I've just told a book publisher where to find my script, but I've been told that my script isn't properly copyrighted, as I don't have the right documents. Can someone steal my script?

The act of creation grants copyright BUT most would advise that you register your work with the Library of Congress and/or the WGA... It's unlikely it will be stolen BUT you can remove the risk by registering it.

Don't forget, this protects what you've actually written, not general ideas and concepts.

Thanks. I phoned authorhouse.co.uk, and they said that they would be willing to have a look at my draft, 15,000 word script. Hopefully I haven't done something stupid, lol. I don't think I have, though, as they gave me lots of information about copyright, and seemed very helpful and honest. I think I can trust them... I hope, lol.

Simon

What is it you are actually trying to do with your script?

It's relatively unusual to get one put into book format...

This:

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-cc/m-1398873868

Library of Congress Copyright.  That's the gold standard.  Go with it.  :)

My five cents.

--J (W)

Thanks for your time, everyone. I am trying to get my script put into book format. I phoned Authorhouse, and they said publishing it should be fine. They also offered to deal with all the copyrighting. They haven't looked at my work yet, though.

i would copyright...if could understand their damn web site. i know its me!

for now ill use WGA until i get it sorted. i just don't have the patience.

Simon - out of interest, why are you putting it into a book?

Also, there a number of companies that do this type of print on demand, Authorhouse seem to have some negative reviews on the web... If shop around a little before choosing a supplier

Anthony

Thanks for looking around, and thanks, Bert, Wonkavite and Reef for your time. I'm feeling a little guilty, so I'll do some reviewing, lol. Fortunately, my dad knows someone who's had a book published, and he's going to get some advice from her. I'm putting it into a book, because I've had no luck with TV companies. Almost all of them ignored me. I guess I could keep trying with the TV companies, while I'm writing the book. Either way will be fine. if I work on my script and it turns out a TV company is interested, that will be great. Thanks, again.

Simon

It's unusual to put the script itself into a book, no one really reads scripts in books as they are available on the web very easily.

If you mean that you are going to turn your script into a short story (or long one), then that's different... but you can self publish to Amazon completely on your own - I did http://www.amazon.co.uk/Subterrene-Tales-Shadows-Anthony-Cawood-ebook/dp/B008CH4CE8/ it wasn't too difficult.

Have you tried putting your script on Inktip and places like that?

Alright, I might turn my script into a book, I have a lot of time on my hands at the moment. I'll check out Inktip, too. I'll probably go to Inktip first, though, as it's easier, lol. Thanks, again.

No worries Simon, I've written some articles on here for new writers trying to break in... they may be useful

http://simplyscripts.com/?s=damned%20script

Scroll down as the articles are in reverse order...

Thanks, I'll have a look at them tomorrow.