This is post #2 in my blog series looking at self-publishing from a South African perspective. Check out the full list of posts on the Self-Publishing in South Africa page 🙂
Copyright
I’d like to point out first that I am not a copyright lawyer! If you’d like more detailed information on copyright and how it works, you should probably contact someone who is a lawyer (or the ISN Agency). As an overview, though, here’s what I’ve gathered about copyright in South Africa from my searching of the Internet …
In some countries, authors have to register the copyright of their work. South Africa, however, is a signatory to the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works. The copyright of your story is automatic as soon as you write down that story, and it does not require registration. So, technically, you don’t have to actually do anything in order to protect your work. Fantastic. Easy peasy.
How does this help, though, if someone has copied your work and you need to prove that you were the original author? If the work has already been published, this should be fairly easy (I hope. God willing, I will never have to face this situation myself). You will have sent at least one hard copy of your book to the National Library of South Africa (see the ISBN requirements below), so that could serve as proof. If you’ve published your work in ebook form only, and only on Amazon (meaning you possibly have no ISBN), Amazon will display the date you originally published the work. If the work has not yet been published, it could be more difficult proving your authorship. Some have suggested you post your manuscript to yourself in a sealed envelope via registered post. This envelope will have the date on it. Keep it aside (unopened) in case you ever need it.
[Remember that you cannot copyright ideas. If you tell someone about a great idea you’ve had for a story, and that person subsequently writes and publishes that story, well … it sucks, but they’re allowed to do that.]
Further Reading:
COPYRIGHT ACT NO. 98 OF 1978 – Document provided by NLSA [Edit March 2019: broken link removed]
Copyright Law of South Africa – Wikipedia Article
The Berne Convention – Wikipedia Article
The Berne Convention – WIPO-Administered Treaties
One of the three basic principles of the Berne Convention
ISBNs
An ISBN is an identification number for your book. Grab any book off your shelf, look at the back cover, and it’s the number above the barcode. You don’t HAVE to have one, but you won’t be able to sell your (physical hard copy) book through any professional channel, online or in bookstores, without one. When it comes to ebooks, an ISBN isn’t necessary for all channels (on Amazon you can choose to simply go with the Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN) their system provides for each ebook published), but it is required on other platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Kobo.
In South Africa, ISBNs are free. Yay! One of the small benefits of self-publishing in South Africa 😉 You can request ISBNs from the ISN Agency. You will be sent the numbers along with a form to fill in for each number you use, as well as instructions telling you how many copies of each book you need to supply to the National Library of South Africa, and where to send them. For small print runs of under 100, you’re only required to send 1 copy of your book. Larger print runs require you to send 5 copies to various NLSA places of deposit around the country. (So, factoring in postage costs, I guess you could say ISBNs technically aren’t “free” after all.)
You need a different ISBN for each FORMAT of your book. A paperback is one format, a hardback is another format, an audiobook is another, etc. When it comes to ebooks, there is still some debate as to whether this is one format or several. I’ve seen many articles that say a MOBI file (the Amazon Kindle specific file format) is one type of format, and an EPUB file (which works on most other platforms) is a different format. Which is true. They are different formats. (Bowker, the US ISBN Agency, takes this even further by saying that if a single format has different types of DRM on different platforms, then each should have its own ISBN.) But I also know that many, many authors (and large publishing houses) go with a single ISBN for an ebook, not matter what format of ebook it is. Since ISBNs are free in South Africa, here’s what I do: 1 ISBN for paperback, 1 ISBN for MOBI, and 1 ISBN for EPUB. (I have a publisher who produces my audiobooks, so they take care of ISBNS for that format, and so far I haven’t produced hardback editions.)
Barcodes
There are services online that will charge you for a barcode, but this is unnecessary given the free tools available online for you to easily generate a barcode from the ISBN you’ve been given. I’ve used Tec-It barcode generator in the past, as well as the cover template generator provided by Ingram Spark, which produces a template that already has a barcode on it. If you’re going to make your book available through Amazon CreateSpace’s print-on-demand service, you don’t need to put a barcode on the back cover, as they will automatically add one for you during the setup process. [Edit March 2019: CreateSpace no longer exists. Authors now use KDP Print. You have the option to include or not include a barcode on the back of your books.]
Thanks for this, Rachel. Very refreshing to have one of the “big dog” SA Indie authors imparting their wisdom to all… (ps. hope you don’t mind the ‘big dog’ tag ;))
Ha ha, not at all 😉 Thanks for coming over to check out the blog post series 🙂
I need help. I want to apply for an ISBN number for my book, i want to publish it as soon as possible.
Hi 🙂 You can email [email protected] to request an ISBN.
Just a heads up, that email address doesn’t work, and neither does the National Library website. :/
Wow thank you so much I have just finished writing my first book and for me. This information is an eye opener may the good Lord bless you beyond measure
You’re welcome!
Good to know if you’re publishing in South Africa!
Good information!
I think I need to bookmark this series. 🙂
Thanks Rachel.
Hello, Thank you for the information. Very useful. Can I ask a question please? Is it normal for the National Library to give a deadline by which they must receive the hardcopy of the book for which they have issued the ISBN? My Mum has been given a deadline and told if she doesn’t meet that deadline she won’t be given an ISBN in the future. Thanks for the help. Cheers.
Hi Michelle
I haven’t been told that before. I think the official documentation that the NLSA sends out says that copies of the book must be supplied to the places of legal deposit within 10 or 14 days (can’t remember which off-hand) of the book being published. There have been a few times when I’ve gone beyond that because I’ve forgotten to get it done amongst all the other admin, but I’ve never received a warning like that before. If there is a reasonable explanation for why your mother can’t send copies of the book by a certain date, I would hope that the NLSA would be accommodating, but I’m afraid I don’t know how to help in this situation!
Hi Rachel. Thank you so much for your answer. I really appreciate it. I’ve asked my Mum to go back to NLSA to check what they mean. The books haven’t actually been published yet. This is the first time Mum is self publishing and she applied for the ISBN before the books were ready to be published. They are children’s books. The writing is done but the illustrations have been delayed. So maybe our experience should be a word of caution for other new self publishers – only apply for the ISBN when the book is ready to go to the publishers. Thanks again for the help Rachel! I’ll post here if I learn anything more. All the best.
Hi Michelle
No, it’s fine to apply for an ISBN before the book is ready for publication. The first time I applied, they sent me a batch of ten numbers. Each time I used one, I sent the required documentation and books to the relevant places. Each time I ask for more ISBNs, they send me another batch of ten. For the most recent book I published in October, I emailed the info sheets and ebook copies, and said that once the book is printed, I will obviously send physical copies along with the info sheet for that particular ISBN. The guy who replied was fine with that. So they really should not be giving your mother a hard time about this! As long as she sends the required number of copies after the book has been published, everything should be fine 🙂
THANKS RACHEL FOR THE USEFUL INFORMATION. I AM A WRITER TOO, STILL NEW IN WRITING BUT WAS TRYING TO SEARCH INFO ON HOW I CAN GET A COPYRIGHT AND ISBN FOR THE BOOK I’M WRITING BEFORE I COULD SEND IT TO THE PUBLISHER. THANKS A LOT. I KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW. GOD BLESS YOU
Hello
I am a foreigner living in South Africa. Are the procedures to get an ISBN number different for me?
Hi 🙂
I would assume that if you’re living here, creating the work here, and publishing here, it should be fine to use a South African ISBN. But I’m not certain, so it’s probably best that you contact the NLSA and ask them. [email protected] or [email protected].
Hi Rachel,
Please assist me with this. There’s a punishing company that I’d tasked to (only) print my books. They then registered the ISBN for me and I paid for the barcode generation. I was not happy with the print quality and have since sent them a letter of demand for my refund. They have then come back to me saying I am illegal using the ISBN number as it belongs to them (turns out they registered under their name and not mine) and that I should recall all copies printed by the different supplier I used. The book belongs to me. I authored it and created all the artwork. Their only capacity was the print. Do they have any legal standpoint in the usage of the ISBN?
Hi Amy
I’m sorry you’ve had this negative experience with getting your books printed locally 🙁
As far as I understand (and it’s possible I could be wrong), if this company has registered the ISBN under their own name, then they are the ones who are allowed to use it, not you. This only applies to the actual ISBN, though, not the copyright. The story itself still belongs to you and you’re allowed to publish and print it with a different ISBN.
I would contact the NLSA and get your own ISBNs, use a free barcode generator to generate the barcode yourself, and print new copies with the ISBN and barcode that belongs to you.
I would also explain the situation to the NLSA and ask how you need to proceed regarding the copies that have already been printed with the ISBN belonging to the company that initially printed the books. They will understand the legalities better and be able to give you a proper answer.
[email protected] or [email protected]
*publishing not punishing… although, lol!
Rachel, this post is a Godsend. Thank you for making it easier for us newbies.
You’re welcome!
Thank you Rachel for all the information. I have written a series of 3 children’s books and am busy with illustrations to complete them. This has helped me tremendously, answering so many questions. I intend to have an on going series so very exciting times ahead. So grateful to have input from someone with your experience!
Hi Karin 🙂
That’s great, I’m glad my blog posts have been able to help you! All the best with your series of children’s books 😀
P.S. And I apologise for the delayed reply! I’ve been overseas since March 12th, and I’m slowly going through all my email and notifications since returning home.
Thank you for this information and also your answers to the the questions raised. I am done writing and still searching for a printing company.
You’re welcome. All the best with your books!
Thank you so much for a very helpful series, Rachel. My first self-published book in S.Africa is about to come out and this was most helpful.
You’re very welcome, Shirley!
Thanks, Rachel, for the valuable info. I’m just unclear about how I should go about to get my book’s title and my name linked to the ISBN. I have an ISBN for my book and I’ve generated a free barcode online. However, when I scan the barcode, it doesn’t give me any details. 🙁
Hi Hidayat 🙂 I’m definitely no expert in this area, but I assumed this information would first need to be available in some form of digital database, linked to your ISBN, so that when the barcode is scanned, your information comes up. So if you give your books to a bookstore to sell, they would put this info into their system (I’m guessing!). If you’d like to know more, I suggest asking the NLSA exactly how the process works, since I can’t give you a definite answer.
The answer below is from the barcodessouthafrica website. It may or may not be exactly applicable to ISBN barcodes.
“When you have arranged to sell your product at a retailer, one of your most important tasks will be to fill out a product information form in which you will detail the product, and enter a variety of other information about your business. As part of this process you will be required to provide a unique GS1-registered barcode number that can be linked to your product. The retailer will then manually enter all this information into their system, including your barcode number. Once entered, whenever your barcode is scanned at the till, their system will be able to credit you with a sale and keep track of stock levels.”
Thank you for this post. Much appreciated.
You’re welcome, Ntandose 🙂
Hi Rachel
Extatic to have stumbled upon your blog series! I’m a self-pub author native to SA and currently living in SA. Until now I have used Amazon’s ISBNs but want to expand on my print so now need my own for new releases.
I am emigrating to Portugal though and will have dual citizenship. Which country should I buy the ISBNs in?
Hi 🙂 I would contact the NLSA here and ask them. I don’t know about other countries, but there are certain requirements for using an ISBN from SA, like sending a certain number of copies to the national libraries, depending on the size of your print run. So if you’re using a South African ISBN while overseas, then you might need to send copies from over there. Or they might tell you to get ISBNs from Portugal instead. I don’t know!
Thank you. I will contact them and see what they say. Thanks so much ?
Hi Rachel
Thank you so much for these blog posts and taking the time to reply to all the questions. I was wondering if you know if the proposed changes to copyright law in SA will have an impact on self-published material. Not having much luck finding info on this myself. What I have found so far seems to indicate it will affect the textbook market the most but have been unable to find much about self-published fiction. Is there anything to worry about in your opinion?
Hi Hannah
Thanks for your comment 🙂 I’m sorry, but I’m not sure whether the Copyright Amendment Bill will have any direct effect on self-published fiction. I’ll send you the email address for someone who might be able to answer your questions.
Hi thanks for this. Can you send me the link for barcode and ISBN number pls.
hi please help me with the process of getting the isbn and the barcode.
April 2019 and your gift to us still keeps giving! Great info, thanks! Rose
p.s please send me this contact
[Edit March 2019: broken link removed. Email me if you’d like me to pass on the contact information for the person I request ISBNs from.]
Bless
Hi Rachel
Thank you for your wonderful article. I’m a very new indie author and most days feel way out of my depth. BUT… I’m taking one day at a time and learning in leaps and bounds. Please could I ask you to share your contact at the agency with me regarding ISBN? I would be so grateful.
Can’t wait to look up more of your articles.
Hi Rachel. you’re surely God sent! thank you for the information. can you please kindly send me the info for free barcodes generator and the ISBN application.
Regards
Beth.
Hi Rachel
Thanks for your great article. I self published one book on KDP in January and currently have it available in three formats. ebook, print, and large print. I ordered local print copies, sending the printer the same file that I used to uploaded to KDP. I didn’t realise I needed to included copywrite info or ISBN numbers. Please advise how to get an ISBN number and any other info I need so that my next run of printed books are ‘correct’ and acceptable to book sellers. Many thanks, Shirley Goodrum
Hi Rachel,
I’m referring to your blog post:
“In South Africa, ISBNs are free. Yay! One of the small benefits of self-publishing in South Africa ? You can request ISBNs from the ISN Agency. [Edit March 2019: broken link removed. Email me if you’d like me to pass on the contact information for the person I request ISBNs from.]”
Would you be so kind as to send me the details in order to get get a ISBN number?
Sure, it’s Magret.Kibido @ nlsa.ac.za <-- remove the spaces around the @ when you type the address into an email. All the best!
Hi Rachel. Well done on your sterling advice to many authors and writers. I require some guidance please. I am in the infancy stages of writing a book and would like to know whether I can copyright the book title immediately. Should this be possible, is there a timeline within which such copyright exists?
Hi Goolam 🙂
If I understand correctly, book titles can’t be copyrighted. In some situations, after a book or series has become successful as a recognizable brand, it might be eligible to be trademarked. Check out this article: https://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/can-you-use-a-book-title-thats-been-used-before
But I’m not certain on the legalities in South Africa, so it might help you to contact someone at the CIPC to find out more. http://www.cipc.co.za/index.php/trade-marks-patents-designs-copyright/copyright/
Good day Rachel. How do I go about obtaining consent to use certain facts and information from a book published by Howard B Timmins? From the website I note that Howard Timmins “sold out” or collaborated with Anthony Ashford, who in turn joined Struik Publishers. The book that I intend obtaining information from was copyrighted under the BERNE CONVENTION way back in 1962.Please assist.
Hi Goolam
I’m not sure, but I would think you’d need to contact the original publisher of the book. If they’ve since transferred/sold the rights to a different publisher or person, they can hopefully point you in the right direction for who to request permission from.
Thank you Rachel. Will do.
Good day Rachel
I published my book back in March. I had a bit of a struggle to get it on the NLSA database, but since September my book is searchable only on NLSA. My question is: Do the NLSA also make my book available on Google books? If I search for my ISBN is doesn’t show on any search platforms. My publisher never loaded any of their books on to google (only to NLSA) and all of their other books is searchable if you only type in the ISBN number. Am I missing something?
Hi Mari
I could be wrong, but as far as I know, the NLSA simply lists a catalog of books that have been published. They don’t act as a DISTRIBUTOR to send your book to other retailers/platforms for purchase. Or when you say “available on Google books” do you not mean available for SALE on the Google Play Store? Are you referring to specifically searching books.google.com? I’m not sure how books end up indexed there.
I finally completed my children’s book and did quite a bit of digging. However, I and people I spoke to, did not know this. I’m so glad I came across your website. It has made things so much simpler and always a bonus, saved me some money. Thank you so much.
Hi. Kindly help with the rules about sending a book to the National Library. How many copies are to be sent, and to which libraries please?
Thank you for being this guiding light.
Hi Vijay 🙂 When the NLSA emails your ISBNs to you, they will also attach information about how many copies you need to send (it depends on the size of your print run) and to where.
Good afternoon Rachel
Our Pastor has written a Religious book which we would like to publish advertise and sell on as many platforms as possible. Obviously we will need to apply for USBN before this can be done. He has used pictures and drawings to illustrate certain points, some of which he downloaded from the internet and others he has taken from books. My question is, will this be a problem when applying for USBN, and is there a way around it?
If we are able to obtain the USBN, which platforms and outlets would be the best to sell the books on?
Hi Lorraine
Does your pastor have permission from the copyright holders of the pictures (both downloaded and taken from books) to reproduce those pictures? If not, he won’t be able to legitimately publish the book, as this would infringe on someone else’s copyright. Instead he’d need to purchase images from a legitimate stock image website (e.g. Depositphotos, Shutterstock, iStock and many others) or draw them himself, or commission someone to do the drawings for him.
You’d then need to do the research to find where your target market purchases books and sell on those platforms and outlets. As far as ebooks go, it’s a good idea to publish on as many platforms (both retail and library) as possible. Using a distributor like Draft2Digital or PublishDrive will make this easier.
Hi Rachel
Thank you so much for your prompt response, it it appreciated.
Regards
Lorraine
Hi Rachel
Thank you so much for your prompt response.
Regards
Lorraine
Hi Rachel. Great information. Thank you for sharing to help others. I have a question regarding the ISBN ‘imprint’. Are you familiar with it? I am setting up the print version on Amazon KDP. After entering the ISBN number, there is a field for imprint. The ISBN was free and issued by the National Library of South Africa. I am self-publishing the book. There isn’t a publishing company. Not sure if the imprint is the library or the author? It doesn’t appear you can leave it blank in the setup. I have reached out the NLSA but wondered in the meantime if you could shed any light on the matter. Thanks.
Tammy
Hi Tammy 🙂 I have always just put my name “Rachel Morgan” in the imprint section, since I’m the publisher.
Thank you for your prompt reply. I thought it must be author’s name since the library isn’t the publisher. Thanks for the reassurance. I also just received a message from the National Library of South Africa that confirmed the imprint is the author/publisher’s name. Much appreciated.
Tammy
Hi again Rachel. I have one more question if you don’t mind. I used Tec-It Barcode Studio to create a barcode. When I scanned it the barcode works but indicates no book found. I assume the book information (title, price, etc) gets tied to it once published for sale on Amazon or through a bookstore. Is that correct? Just making sure I am not missing any steps. Thanks you once again. I am so grateful for your help and informative site.
Tammy
Hi Rachel
Thank you very much for very valuable information. We still pay for our ISBN numbers! We started an Afrikaans story and reading series we. We were now wondering if our picture cards without text should have an isbn code? Do you have any knowledge about that? Our books are available in several bookstores.
Hi Ane 🙂 Congratulations on your Afrikaans series and getting your books into bookstores! Unfortunately, I don’t know anything about picture cards though. You’ll have to contact the NLSA and ask them. You can try [email protected]
Hi Morgan, I have gotten my isbn numbers. But am struggling to get a barcode. Please could you help?
Hi Senya 🙂
You can search online for a free barcode generator. There are a number of options. You paste your ISBN in, and it’ll generate a barcode that you can download.
These days I use the barcode that Ingram Spark generates on their cover templates. https://myaccount.ingramspark.com/Portal/Tools/CoverTemplateGenerator Insert the relevant info (ISBN, page count, trim size of book etc) and they’ll email you a cover template in either PDF or InDesign format. I use the PDF format and open it in Photoshop, where I then design the cover on top of the template.