Copy right for book

[angiealf]

I've written a book and am in the process of getting it published. How do I go about getting a copy right on it?

[saxy_jag]

You don't need to - the very act of writing/creating it gives you automatic copyright, but you would need to be able to prove the date of its creation in court if someone nicked your book. If you created it on a computer, then it will already be dated when you save it and even if someone wanted to change the dates, the information would remain encrypted on your hard drive. If you're feeling a bit paranoid about it, you could post a paper copy to yourself and leave the envelope sealed when it's delivered, but it's not necessary.

When it comes to putting copyright information in the book itself, your eventual publisher will take care of all that for you.

[Buenchico]

As SJ states, you automatically own the copyright, so no registration process is involved. See here for further information:
http://www.ipo.gov.uk/types/copy.htm

If you're publishing the book yourself, you'll need to get an ISBN. (It's not a legal requirement but most bookshops with computerised systems won't be able to handle it without one):
http://tinyurl.com/ylmbq25

And remember that the law obliges you to send a free copy to the British Library within one month of publication:
http://www.bl.uk/aboutus/stratpolprog/legaldep/index.html

Chris

[saxy_jag]

Actually, the British Library obligation also applies to the National Libraries of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the Bodleian library, and that applies whether or not you register an ISBN for your book.

Again, you only need to trouble yourself with this if you're self-publishing. If you're going down the more traditional route, your publisher will take care of it for you.

[angiealf]

Thanks all, for your help.
will post an entry on here when the book eventually gets published.

[VHG]

>copy right

Surely that is one word