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:
by Alethea Williams
The first fire truck, lights flashing, raced up the interstate’s northbound lanes, followed by an emergency squad, another fire truck and a second squad. More thoughts – these ones disturbing – percolated to consciousness. Soon loved ones would get jarring news that would perhaps change their lives forever. Tears wet my cheeks.
on 
Keira's Place 