Do I need to copyright my stories?

[AuthorFleurL]

Hi all, I am a new member, and a new writer/published author. I want to publish a short story collection a publisher in Florida is looking like the right choice for me, living here in Warwick, Qld. Do I need to copyright my work to protect it, and if so, how do I do this? I have had my previous 3 novels published in London, under British copyright, this time I am looking at a different publisher. Thanks for your help.

[JacquiPryor]

Hi [USER=115679]@AuthorFleurL[/USER] Welcome.

Copyright is automatic. If you are the author, you are the copyright holder – and this extends across most borders. You are entitled therefore to include a copyright notice and relevant information on your written work – and enforce your rights in the event of an infringement. See (in Australia) https://www.copyright.org.au/ for some information.

My understanding in the US is that whilst they do have a copyright office – where you can register your work, it is voluntary to do so but may be required in order to bring any legal action against someone for infringement – see https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html#mywork

Trust this helps and all the best with it

[Author]

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