Protecting Your Book’s Copyright
How to Navigate Copyright Infringement and Fake Companion Workbooks on Amazon
As a publicist and host of the Moments with Marianne Radio Show, I’ve had the privilege of working with many distinguished authors of inspiring bestsellers. During preparation for a recent interview, I came across something deeply troubling on Amazon, a fake, poorly created “companion workbook” being marketed under the author’s name and book title without permission. This discovery exposed an increasingly common issue for authors and publishers today: copyright infringement and the unauthorized exploitation of creative work.
Since then, I’ve encountered numerous fraudulent listings. These fake companion books often mimic the original title, branding, and in some cases, even portions of the content, deliberately misleading readers into thinking they’re official supplements to legitimate works. To make matters worse, the algorithms of some online retailers are actively recommending these knockoffs to buyers of the original book, causing fan confusion and redirecting revenue away from the rightful creator. Shockingly, some of these counterfeit workbooks have even climbed into the Top 100 New Release lists. In one case, the “fraudulent author” openly admitted in the description that they were “trying to make money” as a student outside the U.S.
After identifying a pattern of these fake workbooks targeting popular titles, I contacted Amazon to report the issue and raise awareness of what appears to be a systemic problem. To their credit, Amazon responded quickly and explained the process for reporting such violations. However, they were clear that only the original author or publisher has the authority to request removal.
This experience highlights a growing threat to intellectual property in today’s digital marketplace, and an urgent need for authors to be proactive in protecting their work. If you discover your book has been misused online, here’s a step-by-step guide to reporting it through Amazon:
Taking Action: How to Address Copyright Infringement on Amazon
If you discover a fraudulent workbook or unauthorized derivative of your book, Amazon’s copyright infringement reporting process is an effective tool to help resolve the issue. Here’s how:
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Visit Amazon’s Copyright Reporting Page
Go to https://www.amazon.com/report/infringement -
Gather Necessary Information
Have the following ready:-
A link to the infringing product
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A link to your original work or proof of copyright ownership
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A concise explanation of how your intellectual property is being violated
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Submit a Detailed Report
Fill out the online form thoroughly and clearly. Amazon typically requires a statement certifying that you hold the rights to the original work. -
Follow Up as Needed
If you don’t see the product removed within a reasonable timeframe, follow up. Amazon does take action, but persistence may be required.
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Monitor Your Work with Google Alerts
To stay ahead of potential infringements, consider setting up Google Alerts for your name, book title, or other key phrases unique to your brand. This free tool notifies you whenever those terms appear online, giving you a chance to review new listings or mentions quickly.
To set up alerts visit https://www.google.com/alerts
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Enter the keyword or phrase you’d like to monitor (e.g., your book title)
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Choose the delivery frequency and email address for updates
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This proactive approach can help you catch unauthorized listings early and take swift action.
Why This Matters
Unauthorized workbooks and similar counterfeit products not only siphon potential revenue from authors but also dilute the brand and message of the original book. They can mislead readers into believing they are purchasing an endorsed product, which can damage the trust between authors and their audiences.
As members of the publishing community, we must remain vigilant against such infringements and take proactive steps to safeguard our intellectual property. By utilizing tools like Amazon’s reporting process and setting up Google Alerts, we can help ensure authors receive the credit and compensation they deserve.
A Call to Action
If you’re an author, publisher, or book industry professional, I urge you to regularly monitor online platforms where your work is sold. Familiarize yourself with copyright infringement reporting processes and don’t hesitate to act if you discover unauthorized copies or counterfeit products.
Together, we can help protect the integrity of the publishing industry and uphold the rights of authors whose work inspires and empowers readers.
