How do I go about getting my poems copyrighted?

Answer 1

So assuming you're in the USA, as long as you created the poems after 1989, the copyright is automatic. As soon as you wrote the words, assuming they meet some very basic requirements for originality (were not plagiarized) then they are automatically copyrighted, you are the sole holder and are entitled to enforce your exclusive rights.

If you're worried about someone stealing your work, then it does make sense to officially register it. this can be done at www.copyright.gov/register

In addition, you may want to affix the C in a circle (the traditional copyright symbol) along with the phrase "all rights reserved" to the materials. This isn't necessary anymore, but it can have some impact if you end up suing someone for damages.

Answer 2

Here is one way to establish authorship. But it's scuttlebutt and I don't know if it has ever been proved to work.

Put your work in a sealed envelope and mail it to yourself. Make sure that the post office stamps it clearly with their postmark showing the date. Then don't open it. The idea is that if you ever need to, you will be able to show that it was written on the date shown.