This post by L.Leander, Author of Fearless Fiction
What do you know about copyright? Do you copyright your books? Are you afraid someone may take credit for something you’ve done?
As a singer/songwriter I learned years ago to protect my work. Although it seems a bit daunting for the beginner, it’s really a very easy process to copyright your work and it’s very affordable. I hold the copyright to over a thousand songs (all held under collection copyright). That means I was able to send twenty songs collectively under one umbrella, receive a copyright, and pull one or two songs out and do them individually later if I needed to. Easy and cheap.
When I finished my first book I found the process equally as painless. With a book I 
don’t need to send music files. And, the Office of Copyright has made it even easier now by allowing an electronic submission of your book and payment. At this time the fee is $35 for a work of fiction. Little enough to protect your work, right?
You’ll hear many things about why to copyright or not to copyright. Yes, I know the old adage that you should send the document to yourself and leave it unopened, thus proving that you were the creator. And I do know that your work is protected from the moment of creation. A document of copyright is just added proof that you and you alone hold all rights to your work.
I choose to copyright my work. I’ve spent the better part of my years creating songs, poems and books. Although they are a labor of love, I would hate to see others reap the benefits of my long hours of hard work and sleepless nights. Those benefits are mine and will pass to my family upon my demise. A copyright gives the writer peace of mind. (Of course, I’m talking a best seller here – but who knows? It could be my book just as well as someone else’s!).
To gain further information on copyrights and how to apply, visit this link http://www.copyright.gov/. I assure you, there are step-by-step instructions on the site. All you need to have is a valid debit/credit card, a finished manuscript and a little time to fill out the form. Once the application is complete you are covered, and you’ll get a case number. The official document takes a couple of months to arrive, so don’t worry. When it does, keep it in a safe place with other important papers.
I’ve never needed to use my proof of copyright, but if ever happens I’ll have it. Shouldn’t you be ready too?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject. As you can see, I’m very passionate about protecting all of my work. You may be protected if you don’t apply, but it’s good to know that you have an official document from the Office of Copyright that lists you as the sole owner with full rights to your book.
***NOTE*** You don’t have to wait until your manuscript is fully polished and edited before you send it. It’s the idea and the bulk of the work that will be protected. And remember, a title can never be copyrighted, just the content.
Books by L.Leander:
Keira's Place 
Reblogged this on Wyndy Dee and commented:
Sounds like a good idea!
Thanks for the comment. It’s something I feel strongly about but I know other authors/songwriters don’t. It’s all choice, but my feeling is that I’d rather be safe than sorry!
I copyrighted my mystery series a long time ago and I’m happy that I did even though I’m unpublished. Good post.
Way to go Barb! It’s not hard to do and then you’re protected.
Copyright is something I have been studying for some time. This is a timely and useful post. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.
There is a lot of information available online but the best place to check out is the Library of Congress Office of Copyright. It’s so affordable and easy I don’t understand why all writers don’t take advantage of it.
Great information. I have a friend who’s family have the early drafts their Grandmother wrote for “Singing in the Rain”. She never got credit fo it. You made it sound easy and I know you need to do that for songs. Cher’ley.
Those are sad stories aren’t they? By copyrighting her work all the credit would have been the writer’s and then passed on to her heirs. I want to be sure all the hard work I’ve done throughout my lifetime belongs to my children and this is the way I can assure they would receive any benefits.
Wonderful post, Linda — something all artists need to keep in mind and consider. Thanks for the reminder!
Thank you Gayle. It’s definitely the author’s choice, but I like knowing I hold the document that proves the works are mine.
Great photos too.
Thanks. This one was a little hard to find good photos for but I found some.
Don’t publishers automatically copyright books when they’re released?
Thanks for the comment. I can’t speak to books here because I’m self-published. With songs it is not automatic. The writer must copyright them to protect his or her interest. Because of my experience with songwriting I would never spend all the time it takes to write a novel or story and not protect myself with a copyright. I want to be sure I hold all rights and not some publishing company or person who promises to have my best interests at heart. Just my opinion.
What about works in progress? Do I need to wait until I finish a manuscript before I have it copyrighted?
It’s great information for someone who might want to self- publish but I agree that the copyright should be clear even if you are published by a traditional large or small publisher.
Exactly Nancy. That’s how I feel. I want to know I hold any and all rights to my work. Period.
Reblogged this on L.LEANDER BOOKS and commented:
What are your thoughts on Copyright?