McAnally's (The Community Pub) > Author Craft

What's a good way to "Copywrite" My work?

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RodimusGT:
Obviously as I write my story I'm not going to go handing it out to numerous people and say here read this i trust you not to steal it from me, but as I move along having a chosen few people to read over it and give me feedback really helps my motivation for writing more and also helps me to decide what needs changed. Sooo like the topic says;

How exactly do I copywrite my work so far that it can't be stolen and used by someone else? Is it even possible to copywrite an unfinished script? Or does it have to be finished? Is it even worth it? Let me know guys I appreciate it!

Breandan:
Once you finish it, you can copyright it, but I'm not sure about while its in progress. However, when it comes to beta readers, I recommend you only share it with people you trust completely.

Kali:
Legally, the second you write it, it's yours.  Copyright doesn't depend on any external agency.  You own the copyright because you wrote it.  It's inherent.  *Proving* you wrote it can be another matter, and if you're worried about beta readers, don't be.  Just by emailing it to more than one beta reader, you'll have ample evidence of when you submitted it.  Timestamps on the email, through your ISP, plus the timestamps on the work on your hard drive should protect you enough, plus the testimony of other beta readers who can say when they got it from you.

Breandan:
the shoeless god of war above me brings up a good point- if you have any correspondence containing the works written, from posting samples on forums to emailing it or uploading it to an offsite backup like I do, you have a legally-solid method of charting development and ownership. Plus, having a unique writing style helps :)

Lanodantheon:
www.copyright.gov 

Has all the answers.

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