Ivor - there's also option C) You write your next novel and submit it to an agent who Googles you and finds your novel filled with rookie errors for sale and - from your Amazon sales ranking - can make an educated guess as to how many copies you've sold. It's probably not a career killer (because they aren't googleing you because their lives are full of free time), but it still doesn't make a good first impression IMO.
S G - you don't need to register copyright, although there are plenty of companies out there who will take your money from you to do so. You already own copyright by virtue of having written the thing. At best, registering copyright will only show you had a complete copy of the MS on a certain date, it doesn't prove you've written it.
It may also cause future hassle for your eventual publisher (because you've registered the unedited MS).
It may also confuse readers - if you accepted a publishing deal today, it would probably have a publication date of 2014 but your copyright stamp will read 2012.
You have a good point there, Ivor. However, I haven't given the publishers a chance yet. I have a good feeling about this book. I am giving the manuscript the last read right now. The synopsis is ready as well. I will be getting a copyright of the manuscript the coming week, then I will start the process of submission. I need all the luck in the world.
Right, Dor! I get your point. Thanks for the advice. Though the ever gnawing question remains; How does one safeguard against plagiarism? or worse?
Ivor - there's also option C) You write your next novel and submit it to an agent who Googles you and finds your novel filled with rookie errors for sale and - from your Amazon sales ranking - can make an educated guess as to how many copies you've sold. It's probably not a career killer (because they aren't googleing you because their lives are full of free time), but it still doesn't make a good first impression IMO.
S G - you don't need to register copyright, although there are plenty of companies out there who will take your money from you to do so. You already own copyright by virtue of having written the thing. At best, registering copyright will only show you had a complete copy of the MS on a certain date, it doesn't prove you've written it.
It may also cause future hassle for your eventual publisher (because you've registered the unedited MS).
It may also confuse readers - if you accepted a publishing deal today, it would probably have a publication date of 2014 but your copyright stamp will read 2012.
You have a good point there, Ivor. However, I haven't given the publishers a chance yet. I have a good feeling about this book. I am giving the manuscript the last read right now. The synopsis is ready as well. I will be getting a copyright of the manuscript the coming week, then I will start the process of submission. I need all the luck in the world.