Some
writers are unnecessarily paranoid about sending out their material
without a registered copyright. As I have said, they have automatic protection,
whether it is registered or not. Although there may be rare
exceptions, editors/publishers do not steal the material that is
submitted to them. It would not be worth the risk to their
reputation. Even stealing a writer’s idea is usually
counterproductive, since it is an author’s unique connection to or
treatment of the topic that makes most ideas valuable to the
publisher.
Some
writers believe that if they complete a manuscript and mail a copy to
themselves, it will prove that they wrote a particular piece at a
certain time. This has become almost an urban myth. Since postmarks
can be falsified, such a letter will not stand up in court. If you
have a valid reason to protect your material—as indicated
above—then spend the $45 for the copyright registration.
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