Where And How Can I Show Off My Book Without Getting It "Stolen"?

Question

I want to show someone who isn't a relative or friend the first book in a series I've written - but I can't post it all over the internet in case people nick it for themselves. It isn't copyrigthed or anything. I'm 14. Does anyone know a reliable website that specialises in young writers? Thank you xxxx

Answer 1

Since you used the term "nick", I presume you are a British or Canadian citizen, so please note that the following is based on US laws; however, I added British-based copyright links, as well as US-based ones, below.

Contrary to the "answer" given by "wayfaroutthere", mailing documents to yourself is not admissable evidence in most courts of law, US or international. After all, how does the judge know that you didn't copy someone else's work, and then simply shoved it into the postal system with your name and address on it? For the record, even if such a scheme were valid, you wouldn't have to "mail" it to yourself; all you need to do is to go to the post office, pay the appropriate postage (the cheapest rate in the US for books is called "media mail"), and then ask them to postmark it for you (assuming you or the postal clerks applied stamps instead of a precancelled/dated meter to the package). And, not to put too fine a point on it, but, even a computer date/timestamp is insufficient evidence, because it could easily be changed (besides, every time you edit it, the date and time would be updated!).

Copyrighting is the only way to ensure that someone has "first dibs" to given materials. In other words, the copyright does not prevent someone else from getting a copyright for copied material, because the copyright office does not check for duplication of works (for example, how many copyrighted cookbooks are there that show the same meal or dessert? In this case, it's the presentation that makes it unique). Thus, if you find that someone else has copied your work nearly or totally verbatim, but their copyright is after yours, then you would have the upperhand in a lawsuit.

Be aware that once you sell your book to a legitimate publisher, you will probably lose control of your own material, as the contract/agreement may stipulate that you transfer the copyright to them. This is perfectly normal procedure.

I don't know to whom you plan on showing the book, but, if you trust them, a copyright shouldn't be necessary. If you don't trust them, then don't show it to them! If you're totally paranoid about it, then write a synopsis or outline, and show *that* to them. If they want more, insist on asking what makes the outline or synopsis good or bad; that way, you can tell whether they are truly interested or just pulling your leg.

It's also worth noting that you don't have to limit a single copyright to a single work. You can submit all your original works (i.e., books, art, music, etc) at one time to the copyright office for a single copyright!

I would also point out that, being a minor, you would need parental or guardian consent to sign contracts, at least in the US. Involve your parents/guardians! They're your best source for criticism and getting help (maybe they have a friend or relative in the legal system who you don't even know about!).

P.S. In case anyone was wondering, titles are NOT copyrightable (i.e., yes, you may call your book "Gone with the Wind"! Good luck in finding a legit publisher, though!).

P.P.S. Before submitting any materials to anyone, make sure to keep at least one "master" copy for yourself, in a safe, secure place (do your parents have access to a bank safe deposit box?).

Answer 2

If you can prove you wrote something with dates etc. then your intellectual property rights are secure, copyright for any artistic output is automatic, proving you are the originator is harder.

Send a copy of it to yourself recorded delivery, and leave it sealed, then in the future if anyone does try and pass your work off as their own, you have all the legal proof to back you up, but it would be up to you, to find out if someone has done that and then take them to court.

As far as publishers goes, you will more than likely get an awful lot of rejection letters before anyone will give you a break.

If your parents are willing to help with the costs, you could always go down the self publishing route.

Answer 3

No I don't know of anywhere, on or off the net, where you can trust to read you book and not 'steal' you story. I would make a copy and see a solicitor to make sure your story is registered. Then at least you have proof that it is your story.

Answer 4

go shopping and find clothes that are elegant and classy and showoff the shape of your body without showing off a lot of skin. or whatever style you prefer that shows off the shape of your body without just showing skin or underwear. your clothes don't necessarily need to be really tight for that but al least form fitting in some places, and generally just well taylored and designed to accentuate the shape your body already has. to find precisely what these clothes are you'll need to go shopping, or maybe also look in magazines for styles you like with women with bodies like yours that you find don't look slutty.

Answer 5

Agree with Red. Do not trust anyone! Copyright it then go to a publisher.

Answer 6

There is the halfway method for keeping the rights to your work--it stinks next to getting a copyright, but it is cheap.

You mail the manuscript to yourself and never open it. It will have the postmark for evidence of when you wrote it. If someone steals it, you'd have to sue and go through a bunch of hassle, but you'd have evidence that you are the victim and not the theif.

Answer 7

If you post it on the internet, isn't there a record of the date of posting? I'm not sure - just thought I'd add that as another layer of protection on top of mailing it to yourself, which sounds like a great idea.

Answer 8

Trust no one until you have it copyrighted

Answer 9

Trust no one until you have it copyrighted

Answer 10

ok listen, a few years ago i said to my nan "i hope you die" 2 dsys later she did, i feel really guilty. NOW THE BIT ABOUT YOUR STORY!!!! i swear on my nans grave i wont steal it, send it to me and ill read it and give you a mark out of 10. just give me your email, mine is [e-mail]. im looking forward to reading it, anyway on my email you cant print it off and i have not a clue about book companies so you can trust me.