In this eye-opening deep dive, our hosts unpack the real reasons why so many indie authors missed out on the historic $1.5 billion AI copyright settlement—and how you can avoid their fate. Drawing from Des Smith Doughty’s article, "When Copyright Isn’t Enough," in Indie Author Magazine, they break down exactly how a simple piece of administrative homework—copyright registration—became the dividing line between thousands of writers who got paid and those who got nothing.

Join them as they demystify the fundamentals of copyright registration, bust persistent myths (the "poor man’s copyright" doesn’t cut it!), and share pro tips for protecting your writing against the ever-evolving threats posed by AI and future technologies. Whether you’re publishing your first novel or managing a backlist, this episode arms you with the practical knowledge to future-proof your creative assets.

Key Segments to Guide Your Listen:

• 01:45

  : The staggering AI settlement—and its hidden pitfalls

• 02:58

  : Ownership vs. enforceability: Why U.S. registration is essential

• 05:25

  : Statutory damages explained: What eligible authors gained

• 08:38

  : Affordable strategies for serial and prolific authors

• 10:03

  : Debunking the “poor man’s copyright”

• 11:20

  : Why international authors should consider U.S. registration

• 14:04

  : Urgent next steps for authors with unregistered works

Protect your stories, secure your future earnings, and never leave money on the table again—tune in, take notes, and get ready to handle your business.