the original concepts of the author. For instance, my books “Too Busy for Worship” and “Back On My Feet” are my original works and therefore are copyrighted under my name. Taking existing works and re-arranging the flow does not constitute original work.

What Details Should You Include In Your Book?

Since the copyright details are legal details, the industry standard is to have the copyright (also called verso page) as the second page in your book right after the cover page. It can be varied from obe book to the next, but most will look similar to the page below. This is CLC Kenya’s recently launched book Navigating the Storm by Pst Barnabas Achoki and Grace Achoki.

It should include:

  1. The title and subtitle of the book.
  2. The copyright sign ⓒ which is not at-sign @ as highlighted (crossed out) in the sample.
  3. The names of the copyright holders/owners.
  4. Publisher’s details
  5. Printer’s details
  6. Illustrator’s details (if need be)
  7. Designer’s details (if need be)
  8. ISBN number (a legal requirement from the National Library)
  9. A permissions paragraph on how the book can or cannot be copied
  10. Bible version used and permissions granted
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How to Copyright Your Books in Kenya (The concepts are similar all over the world)

Which Government Body is Responsible for Copyright in Kenya?

The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) is a State Corporation under the Office of the Attorney General & the Department of Justice. It was established by section 3 of the Copyright Act 2001 and mandated with the administration and enforcement of copyright and related rights. The Board is responsible for organizing legislation on copyright and related rights; conducting training programmes on copyright and related rights; enlightening and informing the public on matters related to copyright; licensing and supervising the activities of collective management societies; and maintaining an effective databank on authors and their works.

Who are the members of KECOBO?

KECOBO is comprised of members drawn from both the public and private sectors. The members from the private sector are nominated by associations representing software, producers of sound recordings, publishers, film distributors, performers, broadcasting stations, musicians and the audio-visual industry. There are four experts on copyright and related rights and five members who are alternates to the Attorney General, (Police Inspector General), Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Information, Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Sports, Culture and Arts, and the Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Finance.

What Does Copyright Apply To?

According to KECOBO copyright protects the original expression of an idea that has been reduced to a tangible form and this includes transcript copies and copies made in the digital environment, from being copied without authorization. It does not protect the concept or the idea. It also does not protect symbols, titles, short phrases or factual information that may be contained in a copyrighted work.

Copyright applies to any medium. This means that you must not reproduce copyright protected work in another medium without permission. This includes, publishing photographs on the internet, making a sound recording of a book, a painting of a photograph and so on. For this article, we will focus on:

  • Literary works, including novels, instruction manuals, computer programs, song lyrics, newspaper articles and some types of database
  • Layouts or typographical arrangements used to publish a work, for a book for instance recordings of a work, including sound and film
  • Broadcasts of a work

What Is Not Covered In Copyright?

Copyright does not protect the idea/concept but the expression of the idea. This is because one cannot have a monopoly over an idea. Copyright protection is automatic once an idea has been reduced to any tangible format. The Kenya Copyright Board offers notifications where although not a legal requirement allows rights holders to register their works. This helps in the creation of a database as well as assists in the enforcement of copyright.

Who Owns The Copyright?

The first ownership of a copyright work vests in the person who creates it. However, copyright like any other moveable property can be transferred through sale, licenses and testamentary disposition. Under the Copyright Law;

  1. In the case of two authors, the two shall be known as the joint authors of the work.
  2. In the case of works created for hire or works created under a contract of employment, unless otherwise stated in a contract, the employer or the person who commissioned the work shall be the owner of the work.

How Long Does The Copyright Last?

The length of time a copyrighted work is protected will depend upon the category or type of work.

Literary Works (where books fall under): Copyright in the above works lasts for the period of the life of the author plus fifty years.

Audio-visual works (where audiobooks fall under): Fifty years from the end of the year in which the work was either made, first made available to the public, or first published, whichever date is the latest.

What Happens After That?

Once the term of protection of copyright expires, the work falls into the public domain.  

What If My Book’s Copyright is Violated?

According to its website, The Kenya Copyright Board is mandated to enforce copyright and related rights in Kenya. The Board currently has a legal and enforcement department that has 5 prosecutors and 10 copyright inspectors. The prosecutors are lawyers who are highly specialised in copyright and related rights.

The inspectors are attached from the National Police Service and trained in investigation of copyright and related rights. Enforcement also included training and awareness creation in collaboration with various government agencies such as the National Police Service, the Department of Weights and Measures, the Judiciary, the Anti-Counterfeit Agency as well as the rights holders.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS OF COPYRIGHTING YOUR BOOK IN KENYA?

MANUAL METHOD:

Step 1: Finish writing and publishing your book. Make sure that there is editorial excellence and the design work is appealing. You have to give it 110%. You can get the input on expertise in the industry ie Editors and Designers.

Step 2: Fill in the copyright registration forms that can be downloaded from the KECOBO website via this link Copyright Registration Form Download and fill in all the necessary details.

If a publishing house or another agency is registering a work on behalf of an individual or organisation (an agent) is required to produce an authority letter, from the owner of the work, authorizing him/her to act as an agent for purposes of registration and/or any other purposes as far as pertains to such works. Companies/ individuals registering works on behalf of companies MUST produce the company’s Certificate of Incorporation.

Step 3: Have the forms commissioned by a commissioner of oaths. A Commissioner for Oaths is a person who is authorized to verify affidavits, statutory declarations and other legal documents. Affidavits are statements in writing and on oath, and statutory declarations are written statements of facts that the person signs and declares to be true. In Kenya, it will cost you as little as Kes 500 to get the service from an authorized official.

Step 4: Attach two original copies of your book so that KECOBO know exactly what you are copyrighting.

Step 5: Deposit Kes 1,000 non-refundable fee to KECOBO via their authorized bank or via Mpesa paybill number. Make sure you make the bank deposit directly into the bank and not through bank agents. The KECOBO bank account/Mpesa Paybill details can be found on their website via this link here.

Step 6: Present the bank deposit slip at the reception of the Kenya Copyright Board, where a receipt will be issued. Their offices are at 5th Floor, NHIF Building, Ragati Road. Mobile: 0713761758/ 0739062643

Tel:- +254 20 253 3859/69. Email: info@copyright.go.ke. Facebook: Kenya Copyright Board. Twitter: @kenyaCopyright.

ONLINE/VIRTUAL METHOD:

Recently, KECOBO has moved the copyright process online (a very much welcome move in this digital era). You can create your account from https://nrr.copyright.go.ke/ and submit your work virtually.

Do you need further clarification? Write to us at publishing@cblafrica.com. We help authors acquire copyright for their books at a fee. You will need to send us the PDF file of your book, the blurb/book description, your National Identity Number and the facilitation fee.

Next we will look at How to Write an Aknowledgement Section.

Training by: Dr. Muthoni Mercy Omukhango

Publisher in Africa | National Director @CLC Kenya |Authors’ Manager @African Christian Authors Book Award-ACABA | Marketplace Minister | Patron at CLC Kids and Teens | Advancing God’s Kingdom through literature. www.muthoniomukhango.kenyaclc.org

Getting Started: Publishing Books

Preparing to Write/Publish

Step1: Prepare Yourself to Get Published…

Are you ready to publish your book? Here is how you need to prepare. Have your manuscript ready and explore the oprions available today. If you are stuck in getting it started or finished, there is several ways to get help. Explore and get published today! #RaisingAfricanVoices

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Step2: Let’s Talk About Publishing

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Step3: Factors to Consider Before Self Publishing

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Step4b: Publishing Steps – Review

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Elementary Skills: Publishing Books

How to Write

5a: How to Write a Book Dedication

A book dedication is a way for you, the author to bestow a high honor on a person (or a group of people) you wish to praise or otherwise spotlight. This dedication note is often short and usually focused on one person (or a specific group of people). It’s supposed to be personal, rather than professional. It goes on the dedication page, which is in the very front of the book, after the title page. Here's how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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5b: How to Write a Book’s Foreword

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5c: How to Write a Book Introduction

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5d: How to Write a Book’s Conclusion

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5e: How to Write an Author’s Bio

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5f: How to Write a Book’s Blurb

A blurb is a short yet descriptive account of the book that goes on the back cover or within the book sleeve of a hardcover book. It includes any information that represents the book best and intrigues the readers and shoppers to pick the book off the shelves. Here's how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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5g: How to Write an Acknowledgment

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5h: How to Write a Table of Contents

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Technical Skills: Publishing Books

Refining Your Manuscript

6a: How to Write a Devotional

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6c: How to Use Dialogue in Story Writing

Effective dialogue is characterized by authenticity, clarity, and relevance to the story. It should sound natural and believable, reflecting the unique voices and perspectives of the characters. Dialogue tags, such as "said," "asked," and "replied," help identify speakers and maintain clarity in conversations. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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6e: How to Elevate a Non-fiction Christian Book to Make it Personal and Engaging

Transforming a flat non-fiction Christian book into an engaging and impactful read requires authenticity and connection. Share your personal testimony, use relatable real-life examples, and offer practical applications to make your message resonate. Being vulnerable about your faith journey fosters trust, while reflective questions and actionable steps encourage readers to apply the lessons to their own lives. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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6f: How to Ethically Use Other People’s Public Stories in a Non-fiction Christian Book

Using public stories in your Christian book requires integrity and respect for the individuals involved. Always seek permission where possible, give proper attribution, and ensure the story aligns with your message while preserving the dignity of those featured. Avoid embellishment or distortion for dramatic effect, and focus on presenting truth with grace. By handling stories ethically, you honour both the subjects and your readers while maintaining your credibility as a Christian author. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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6g: How to overcome the challenge of mixed languages in writing a manuscript

Writing a manuscript with mixed languages can be both enriching and challenging. To overcome this, establish clear guidelines for when and how to incorporate multiple languages. Use translations sparingly and only where necessary, ensuring they don’t disrupt the reader’s flow. Consider adding footnotes or a glossary for clarity and consistency. Tools like professional editors and language experts can help refine your manuscript while maintaining cultural authenticity. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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6h: How to Peer Review Fiction and Non-Fiction Christian Literature Manuscripts

Peer reviewing Christian literature requires a thoughtful approach to ensure the manuscript aligns with Biblical principles while engaging readers effectively. For fiction, focus on character development, plot consistency, and spiritual themes. For non-fiction, assess clarity, theological accuracy, and practical application. Provide constructive feedback, highlighting strengths and offering actionable suggestions for improvement. A thorough peer review not only refines the manuscript but also upholds its spiritual impact. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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6i: How to Ensure Diversity and Inclusion in Christian Writing

By embracing diverse voices, ensuring equitable access for underrepresented authors, and encouraging inclusive storytelling, authors and publishers can reflect the richness of God's Kingdom. This includes actionable strategies to amplify marginalized voices, promote cultural representation, and create a more inclusive literary ecosystem. With initiatives like multilingual publishing, fair contracting, and global partnerships, CLC Kenya leads the way in advancing DEI while staying true to Biblical principles. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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Advanced Skills: Publishing Books

Going the Extra Mile

7a: Should a Non-Fiction Book Have a Subtitle?

A subtitle is a powerful tool for non-fiction books, offering clarity and appeal to potential readers. It provides additional context about the book's content, target audience, and benefits, helping it stand out in searches and on bookshelves. A well-crafted subtitle enhances discoverability, boosts SEO, and communicates your book's value in just a few words. Learn More Here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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7b: Why Organising Your Non-Fiction Into Chapters Is Important

Organising your non-fiction book into clear, well-structured chapters enhances readability, engagement, and comprehension for your audience. Chapters create a logical flow, making complex ideas easier to digest while guiding readers through your message step by step. A structured layout also improves your book's professional appeal and allows readers to quickly locate topics of interest. Learn More Here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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7c: Why Self-Edit Your Book Before Submitting it for Publishing?

Self-editing is a crucial step before submitting your manuscript for publishing. It allows you to refine your ideas, correct errors, and enhance the overall quality of your work. A well-edited manuscript not only demonstrates professionalism but also makes the publishing process smoother and more efficient. From grammar to flow and consistency, self-editing ensures your book is the best version of itself before reaching an editor's desk. Learn More Here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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Contractual Skills: Publishing Books

Be Informed (Not Legal Advice)

8a: Why Every Author Needs a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

Protect your intellectual property with a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in publishing! An NDA safeguards your manuscripts and creative ideas by establishing confidentiality between authors, publishers, and editors. It ensures your work isn't misused, offers legal protection, and secures your publishing journey. Learn how to prevent unauthorized use of your content, why documentation is essential, and how trusted publishers like CLC Kenya provide sample NDAs to keep your work safe. Don't let your hard work go unprotected—explore the importance of NDAs today! Here’s what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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8c: Terms and Conditions for Traditional Publishing/Adapting Existing Books into Other Versions

Adapting existing books into new versions, such as translations, audiobooks, or special editions, requires clear terms and conditions in traditional publishing agreements. These terms outline rights, royalties, and responsibilities for both the author and publisher, ensuring a smooth adaptation process. Properly defined agreements protect the integrity of the original work while maximising its reach and impact across different formats. Here’s what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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8d: How to Publish a Book with Multiple Stakeholders: Best Practices for Rights Ownership, Expenses and Recognition

Publishing a book with multiple stakeholders requires clear communication and well-defined agreements to ensure smooth collaboration. Establish ownership rights, allocate expenses transparently, and outline recognition for each contributor's role. Best practices include drafting detailed contracts, maintaining open communication, and resolving disputes amicably. These steps protect relationships while ensuring the book's success. Here’s what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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8e: How to Get ISBN in Kenya and Other African Countries

Publishing a book with multiple stakeholders requires clear communication and well-defined agreements to ensure smooth collaboration. Establish ownership rights, allocate expenses transparently, and outline recognition for each contributor's role. Best practices include drafting detailed contracts, maintaining open communication, and resolving disputes amicably. These steps protect relationships while ensuring the book's success. Here’s what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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