Question about Copyright Issue

[Guest]

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Americans!!

I was considering submitting some poetry to various places for possible publishing, but before doing so would like to be clear on the issue of the whole copyright issue. When submitting something how does one go about proving that the work is really yours and that you wrote it if it comes up in the future? I can't afford to go the fancy way to have every poem officially copyrighted as I'm sure that would cost a small fortune. Someone suggested that I try the 'poor man's copyright' way which would be to place a copy of the poem inside a sealed envelope and mail it to myself somehow keeping track of what was inside each one and leaving them sealed, thus having the sealed envelopes marked with the postmarked date and that in court such a thing would stand up if the need ever arose.

Any thoughts on this subject? Suggestions? I'm all ears here people. (lol)

 

[Un-registered]

... somehow keeping track of what was inside each one ...

Just write the title on the outside.

... leaving them sealed ...

Court standard tamper proof sealing is difficult. Much better to deposit them with an independent notary who will certify date of deposit and authenticity. Of course digitally signed computer records can now be notarised.

NO court acceptable method of proving prior claim is cheap. Take my word for it, compusec is my profession and proof of date is a major headache in fraud cases.

 

[deliciously_naughty]

Unreg

Here's the thing, although plagarism does happen, it is hardly frequent. Also, what it sounds like is that you're worried that the publisher will print your work and NOT give you credit. Is that the issue? You do seem a little over concerned about this.