How can I own the rights to character names etc. in a book I wrote so noone can steal them in the future?

Question

Because I'm writing a book but I want to make sure that noone can steal the character names and other stuff in their own books?

Answer 1

First, tell me what the names are because I may need to use them in my own book. I'm just kidding!

The chances are slim that anyone's going to steal your work. Once you put pen to paper (or type something on a computer) and create an original piece of work, it's yours. It's considered laughably foolish and amateurish in the publishing industry to seek copyright on your writing - you're basically telling the world you don't trust them and the last message you want to convey to publishing professionals is that you assume they are going to steal your work. So if you intend to seek publication, act professionally and do not seek copyright.

But, if you're a jumpy, suspicious tinfoil-hat-wearing paranoid, you should do ALL of the following:
Type the words: Copyright Your Name Date on every page of your work. Place one of the following symbols after every idea, name, character, dialogue, scene that you want to make sure are protected: © ™ ®

Print out a copy, go to a notary public, sign every page and have them add their notary seal or stamp to each signature. Have them watch when you seal it up in a security envelope. Then mail it to yourself but DON'T OPEN IT! Put it in your home safe or a safe deposit box.

Next, obtain copyright applications for each story, character, idea, sentence and word you want to copyright as yours. Pay the $45 fee FOR EACH APPLICATION and mail them in.

You should be fully protected after all that.

Answer 2

A high school teacher told me of a fast, cheap way.

Mail a copy of your work to yourself. Have the postoffice stamp it - ensure it states the date and place on the stamp. When the letter reaches you, do not ever open it. This is your proof that your work was written on or around the date of the stamp.

Answer 3

You want to get this book published right?

When you go to a publisher, they will deal with that for you.