To copyright or not to

[Diandra]

I am slightly confused about the copyright issue. Some say you really need a copyright before you start sending out your work to agents or publishers. But then, I hear you work is protected by the international copyright law and you automatically have a copy right on it even if it's not registered. Should I get a copyright now, or do people wait until their work is getting published by a publisher?

[dpaterso]

Just asking -- have you read the FAQ: Copyright thread in this forum:

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58845

-Derek

[ResearchGuy]

I am slightly confused about the copyright issue. . . .
Let me recommend www.copyright.gov -- esp. the Copyright Basics and the FAQ. Note the difference between copyright and registration of copyright.

--Ken