How can you copyright effectively for the US market?

[Gig]

Is there an effective (& inexpensive) way to effectively copyright a work prior to submission to a US agent?

[andy hughes]

I'm not sure what sort of 'work' you mean, but if it's printed, you can post a copy to yourself. Enclose a letter confirming that you are the originator and owner of the copyright, and date it, and have it witnessed and dated. Post it to yourself,Recorded Delivery, keep the receipt, and leave it sealed. If there is a copyright issue, this will prove that the work belongs to you. Easy, and inexpensive, but make sure you have your copy opened in the presence of a solicitor.

[LeMarchand]

I'd make sure that you send the manuscript to the agent recorded or some other "signed for" delivery. Otherwise they could use the "Rowling Defense" of claiming that they there was no way they could have seen your manuscript.

[Didwot]

Copyright arises automatically upon the creation of an original artistic work, and does not require you do do anything. In the UK it is governed by the Copyright Design and Patents Act, and across Eurpoe by the Berne Convention. The Americas have thier own convention on copyright, and that and the Berne Convention are brought together in the International Copyright Convention, which gives rise to the use ofthe "c" in a circle logo designating that you are claiming copyright under that convention. Ask a competent lawyer.