The instant you create a work of fiction in the U.S. you own the copyright. You can reproduce it, sell it, or give it away for nothing if you want. Feel free to let everyone know, too. In fact, it's encouraged. Put that little symbol on every page if you want.
(c) 2099 Yours Truly
Try it; it's empowering.
That work will be your copyright and that of your heirs for 70 years after your death. Great, right? Nothing to worry about.
Well, not exactly. Consider this: Your novel sells well, you make money, you quit your day job and dive headlong into your new full-time writing career, bolstered in your choice by your recent success. And then some crazy starts selling your work as his own. (Why, you ask? I don't know. He's crazy. It could happen!). Time to sue him.
The thing is, though, you can't bring an infringement lawsuit unless you have registered with the Copyright Office. Plus, let's be honest, wouldn't you like to walk into court with a nice official document printed on really official paper that says that you are, in fact, the copyright holder, slam it down on the dais and walk out in abject triumph? And wouldn't it be nice if such a document and the official registration that went along with it were only $35? Happy you. It is. Right here: http://copyright.gov/eco/
This is what the gub'ment has to say about officially registering your copyright:
Registration is recommended for a number of reasons. Many choose to register their works because they wish to have the facts of their copyright on the public record and have a certificate of registration. Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in successful litigation. Finally, if registration occurs within 5 years of publication, it is considered prima facie evidence in a court of law.
. . .
In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work.
too.
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