Hi all. How and when do you copyright your work? Back in the day I was told to just post the whole ms to myself but not to open the envelope. I'm just curious how it's done now. Thanks
Hi all. How and when do you copyright your work? Back in the day I was told to just post the whole ms to myself but not to open the envelope. I'm just curious how it's done now. Thanks
Personally I wouldn't spend money on protecting copyright. If it's technical non-fiction then maybe, but who's going to steal a novel? And even if you think someone's stolen your idea, you can't copyright that in any case.
Once anything's written in the UK it's legally copyrighted. So post it or email it to yourself if you want to, but otherwise I wouldn't worry.
Thanks Adrian. I did wonder if the mailing method was still used. I will take a look at the websites you have shown. Thanks again.
You can e-mail your manuscript to yourself, or you could send your manuscript to yourself by registered mail. Those are a cheaper options than using the services below.
I have paid to use this UK non-government recognised service at various stages in the evolution of my novel.
https://www.copyrightservice.co.uk/
I have also paid to use this official USA government service
https://www.copyright.gov/
I shall use both again after I complete my last thorough edit of my manuscript.
I hope that helps.
Good luck.