How can I get my book copyrighted so that if someone tries to copy me and that I sue, i would have the proof.t

Question

I am writing a book and my mom always tell me to copyright it, and I'm asking, How can I copyright my book to make sure no one copies
me and that if they did and if i sued, i would have the proof.

Answer 1

The easiest and cheapest way to "copyright" something is to print out a copy, and burn a CD or put in on disc, put it in a manila envelope and seal it. Have a witness or two sign over the tounge of the envelope. (If you really want to be legal, get a public notary to notarize the signatures) Then mail it to yourself.

When you get it back, you'll have the postmark. DO NOT OPEN IT. Stick it in a filing cabinet. If it ever becomes an issue, take the envelope to a lawyer tell him what's inside, go to court, and you will be asked to open it in front of witnesses. You'll have proof.

Answer 2

You can do this at the US Copyright Office – see the last 2 links in the source box. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $45 per application.

Despite what others state, a "poor man's" copyright is NOT the same as registering it. Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say:

"The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a “poor man’s copyright.” There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration."

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

First off, who is going to steal your idea? You're not Nora Roberts or Dan Brown. There are thousands upon thousands of writers out there that willingly mail off their manuscript to anyone who cares in order to try and get published. And very, very few have any issues.

Second, HOW are they going to find it and steal it? Are you sending it to them?

Third, What are they going to do with it that you would care? Being published is a long, long process. Even if they DID get some sort of contract, do you have any idea how much a book changes? I've been editing mine for four months and entire characters and plot lines have been deleted-- at my agents request. So I haven't even gotten to the actual editor yet.

Its not something to really waste your time worrying about. YOU will be the one with the countless rough drafts, notes, etc.. . . Agents generally scoff when people ask them this becuase really, it just doesnt happen much at all.

And hey, if someone goes and gets a publishing contract, then I guess they did the work for you.

Answer 4

The Library of Congress gives copyright applications, you could probably apply online.

Answer 5

Put it in a box, wrap it in paper, mail it to yourself and dont open it. The post date will be proof that you wrote it first.

Answer 6

Get a publisher.