see, I've been writing a story, but I'm afraid someone might steal my ideas! I wanna know how I can get the rights for it before it's too late! Please, please help me!
2007-03-12 05:53:33 · 5 answers · asked by OrebS 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
First, the idea can't be copyrighted in itself, but your work can be. Send a copy of the story to yourself via registered mail and don't open it. That is legal proof as to when you wrote the story.
As for protecting the idea, don't post it on the internet. Don't discuss it in detail in chatrooms. Get your story written first and get it submitted.
Chances are anyone who took the basic germ of your idea would not come up with the same kind of story, but it's better not to give enough detail that they can.
2007-03-12 06:06:55 · answer #1 · answered by loryntoo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just by writing the story, you already have ownership. If you're extra paranoid, you can register for copyright through the US government, which I believe costs $45. But it is unnecessary and amateurish to register copyright for your writing AND to think someone is going to steal it. Every story has already been written multiple times. It's the writing style and voice which make it yours.
2007-03-12 06:43:59 · answer #2 · answered by §Sally§ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to http://www.copyright.gov It's the official U.S. Copyright Office's website. Be sure to read their FAQ. You can register your story, you'll have to pay a fee but it's worth it to have your story protected.
2007-03-12 08:31:32 · answer #3 · answered by tkron31 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mail it to yourself via registered mail so you have the postmark (date). And NEVER open it! If you open the package, the copyright is null & void.
2007-03-12 07:21:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Call a publishing house and ask them your question. Also you can do some research on the internet. good luck!
2007-03-12 06:02:02 · answer #5 · answered by Peaches 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋