How Do I Copyright A Poem?

Question

What is the process? Do I pay PER poem or is it for all of my poems, also how much would it cost to say copyright 30 of my poems? or even just one?! thanks!

Answer 1

A writer obtains a copyright by simply stating it at the bottom of their piece of writing ie.--- Copyright 2013(your full name). All Rights Reserved.The rub here is, when someone plagiarises you, do you have the piece registered so you can provide proof in court of the theft? So, you need to register your copyright with the Library Of Congress, or another reputable registration organization. At this moment I believe the Library Of Congress charges about $60.00 per piece of writing(sent snail mail), or $39.00(approx) if you do it electronically over the internet. They do have some sort of a reduced rate if you publish a collection of poems under one title, and it can save you a fair amount of money.(talk to the Library of Congress online for exact collection details) Probably every writer has heard of or used a poormans copyright(sending your written piece to yourself through the snail mail to get a postmark on it, then not opening it up). These don't stand up in court. Think of your creation,(as your baby) don't subject it to kidnapping. Hope That Helps----------william

Answer 2

The poem I am about to show you is copyrighted the minute I hit the send button. I wrote it when I was 17. Feel free to share yours, and put your name or pseudonym at the end so we know whom to credit if we share it.



Dew It!!



The sky was on the verge of tears

As I floated down the street.

I’d only had a couple of beers.

That’s not why I felt so neat!



I’d just tried the new wonder high,

It worked just like a charm.

And no stuffed-shirt FDA guy

Would tell you it does harm.



This latest thing since the speed attack,

Which is legal, through and through,

Costs you three bucks for a six-pack,

Its label reads “Mountain Dew”.



Just hold a can up to your nose,

And before you bat an eye,

Tilt it up and breathe in hard,

And spiral towards the sky.



Carbonation is the key,

It can’t work when it’s flat.

You got to have the bubbles, see,

Cause that is where it’s at!



Snorting “Dew” has some drawback,

It makes you cough and choke.

Or maybe even worse than that,

You’ll do the hard stuff – Coke!



Mountain Dew junkies are everywhere,

They’re always kind and mellow.

Their nostrils are big since they need more air,

And their faces are turning yellow.



Those Dew snorters end up every time

At Over-Dewers Anonymous.

(I’ve run out of words which rhyme,

There’s no use going on with this!)



Laughing Dolphin Music

(Your Uncle Dodge)

Answer 3

You don't need to take out a formal copyright on a poem: individual poems hardly ever make enough money to be worth plagiarising.



Poets who make a living from their poetry (a tiny percentage - and by no means the best) do so by offering creative writing courses, teaching poetry, through book reviews or radio adaptations:- the poetry itself never generates a significant income stream.



If you want to assert copyright on a collection of poems, the easy and cheapest way is to publish them. If you can publish them in a respectable magazine (either print or online) - that will gain them a certain amount of respect; but even private publishing (through a site like Lulu) will assert copyright.



To apply for creative writing grants, or teaching positions, or course tutor appointments - you will need a substantial body of work which has been published and/or reviewed across a substantial body of respected publications.



Plagiarising an individual poem is relatively easy, but pointless (very little kudos, no money, substantial penalties if you get caught). Plagiarising a poet's identity is nearly impossible.

Answer 4

You don't need to do anything anymore to obtain copyright. With the Berne Convention, copyright is vested in a creative work the moment it is in fixed form.



Assuming you are American, you could write to the Copyright Office and obtain a copyright certificate for the work, but this doesn't actually give you copyright (since the work already has copyright). But should you sue someone for using your work without permission, the copyright registration will allow you to collect triple damages.