How do I send my story into a publisher without getting it stolen?

Question

I'd like to send in a story I wrote to a publishing company who is looking for up-an-coming writers, and I want to see how I rate. Will I have to send my story to get copywrighted before I send them it to see it they like it? I'd like an educated answer on this one, not just what you "think", thanks!

Answer 1

You do not have to register your work with the Library of Congress (copyright office) in order to send it out in the submission process. Publishers are not in the habit of stealing work from unknown writers unless the publisher is a dishonest one that also charges writers for publication. You should never ever pay an agent or a publisher for reading fees, editing fees, or publishing. Honest agents earn their money by selling your work to legitimate publishers. Publishers earn their money by selling your book period!

Here are some tips for you and choices you need to make:

1) You can self-publish it. This is the shortest avenue. It offers instant satisfaction if all you want is for your work to be available to friends and family. Lulu.com is a free service and is easy to use.

2) You can seek an agent to represent you. Agents are difficult to obtain, but are necessary if publication from large publishing companies is what you're seeking.

3) You can submit your manuscript directly to small, independent publishers who accept submissions from unagented writers.

To obtain either an agent or a publisher, use books like the Literary Marketplace or the Writers Market or web sites like Preditors&Editors and writerswall.com.

Search for agents or publishers that represent or publish books in the genre you've written. Follow their submission guidelines to the letter, that's why they supply them. Use only the format they ask for. Make certain your work is perfect--free from errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Learn how to write a sensational synopsis and a query letter. Each agent or publisher will ask for a query letter and/or a synopsis. Very few will want the entire work in the initial package.

Be patient with the submission process. Expect some rejections, but make sure you don't allow them to discourage you. Instead, learn something from those letters that can make the next contact even better.

Again, never, ever pay an agent to represent you. That's not how it works. Agents get paid when they sell your work!

Good luck to you! :o)

Answer 2

The first thing is - have you checked out the publisher? Many of these so called publishers seeking up and coming authors are frauds. You really need to check out the publisher with Absolute Write Water Cooler's Bewares and Background Checks, Preditors and Editors and Writers Weekly.com. Then google the heck out of the name of the company and search to see if you find listings for any other forums where there have been complaints. You may be shocked.

As for the copyright situation. Here is the truth.

You legally own the work the moment you write it.

Sending in and buying a copyright is actually considered unprofessional and flags you as an amateur among publishers and agents. They consider it an insult. You don't trust them. No genuine publisher or agent is interested in stealing stories. They get enough submissions, and they don't publish work for themselves anyway. What author's name would they put on it?

Secondly, you will hear about the so called "poor man's copyright" - mailing a copy of the work to yourself and leaving it in a sealed envelope. A judge would throw you right out of court if that was all the evidence you had. There are far too many ways to fake it. You can for instance, mail yourself an empty envelope then put a story inside and seal it later on. You can also change the date on your computer and falsely date disks.

The fact is whether you have a copyright or not, your work may get stolen - especially if you post it on the internet or share it with friends. Then you are left with a choice. If you choose to prosecute - be prepared to spend a lot of money. A copyright is only as good as the lawyer protecting it.

So you have your work cut out for you. You have to learn to advocate for yourself and protect yourself. Start researching the publisher immediately. My guess is you are going to find out it is a fake. Most publishers aren't interested in single stories - only full length books.

If you want to write to me, deni913@hotmail, I will be happy to help you. I know a lot about a lot of bad publishers. I have saved several people here the loss of their work by telling them the publisher they were about to contract with was fake.

Answer 3

When is my work protected?
Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.

Do I have to register with your office to be protected?
No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work.

Answer 4

Register it and get it copyrighted.