How do I stop people from stealing my book idea?
I have recently written a book which I think could be the next Da Vinci code...maybe .. . :) But I just want to know.. How can I protect my book idea when I take it to different publishers to prevent them from just copying it?
Any help will be appreciated...
Thanks!
Answers:
You can't stop people from taking ideas - but you can copyright your book. All you need to do is put a copyright notice on it. You'll get more protection from registering your copyright - you can get the details at www.copyright.gov
The best advice in the world for writers looking to get published is to get a copy of the current edition of The Writer's Market -- it's at your local library.
Copyright it.
Google: U.S. Register of Copyrights
Go to copyright.gov. It will help you fill out a form and submit what you have to the U.S. copyright office. You will receive a certificate in the mail registering your newly registered work! Once you receive that certificate, no one can take your stuff!
Good luck, can't wait to see it on the shelves!
here's what you do ...
you post a copy of your book to your solicitor with hand dated post receipts on both the package and your slip.
your solicitor puts same into his 'forever' file.
some time later, you approach potential agents and/or publishing houses with your manuscript.
that way, if they reject you and later publish essentially the same work under someone else's name, your solicitor has the provable (dated) receipts to show they thieved your work.
your solicitor will fill in the details.
GL
Now, more than likely if you take it to reputable publishers you shouldn't have a problem. Simon & Schuster isn't going to steal your idea. Now if you find some online, "We will publish your book in 60 days or it is free" thing it is probably a scam. I would also speak to a lawyer familiar with publishing, he should be able to guide you in the right direction.
Technically, as soon as you created the book, it was copyrighted, but if you ever need to file a lawsuit, you need to register it with the copyright office. Here are some basic FAQs that you should look at.
Good luck! And when you become famous, remember the little people!
http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-ge...
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