Copyrighting beyond seas

D.M. Enslin

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Please forgive me if this topic is out of place, but i have been searching for a thread that might answer my question and have had no luck.

I am Greek and live in Greece, (my mother is British so i speak English fluently) and have written a novel in English. My target market is any English-speaking country, primarily the U.S. I intend to self-publish on Amazon.

Here is my problem. My Greek name is very confusing and difficult to pronounce so i have thought of using a pseudonym -my initials D.M. and my mothers maiden name Enslin. But what about copywriting? I know there is no need to register my work since it is automaticaly copyrighted once it is in print etc, but since i will be using a pen name i have read that the only way to protect my work is to register it, mentioning my true name and pen name. Where should i register it? In Greece or in the U.S.?

Do i even have to register it, since the pen name includes my mothers maiden name (a name that i can prove is 'sort of' mine?)

Sorry again if this has been discussed elsewhere... I will appreciate any help at all!
 

Deleted member 42

1. You have copyright from the moment you start creating, because Greece is a member of the EU and has signed the Berne Convention.

2. You can register it; the LOC who runs the U. S. copyright office has a place on the form for your penname and your legal/real name. Be aware that registering the copyright this way will link the two names.

3. Some FAQs for you:
http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl101.html

http://www.wikihow.com/Copyright-a-Book-With-a-Pen-Name

https://www.google.com/search?q=LOC...7&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=119&ie=UTF-8

If you're planning on using Amazon/CreateSpace there may be issues related to your legal name, being in Greece, and your penname in terms of being paid.

I expect others will have more information about that.

You might ask in the Self-publishing forum.
 

D.M. Enslin

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Thank you very much for all the information!!! I appreciate it soooo much!!
 

GBin13

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Hi D.M. - once you have something published under your pseudonym, even an e-book, you shoudl not worry. Names are not copyrighted, the works are. Unless you intend to turn your pseudonym into a trademark, then you must register it.
Think of it this way - there are many, many John Smith in the world, many may be writers - if one could copyright his name, where would that leave the others - in breach of copyright?
GB
PS: find out all about copyright and more at wipo.org