If you produce an original piece of written material (whether it be fiction, nonfiction book, song, movie script, etc.), your first task should be to protect it. The good news is that most countries have measures by which this can be done expeditiously, inexpensively and efficiently; the bad news is that, in spite of these measures, sometimes things go awry.
Do Manuscripts Get Stolen?
It’s rare for manuscripts to get stolen, although it does happen. Most organizations that solicit/accept original-material manuscripts eagerly compensate writers for their efforts. They do this not just to be nice but because they generally keep most of the proceeds. Considering how expensive publishing/marketing a book can be, their services should be appreciated.
If the work goes to a publisher, they provide copyright protection upon publication. Before this happens, however, writers can take pre-emptive measures.
Are There Inexpensive, Quick Ways to Protect Manuscripts?
- Send the manuscript to yourself through a certified/registered letter; keep the package unopened. The courts consider official mail to be proof that, at the very least, the document was in your possession as of the envelope’s post-marked date.
- Send the work to the Library of Congress’ Copyright Office. For a nominal fee, you can protect your material using the same method big publishers utilize. It’s best if you package everything legibly/neatly (typed pages in a binder are fine!), correctly fill out the official form and keep a copy of the same when returned to you “officially-stamped.”
- Have the work notarized. If the manuscript is lengthy, have key pages (Page of Contents, Title Page, etc.) signed and dated; otherwise, have every page stamped by a licensed notary public. The notary public cannot testify that you are the author but, rather, his/her stamp is evidence of your having had the material as of the date posted.
- Have the material (or excerpts/sections) published in one of many free-article databases. While these sites generally do not pay authors, they can provide instant copyright notice. Be mindful, however, that publishers seeking original, “unpublished” works may be less inclined to print your workmanship.
- Publish the work on online sites/electronic publications that only want first serial rights. In these instances, you maintain the right to re-publish the material. Again, this option may interfere with deals requiring only “unpublished” works, although there may be less of an objection if you only publish sections/excerpts of a manuscript.
- Show the work to other people. Providing credible witnesses to your having had the work on a certain date can be compelling evidence.
- Pay a fee to organizations/societies which offer copyrighting services. These entities keep copies of works and can be called to testify on your behalf.
Conclusion
Although the manuscripts you send out are, in most cases, safe from theft (if you send them to reputable organizations), you will not lose much by taking simple precautions. Be aware, though, that copyright laws differ in each country. On the other hand, most countries subscribe to the Berne Convention—as such, your work is protected the minute you put it in legible form. Laws, however, do not always deter theft—hence your need to be cautious.