How do you get something Copyrighted?

Question: How do you get something Copyrighted!?

I am writing a novel and before handing it out to my friends to help me edit it, I was wondering how I could get it copyrighted!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

You don't need to get a copyright, and in fact shouldn't, since that is what publishers buy, one form of copyright or another!.

The actuality is that the work you've done is already under copyright according to The Writer's Market, as soon as you write it!.
I always put my name and a date on a piece as well, further identifying it as mine!.
also I keep a copy home, always, whether on a floppy, the hard drive, or a print-out!.!.!. or all three!.

Suggest you don't put any of your work online, as that makes it free to see for anyone, and lessens its sale value!.
also, don't worry about your friends taking any ideas if you already trust them enough to ask for edits from them!. They are your friends, right!?

I work with an editor, and the work goes back and forth with only the copyright info I've described already!. This has worked for years now!. Then a magazine buys a piece and has whatever type of copyright I decide on (or an agent for me)!.
Good luck with your novel!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

If you are speaking of a literary effort or a song composition the simplest way is to seal it in a heavy purpose envelope and have it sent registered mail to yourself!. Its the old school way!. That way it is dated and has your name attached to it legally and officially!. Keep it sealed!.I am a recording artist/songwriter, This holds up in court!. You can also file with the copyright office!. Same type of process-takes some time!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Please listen to LJ K! A registered copyright protects the ORIGINAL work!. If you, your friends, or an editor revamps your work, it alters the original work and voids the registered protection!.

(And, by the way, the "old school way" of mailing materials to yourself isn't going to hold any water in court!. It's called the "poor man's copyright" and you can read about this on the U!.S!. Copyright Office's website!.)Www@QuestionHome@Com