copyright question

[unicorn80]

what department issues copyright for publishing novels ? can anyone tell me also, how much it may cost ?.

[Buenchico]

There's no such department.

The author of any work automatically owns the copyright to that work (unless that work is written in the course of his or her employmment for someone else, who would then own the copyright).

There are commercial companies who operate unofficial copyright registers. However, there's no real point in using them because, as stated, you already own the copyright to any novel which you've written. If you really wanted to ensure that nobody could steal your copyright, you could simply ask a solicitor to keep a copy of it in his safe, together with a note of the date that you handed it to him.

However, I've never heard of any author actually using either a commercial register or the services of a solicitor. It's simply not necessary.

http://www.ipo.gov.uk/copy.htm

Chris

[Rockchick1]

When I dabbled with writing childrens books I was always advised to send myself a copy by recorded delivery and keep it unopened in a signed and sealed envelope in case the dreaded event happened.

It is the cheapest way of proving that you did the work and when, post it along with a dated paper to add that extra security.

Hope this helps, best of luck!!!

[unicorn80]

thanks guys.... you've been helpful. ta