NWR: Copyrighting a book

[JimHow]

Does anyone know anything about copyrighting?
The first draft of my novel is complete but I haven't yet begun research into publishing it.
It seems to me I should have it copyrighted before I start sending it out to publishers, agents, etc.
I've glanced quickly at the website for the U.S. Copyright Office, it looks pretty simple but I'm a little confused, there seem to be two different fees, one for $35 and one for $115, and I'm not sure I understand the difference between "registration" and "pre-registration," etc.
I'm wondering if anyone here has ever had anything copyrighted and if you have any quick advice.
Thanks.

[Chasse-Spleen]

I've copyrighted songs before. You can call them and they're quite helpful. I don't know the number(s), but the info is all on the web. You have to try and call at certain times with questions because they're very busy and have very high volume at peak times.

-Chris

[AlexR]

Hi Jim,

As far as I know, a book is not copyrighted, it is registered with the Library of Congress.

This garish link is to a broker who does this: http://www.isbn.org/standards/home/index.asp

I am not sure whether or not a broker is strictly necessary.

Under certain conditions, apparently, and ISBN number can be assigned before publication
http://pcn.loc.gov/

All the best,
Alex R.

[JimHow]

Thanks, that's correct, a book is copyrighted the instant you put it on paper.
The registration process looks pretty easy.

[William P]

Well, as soon as you put it to page you have a common law copyright. However to sue for infringement I understand you have to get a fed copyright which is obtained by filing with the Library of Congress.

[JimHow]

Ah I see...

[hautbrionlover]

Well, it's not called a common law copyright anymore (it's protected under federal law), but that's the gist of it.
As soon as something is put in a fixed form (in this case, when it's recorded on paper), a copyright exists in it.
A federal registration is a requirement for being able to sue for infringement (if it's a US work, which yours is, of course) and for certain remedies (statutory damages and attorneys fees) in certain situations.

[JimHow]

Thanks HBL, that confirms my understanding.
The U.S. Copyright website registration process looks pretty easy to navigate.

[hautbrionlover]

By the way, even though failing to do so no longer sends a work into the public domain, it is always best to put a copyright notice ("Copyright [or the encircled "c"] + author's name + year of creation) on the cover of the manuscript.

[JimHow]

Thanks HBL, now I need to beging the daunting task of query letters, agents, and publishers.
I have zero expectations, I'm sure it will be rejected many times over.
My buddy Steve who many BWEers have met read the full manuscript last week and he liked it, and he is one of the most negative people I know....

[JimHow]

I've decided John Lurie should play the protagonist lawyer in the movie adaptation of my novel.

[JimHow]

The legal thriller manuscript, ready to be copyrighted....

Does anyone know a good literary agent????