I have a great idea for a book that I have started to write. I have done some research and found out there is a real gap in the market. I am working on the 1st 3 chapters and a proposal to send to publishers, but how do I make sure I don't get cheated and someone else uses my idea to get there first? Can I copywrite my idea???
2006-10-30 23:47:52 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
get it patented at the local patenting office NOT FREE IN UK
2006-10-30 23:51:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
First, the big publishers won't look at any proposal unless it has been submitted by a literary agent. Need to get one. Second most novel ideas have been done before. What makes the difference, however, is the high quality of writing and how well you can tell a story to hook the reader into the book. If you are really concerned about theft, sent your first draft to the Library of Congress. That way you have it on file with a date stamp. Google the Library of Congress to download the forms.
2006-10-31 00:00:08 · answer #2 · answered by mac 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Publishers don't steal ideas.
Ideas can not be patented or copywrited.
If you had the idea so did a dozen other writers. They actually did a test to check this out and gave three authors the same idea and told them to write it, the books came out as three very different stories.
If you like you can date and seal your story in an envelope or email to yourself so it is dated, if it makes you feel better.
Writers have had stuff stolen, after it was published. Another writer had her story parts stolen when she put it up for critique, the thief was quickly found out however as there were lots of witnesses to attest to the theft.
This really doesn't happen as often as you may think. You're pretty safe with most writer's groups.
2006-10-31 06:57:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A difficult one.
The cheapest was would be to take your work and post it to yourself (recorded delivery) that way if some one tries to steal you work you have proof, and a date which could be a good starting point.
The problem is then (if it arises) proving that they have directly stolen your idea. Think back a short while to the 'da vince code case' where 'Holy Blood Holy Grail' tried to sue as their idea was 'stolen' - they lost.
Also someone might, quite innocently, be developing the same idea as you (another example is that two inventors developed the idea for the telephone, separately & AG Bell got the patent in first!).
It is really difficult to 'cpoyright' an idea.
Check out the patent office http://www.patent.gov.uk/
and this other site for self publication, may be useful
http://www.excaliburonlinepublishing.com/
Good Luck
2006-10-31 02:44:35 · answer #4 · answered by David 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You already have copywrite. However, an idea is not covered under this law. There is no reson why similar plot lines can not be published, as long as they do not copy the text.
2006-10-30 23:55:35 · answer #5 · answered by Alice S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't stop someone from getting there first but you can make sure you they don't steal YOUR idea. Don't share it anywhere except with publishers and trusted people. It is useful to have reviewers but if you share with too many people you may get trouble.
2006-10-31 02:38:21 · answer #6 · answered by R J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of the answers are great. Just a reminder that even a book in print didn't stop someone like Kavya. Also know your legal recourse if it were to happen. Congratulations on your progress!
2006-10-31 02:11:51 · answer #7 · answered by Dr. Raj 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cheapest and easiest way to protect your work in it's early stages is to print off an original copy of the work as it stands, place it in an envelope, seal it, and mail it to yourself. When you receive it, DO NOT OPEN IT, put it away in a safe place. Then, if someone does nick your idea; you've got sealed and dated proof that the work is yours.
2006-10-31 00:06:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can copyright your manuscript, but you cannot copyright an idea. And frankly, it’s the execution that matters, not the idea. You can give 10 authors the same idea and tell them to write a story and their stories will be entirely different.
2006-10-31 00:10:42 · answer #9 · answered by kp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Type up your idea and take it to a solicitor. They will seal the idea and sign to say it has been sealed in front of them. They will then keep this for you until such a time as it is needed - ie: to prove plagurism.
2006-10-30 23:56:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Print it and post it to yourself then do not open it. Because it is post dated this will be proof enough of the origins of the idea.
2006-10-31 00:01:17 · answer #11 · answered by rondavous 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋