How to Copyright a Book
There are a couple of ways to copyright your book. Copyright with the US Copyright Office directly, or have a third-party do this for you. To save money, it is best to use the direct method of mailing to the US Copyright Office.
Things You'll Need
- Copy of your work (entire book)
- Envelope or package
- Stamps
- Check for $45
Instructions
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How to copyright with the US Copyright Office
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1
Determine if the book that you wish to copyright is a “literary work," meaning that it is non-dramatic in its content. Plays or screen plays and dramas are not considered literary work. For dramatic work, you’ll need to publish as “Performing Arts”.
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2
Select the appropriate forms and fill them out completely, following instructions carefully. You must fill out two forms, including the document labeled "Form CON." If you are the only author of the literary work, and the literary work is not in the public via registration or other publications, you may use form: “Short Form TX” with “Form CON." Otherwise, you will need to fill out "Form TX” and “Form CON."
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3
Write out a $45 check payable to "Register of Copyrights."
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Prepare copies of your literary work. Submit one whole copy of your literary work if it has never been published. Unpublished works do not require any specific format. You may write by hand if you don’t like to type. However, if you have a literary work that has been published, you will need to make sure that the printed copies are of the best quality—for archiving purposes (long term storage).
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Place your forms, check and copy of your literary work into an envelope. Send your package/envelope to: Library of CongressCopyright Office101 Independence Avenue, S.E.Washington, D.C. 20559-6000
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Tips & Warnings
Although there is no format for submitting your unpublished work, it is best to use quality paper so that the copyright office can maintain a good archive of your work.
If you are planning to copyright software, then you will benefit by reading the requirements for format at the U.S. Copyright Office.
