how can i copywrite my poetry?

Question

?

Answer 1

First, note that your work is ALREADY considered as copyrighted as soon as it is in a fixed form (e.g., recorded, written, printed or stored on any media). If you're not at all concerned about profit that may be all you need.

But that doesn't give you absolute protection from somebody's stealing it, using it for profit, etc. For this extra protection you must REGISTER your copyright. In the U.S. this is done through the Library of Congress. The registration gives added legal protection in case of a dispute over ownership, royalties, etc.

CAUTION: do NOT try the "Poor Man's copyright" method some are suggesting. This can easily be faked and is not recognized by any law so it probably won't offer you any real protection.
http://www.copyrightauthority.com/poor-mans-copyright/

To find out more about how to register your copyright (to download the correct forms, look up the fees, etc), try one of these -- the second is an FAQ, which you may find it easier to read first:
http://www.loc.gov:8081/copyright/circs/circ1.html
http://www.loc.gov:8081/copyright/faq.html

One other note -- you do not have to register each poem separately (that could get expensive). Instead, you can bundle a collection of them as one work. (Be aware that you then need to take care if you decide to sell your rights to just some poems from the collection. If you're not careful, you could inadvertantly end up giving rights to more than you intended.)

Finally, if this is a serous business with you, make sure you consult a lawyer with expertise in copyright law.

P.S. Minor note -- the word is "copyright", meaning 'having the legal RIGHT to make copies.' "Copy-WRITING" means the writing of "copy", meaning text (used, for example to refer to advertising copy).

Answer 2

I know of one, generally easy way: called a "Poor Man's Copyright."
Seal your poetry in an envelope, address the envelope to yourself, and then mail it to yourself. Once you receive back your envelope, DO NOT open it. Just place it in a safe place.

This puts your poetry through a legalized system (the mail system) and in any case there is a dispute over whether or not you wrote your poetry, you have proof that it was tenderized at one point.

This isn't a guaranteed way to copyright your poetry, but it's the easiest and cheapest. Plus. Many people have done it.

Answer 3

go to the Library of Congress website print out text short form then fill it out and send it in with a money order.

Answer 4

go to the library of congress website and look under copyright.

Answer 5

Bruhaha's answer was correct and comprehensive.

"Poor man's copyright" is a myth--it offers little protection.

Answer 6

the easiest, quickest and cheapest way is to mail it to yourself, when you get it back, DO NOT open it