Of course, a smart first-time author would simply ask, “How do you copyright a book?” but I am way too self conscious to do such a thing. I was a little worried that I would seem too green and I did not want to appear unprofessional when dealing with the publishing company. But I am green and I am an amateur in the publishing business.

When the representative from the publishing company spoke to me about the contract, I did ask one little question that may clue me in on how to copyright a book. I asked if the copyright was a requirement or if it was merely a suggestion. The representative said that it was merely a suggestion. He also mentioned that it may save me headaches in the future.

When you copyright a book you are simply letting the world know that you are the original creator of the book, invention or art design. The process is a kind of insurance that no one will try to take credit for your work. I bet that there is at least one writer who did not copyright a book and was sorry that he did not choose to in the end.

The book contract mentioned that the author of the text is responsible for paying the fees that are required when you copyright a book. I was surprised to discover that the fee was minimal and affordable. I was afraid that I would have to back out of the book deal if I couldn’t afford to copyright a book. Even if it were expensive, I would try to come up with the funds. I am that excited about having my first book in print.

If all goes well, I will have learned how to copyright a book while embarking on the adventure of having a text in print. The only thing I will have to worry about once the contracts and copyrights are in order is getting people to buy the book. But that’s another subject all together.