“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” — Romans 13:7
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Explain what an ISBN is and how authors obtain one
- Describe basic copyright and the purpose of registration
- Write a copyright page
- Identify when permission is needed for Scripture, quotations, and other material
Lesson Notes
ISBNs
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) identifies one specific edition and format of a book. A paperback, a hardcover, and an ebook each need their own ISBN when an ISBN is required. In the United States, ISBNs are issued through Bowker.
Some print-on-demand platforms offer free ISBNs. These may come with limits, for example on where the ISBN can be used or who is listed as the publisher. Read the platform's current terms before choosing. A barcode on the back cover encodes the ISBN; platforms often generate it for you.
Copyright Basics
Copyright protects original creative works. In the United States, your work is protected by copyright once it is fixed in a tangible form, such as written on paper or saved in a file. You do not have to register to have copyright.
Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office is optional, but it has benefits, especially if you ever need to enforce your rights. Learn more at copyright.gov and ask an attorney about your situation. Beware of companies that charge high fees for something you can research and do yourself.
The Copyright Page
A typical copyright page includes:
- A copyright notice: Copyright © [year] [author or publisher name]. All rights reserved.
- A short statement that no part may be reproduced without permission, except brief quotations in reviews.
- The ISBN for that edition.
- Scripture attribution, such as Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version.
- For memoir, a note such as Some names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.
- Publisher name (your imprint, if you create one), edition, and any credits for cover design or editing.
Permissions for Scripture and Quotations
The King James Version is generally in the public domain in the United States, which is one reason this program uses it. Most modern translations are under copyright and publish their own permission guidelines, which usually require a specific notice and limit how much you may quote. Read the guidelines for any translation you use.
Quoting other books, song lyrics, poems, or sermons may require permission from the rights holder. Whether a short quotation is allowed without permission is a complex legal question. When in doubt, ask permission in writing, paraphrase in your own words with credit, or leave it out. Keep copies of every permission you receive.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| ISBN | A number identifying one edition and format of a book |
| Copyright | Legal protection for original works once fixed in tangible form |
| Public domain | Works no longer or never under copyright that anyone may use |
| Permission | Written approval from a rights holder to use their material |
In-Class Activities
Build a Copyright Page
Using the model in the lesson, write a copyright page for your book. Use a placeholder (ISBN: to come) and the KJV attribution. Add a privacy note if your book is memoir.
Permission or Not?
For each of the eight scenarios your instructor reads (for example, quoting a KJV verse, quoting a modern translation, using song lyrics, quoting your pastor's sermon), write OK (no permission needed), ASK (get permission or check guidelines), or UNSURE (seek counsel) and one reason.
Assignment: Rights and Permissions Log
Create a one-page log for your book:
- Your completed copyright page draft.
- A list of every Scripture translation, quotation, lyric, or image you plan to use, with its source.
- For each, note whether you need permission and your plan (ask, paraphrase, remove, or KJV/public domain).
- Your ISBN plan: purchase through Bowker, use a platform's free ISBN after checking terms, or decide later.
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Romans 13:7 says to render to all their dues, including honour to whom honour is due. Who has helped shape your words and your faith? How can giving proper credit be an act of honor and gratitude?
Prayer focus: Ask God to make you honest and careful with other people's work, and thank Him for those who have poured into you.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
Giving Credit Where It Is Due
ISBNs, copyright pages, and permissions can feel like paperwork. But each one is about honesty. An ISBN identifies your book truthfully. A copyright notice states that the work is yours. A permission respects someone else's work.
Your words are protected by copyright once you write them down. Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office is optional but has benefits. You can learn more at copyright.gov and ask an attorney about your situation.
The King James Version is generally in the public domain in the United States, so you may quote it freely with a simple attribution. Other translations, song lyrics, and other people's books usually need permission or must follow published guidelines. When you are unsure, ask, paraphrase, or leave it out.
Scripture says to render to all their dues (Romans 13:7). Crediting a pastor's teaching, a mentor's phrase, or a writer who shaped you is an act of honor. It also protects your book and your witness.
Think About It
- Whose words have shaped your faith and your writing? ______________________
- What outside quotations or images do you plan to use? ______________________
- Why is honesty with others' work part of Christian witness? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 6
Render Their Dues
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.— Romans 13:7 (KJV)
Giving proper credit is giving honor where it is due.
Reflect: Who deserves credit in your book?
Pray: Lord, make me generous with honor.
Do: List every source you plan to quote.
Honest Things
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.— 2 Corinthians 8:21 (KJV)
Integrity is seen by God and by people. Honest permissions protect our witness.
Reflect: Where is honesty costly for you?
Pray: Lord, keep me honest before You and others.
Do: Mark one quotation you need permission for.
Write It in a Book
Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.— Jeremiah 30:2 (KJV)
God told Jeremiah to write His words in a book. Your book records what He has done.
Reflect: What has God spoken to you that you want to preserve?
Pray: Lord, help me write faithfully what You have shown me.
Do: Draft your copyright page.
A Just Weight
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.— Proverbs 11:1 (KJV)
God delights in fairness. Fair dealing with others' work pleases Him.
Reflect: Where can you deal more fairly?
Pray: Lord, make my dealings just.
Do: Read a platform's or translation's guidelines when you have access.
Remembering the Teachers
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.— Philippians 1:3 (KJV)
Paul thanked God for those who partnered with him. Credit is a form of thanks.
Reflect: Who do you thank God for?
Pray: Lord, thank You for my teachers and mentors.
Do: Write a thank-you line for your acknowledgments page.
Module Quiz
- 1.
In the United States, ISBNs are issued through:
- 2.
When does your written work have copyright protection in the U.S.?
- 3.
Which belongs on a copyright page?
- 4.
A paperback and an ebook edition of the same book each need their own ISBN when ISBNs are used.
- 5.
Name three options when you want to use a quotation you may not have permission to use.