When do I copyright?

[mikeb71]

Hello fellow writers,

I have just completed my first book, and want to copyright the manuscript. I know that there can be changes to the manuscript during the publishing process. Should I copyright now or wait until the publishing process begins?

Any help is greatly appreciated!


Mike B.

[DrJonRich]

Hi Mike,

As I understand the copyright law, your work is already copyrighted. It was as soon as you created it. What you do with the copyright office is to register that copyright.

The publisher generally takes care of the legal details for you. They will register the copyright and their rights and your rights will be covered in a contract.

By the way, welcome to the forum!

[mikeb71]

Thanks for the welcome, and the info my friend! Very helpful, for a first time author!