How do I get copyrights to a book I'm writing so I can promote it before it's released?

[Bruno]

I am writing a series of ebooks and want to make a twitter account for the main character to promote it while I am editing to lead the release...how does one get copyrights to their works are their forms to fill out or something?

[Ben]

go here

[ella]

It depends on the country you live in, but usually your work is copyrighted to you as soon as you create it. This means that theoretically you should be able to promote it before it's released, but be careful about people wanting to steal your ideas. Many writers send a copy of their manuscript to their local writer's union who will seal it away for you with a date (often for a small fee) so that if a copyright issue does come up, you have a verifiable copy to show in court. I wouldn't do any promotion before you've done that. Your best bet though would be to consult a lawyer BEFORE starting your promotion. They can tell you about the copyright laws in your country and advise you on how best to protect your copyright rights.

Good luck!

[Gemi]

Your story is already copyrighted by law as soon as it's written. But if you want formal protection, register with the copyright office.

U.S. copyright office: http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl109.html

Take note that self publishing impacts potential future contracts. Most publishers won't purchase copyrights unless it's the first serial copyright of the actual story. So keep that in mind if you intend to gain the interest of a legitimate publisher.

[meat]

Register your work through the Copyright office.

http://www.copyright.gov