Copywriting Question

[Heidi Fledderjohn]

Hey all web-heads
question from a definite technophobe,
I have written a meditation guide for a ranch in the mountains of Montana where I teach Source Work retreats. The ranch ownership wants to put it on their web site. They said something about copywriting. Can anyone lead me towards info on how this works, if it works and how to go about it?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am definitly out of my element here. - Thanks Heidi

[John Uhri]

Is your question about copyrighting the meditation guide or writing copy for the website? It sounds like you have already done the copy writing.

[Heidi Fledderjohn]

Thanks-
Good question.
It has not been copy writed. I was unsure about that step, I have quotes in the guide, that are not mine. All athors have been credited ,but I don't know the rules about complete referencing. The ranch ownership seems to want to protect my writng when it gets out in to the ether.

[Duke Snyder]

It is copywrited simply by existing. First suggestion is to place the copywrite symbol upon anything in which you publish your work and include the year(s) it has existed as your work.
In broadcast and print journalism we always made a copy of the piece we wanted others to seek permission before using, placed the copywrite symbol upon it and simply a copy by registered mail to yourself. Do not open this for any reason...secure it in a vault or safety deposit box. This is only to have ready in the event you needed to sue someone later for infringement and having this sealed registered letter would serve as proof you had published the copywrited material at least as early as your postmark indicates.
To satisfy yourself further I suggest visiting the Intellectual Propety website.
Relax Heidi, you don't necessarily need to think of paying any part of an attorney's office rent this month lol. It actually is a very secure DIY thing.

[Heidi Fledderjohn]

Thanks Duke,
I will definately send the piece off to myself!
I appreciate your help. - Heidi

[Joh Padgett]

I'm not sure where to begin with this. First things first, definitions. Copyright is the securing of the rights to a creative work of your own creation. Copy writing is the act of writing copy for a publication.

Secondly, copyright is established the moment you create any form of intellectual property, the mail it to yourself DIY copyright, however, holds no legal rights. If you want to be able to sue someone for violating your copyright it must be registered with the US Copyright Office. Here is a handy FAQ about Copyrights.

[Heidi Fledderjohn]

Thanks for your thoughts and links, Joh.
I will check out the sites you suggest. I have read a little and it seems that the act of mailing it to yourself is not a legally binding act. So more may be called for. I am on the path! - Heidi