hemingwaywantabes

Okay, Hemingwaywantabes, you have completed a competent first draft of your novel or non-fiction masterpiece. And you are ready to show it around, perhaps in manuscript form, or as sample pages to a book proposal. If so, how do you protect yourself from some money-hungry, crazed maniac who wants to steal your idea and writings and sell them to the highest bidder.

What’s the best protection – copyright your literary material. How do you do this? The best way, in my opinion, is to visit the Library of Congress website. On the home page, click “Literary Works,” or something similar, and you will be led to some information about copyright. You may either use the short or long form to register, but with either, you will print the form, fill it in, and then send it and your literary masterpiece along with forty bucks to the address provided in Washington, D. C. God willing, in about two months, you will receive a notice that specifies your copyright registration number. Keep it in a safe place, perhaps a lock box, or under your mattress. This is your proof of ownership, something that may come in handy if someone steals your material.

Mr. Hemingway probably never had to worry about copyright that much, but I am certain he copyrighted his writings at first chance. When a book company published his works, the copyright stayed in his name. Some publishers, especially in the academic world, want to have the copyright in their name, but whenever you can, keep it in yours.

So, that’s the scoop. If you have questions, consult the website I mentioned. It’s easy, somewhat inexpensive, and a good idea. Do it today!