Copyright page for a public domain book
When you republish a public domain book, the original text has no copyright, but your additions do: a new introduction, notes, a translation, illustrations, or a cover. The copyright page should say which is which. Fill in the form, and then copy the finished page into your book.
By the Proselis team · Updated
Introduction and notes copyright © 2026 by Eleanor Vance
All rights to the new material in this edition are reserved.
No part of the introduction and notes may be reproduced without written permission from the copyright holder, except for brief quotations in a review.
The text of Persuasion by Jane Austen was first published in 1817 and is in the public domain.
First published in 2026 by Harbor Classics
ISBN 978-1-234567-89-7 (paperback)
Cover design by Tomás Reyes
Paste it into your book’s copyright page, in Proselis or anywhere else.
- 1Copyright notice
It shows your name and the year the book is first published. The word “Copyright” and the © symbol together are the usual form.
- 2Rights reserved
This tells readers they need your permission to copy the book. Proselis starts every copyright page with this text, and you can edit it.
- 3Public domain notice
This separates the free original text from the parts you own.
- 4Edition and publisher
This line names the edition and your imprint, if you use one. Leave the imprint out if you publish under your own name.
- 5ISBN
Each format needs its own ISBN. It must match the ISBN on the back cover and in your KDP listing.
- 6Credits
This line credits your cover designer and editor. It is optional, but designers often ask for it in their contract.
Three ways to word the public domain notice
Pick the length that suits your book. “Use this” puts it on the page above.
Persuasion is in the public domain.
The text of Persuasion by Jane Austen was first published in 1817 and is in the public domain.
This edition of Persuasion by Jane Austen reproduces the text first published in 1817, which is in the public domain. The introduction and notes and the cover design are new to this edition and are protected by copyright.
Which books are in the public domain in 2026?
In the US, books published in 1930 or earlier are in the public domain as of January 1, 2026. Most other countries count from the author’s death, often 70 years, so a book can be free in the US and still protected in the UK or the EU. KDP asks where you hold the rights, so check each country you sell in.
What does KDP require for public domain books?
If free versions of a book are already on Amazon, KDP accepts a new edition only if it’s different in a meaningful way, such as a translation, annotations, or original illustrations. KDP asks you to describe what’s new, for example by adding “Annotated” or “Illustrated” to the title, and the copyright page should name the same additions.
Where does the copyright page go?
In a printed book, it sits on the back of the title page, a left-hand page, set small and near the bottom. In an ebook, many authors move it to the end so the free sample on Amazon shows more of the book. KDP accepts either.
Do you need to register your copyright?
No. Your book is protected the moment you write it. In the US, registration is optional, but you must register before you can sue for infringement, and registering within three months of publication makes extra damages available. The UK and Australia have no copyright register at all, and India’s is optional.
Questions
Can I copyright a public domain book by retyping it?
No. Retyping or reformatting a public domain text doesn’t create a new copyright. Only original additions count, such as an introduction, notes, a new translation, or illustrations.
Is my cover protected?
It is if you or your designer created it. Old artwork on the cover may itself be in the public domain, but your design and arrangement are yours.
Do I need an ISBN on the copyright page?
Include one if your book has one. KDP gives paperbacks a free ISBN, and Kindle ebooks don’t need one. Each format gets its own ISBN, so list each with its format in parentheses.
Can I copy this page into my book?
Yes. Everything this generator writes is free to use, change, and publish.
This page explains common publishing practice. It isn’t legal advice. For anything that could harm a real person’s reputation, talk to a publishing lawyer.
Format the rest of your book here too
Proselis is free for writing, organizing chapters, and Word export. Publishing a book as an EPUB and a print-ready PDF is a one-time $20.