Copyright Picture Book Text before Submitting?

No.

If the book is accepted for publication, the publisher will obtain the copyright in your name. You are protected by statutory copyright but don't put the copyright symbol anywhere on the manuscript. Some editors see it as a sign of paranoia, an inflated ego or an attempt to resubmit a previously published work.

also books change as they go through the editorial process. you want the copyright to reflect the final published book.

Copyright

You already have as much copyright as you'll ever get. Registration really doe sno more than put a time stamp on the copyright you already own. If you ever decide to self-publish, however, register the book. And be careful. Some very small publishers expect the writer to register the book.

Hi ck45! Fortunately, copyright laws have changed over the years, and you don't need to put the copyright symbol on your ms. (In fact, don't!) You can review the law here: http://www.copyright.gov/. According to the US Copyright Office: "Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device."

But if it makes you feel better, you can always send it to yourself in a well-sealed envelope via "Certified US Mail, Return Receipt Requested." When it comes to you in the mail, sign for it, date it, and file it away. Do not open it. There is your proof, should you ever need it.

NO, NO, NO.

Poor Man's Copyright is a myth. It doesn't mean anything, it doesn't prove anything. Save yourself the cost of a stamp.

I second Richard--what's to keep you from getting that precious dated postmark stamped on an empty, unsealed envelope?

This is a myth that refuses to die.

Maryn, who'd stab it with rusty scissors if she could

If I am wrong, I stand corrected. I have always heard this is a viable, albeit not the most desireable way, to protect your work.

However, Towson University is the second largest university in Maryland. Please note what their Office of Technology Services has this to say on the subject of Copyright:

"Document your ownership of the fixed work at a certain date. An easy way to do this is to package a copy of the work in a sealed mailer and send it to yourself at your legal address, via registered mail . Keep the receipt to document the date and keep the package sealed in case you need it in the future. This works like a time capsule to document that you had the idea in fixed form at a certain date and can be used as proof of prior ownership against a challenge.

These techniques are usually considered temporary measures. They are intended only to serve as notice and warning that you have a vested interest in the work, or to document your ownership of the item at a specific date.

To fully benefit from the law and protect your intellectual property rights, including the right to take action against an infringement, you must legally register the work with the U.S. Copyright Office at the Library of Congress."

http://wwwnew.towson.edu/adminfinance/ots/ciat/HowDoIProtectMyWork.asp

It doesn't matter what they say - the US copyright people themselves cover it in their FAQ:

I’ve heard about a “poor man’s copyright.” What is it?
The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a “poor man’s copyright.” There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration.

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It's a waste of a stamp. It's far too easy to abuse, meaning that anyone you show it to has to already believe that you're telling the truth - useless in any form of argument. Any even remotely competent lawyer will see it out of court within milliseconds, even if it's totally legitimate.

Jamesaritchie said:

You already have as much copyright as you'll ever get. Registration really doe sno more than put a time stamp on the copyright you already own.

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Not true. In the USA (one of the few countries that offers a formal registration process), registration is a pre-requisite to filing an infringement suit. You cannot sue in court unless you've previously registered your copyright.

Infringement is not a worry until you're published, though, so I don't advise registering unpublished work.

- Victoria