You've finished your manuscript. You've edited and re-edited. It's finally ready for eyes other than yours and your mother's to read. But just like sex, it's best to be protected. The United States Copyright Office has your back on that.
According to the United States Copyright Office, your manuscript is officially copyrighted the moment it exists in a tangible form. If you register with the USCO, this puts your copyright in the public record. This helps if you ever need to go to court over intellectual property rights, for existing public record can get you statutory damages and attorney's fees if your case is successful.
Once at the USCO homepage, you'll want to click on the "How to Register your Work" icon. The picture attached to this story is exactly what you're looking for.
Next you'll encounter a page with the following three ways to file your materials with the office:
1) Using the eCO Online system
2) Filing Form CO
3) Paper filing
The cheapest and easiest way is to use the eCO Online System.
Please note that to use the first method, you will have to create a user name and password to log into the system. This will help in the future as you can monitor your application. You can also save a template of your copyright application to use on future similar works.When you get to the eCO page, you'll want the "Register a new claim" selection under the menu heading "Copyright services."
Once in the system, you fill out the "forms" and pay the $35 processing fee, all done online. You'll also upload your manuscript. You probably already have it as a Microsoft Word file and can upload it that way. Adobe's PDF is also a viable option. There's a list available when you get to that point.
This method takes about a half hour if you read every last thing. It's self-explanatory, with plenty of hyperlinks identifying each step of the process.
If you'd prefer to mail an application, use the Form CO and Form TX paper filing options. Form CO is a PDF download. Right click and save the link to your computer. Fill out the form (in one session; no saving to your computer), then print it out.
Now be very careful with that barcode, as it stores the necessary information. The fee for this method is $50, but if you mess up the barcode the USCO will jack the price to $65, the same as a Form TX paper filing (described below).
Instead of uploading a manuscript or paying online, you print out your complete Form CO. Then mail the form, your deposit of $50 and your manuscript to the USCO.
The last option is to do everything old school. Unfortunately, the necessary Form TX for your literary work is not available online. Contact the USCO for a copy. Then mail the completed form, your manuscript and the fee of $65 to the USCO.
Don't forget mailing fees associated with Form CO and Form TX. You can probably use a United States Post Office Flat Rate Priority Mail box for $4.95 depending on the size of your manuscript.
Whichever method you choose, it comes down to "Pay the Man, upload/ mail your manuscript, confirm your application" and you're good to go. I used the eCO method and received rapid fire confirmation emails. If you use methods two or three, let me know how they confirm so I can pass it on to other readers.
The USCO is nice enough to give a turnaround time. As of this writing, it's nine months for an electronic filing and a whopping twenty-two months for Form CO or paper filings.
Keep a copy of all transactions with the USCO. While you wait for that lovely certificate of registration, these are your proof of application. It may seem pricey and frustrating, but in the end the protection is well worth the effort.
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