Heads up: This is a plain-language summary, not official policy, and rules change often. Always confirm the current requirements with the official source linked in each section. BookZeta does not publish on your behalf and can't guarantee any marketplace will accept your book.

The DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) is a U.S. law that gives online platforms a standard process for two situations: reporting content that infringes your copyright, and responding if someone reports yours. Many platforms worldwide follow a similar notice-and-takedown pattern even outside the U.S., so understanding the basic flow helps wherever you publish.

How the process works in brief

1. A takedown notice is filed by a rights holder who believes specific content infringes their copyright.
2. The platform reviews it and, if it's valid, removes or disables the reported content.
3. The person whose content was removed can file a counter-notice if they believe the removal was a mistake (for example, the content was theirs, licensed, or fair use).
4. Depending on the outcome and any further action, the content may be restored.

A notice generally has to identify the specific work and the specific infringing material, include your contact details, and contain good-faith statements. Filing a false claim can carry consequences, so only report content you genuinely believe infringes your rights.

On BookZeta

If you believe content here infringes your rights, file a report via our DMCA page. If your content is removed and you believe that was a mistake, you can submit a counter-notice through the same process. The full details and definitions are in our Terms of Service.

On marketplaces

Once your book is for sale on a store, that store handles infringement complaints under its own process — BookZeta isn't involved in a marketplace listing. Amazon, Audible, Apple and others each run their own copyright/IP complaint systems. If your book is reported, or you need to report infringement of yours, use that specific marketplace's IP/DMCA reporting tools and follow their timelines.

What this means for you

• Publish only work you have the rights to, so you don't end up on the receiving end of a notice.
• Keep records — drafts, dates, source files — so you can respond quickly if you ever need to prove a work is yours.
• If you receive a notice or counter-notice and you're unsure how to respond, consider talking to a qualified professional; deadlines can be short.

General reference

• U.S. Copyright Office — DMCA overview