A published or unpublished book or manuscript may be submitted for registration in the Copyright Office. Form TX should be used to apply for copyright registration for textual works, with or without illustrations. Form TX is appropriate for registration of non-dramatic literary works including: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, contributions to collective works, compilations, directories, catalogs, dissertations, theses, reports, speeches, bound or looseleaf volumes, pamphlets, brochures, and single pages containing text. Form SE should be used to apply for copyright registration for serial publications including: periodicals, newspapers, magazines, bulletins, newsletters, annuals, and journals.
To register a book or manuscript, send the following three elements in the same envelope or package to the Register of Copyrights, Copyright Office, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20559:
1. A completed application Form TX;
2. A non-refundable filing fee of $20.00;
3. A non-returnable deposit of the work. The deposit requirements depend on whether the work has been published at the time of registration:
ΓÇó If the work is unpublished, one
complete copy or phonorecord.
ΓÇó If the work was first published in the
United States on or after January 1,
1978, two complete copies or
phonorecords of the best edition.
ΓÇó If the work was first published in the
United States before January 1, 1978,
two complete copies or phonorecords
as first published.
ΓÇó If the work was first published outside
of the United States, one complete copy
or phonorecord of the work as first
published.
ΓÇó If the work is a contribution to a
collective work, and published after
January 1, 1978, one complete copy or
phonorecord of the best edition of the
collective work.
Copyright protects only the particular manner of an author's expression in literary, artistic, or musical form. Copyright protection does not extend to names, titles, short phrases, ideas, systems, or methods.
