Download Here: Poem Collection Planner

James Baldwin

What is copyright?
Copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright covers both published and unpublished works.

A copyright gives the owner of copyright the exclusive right to do and to authorize others to do the following: 

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  • To reproduce the work in copies or phonorecords;
  • To prepare derivative works based upon the work;
  • To distribute copies or phonorecords of the work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending;
  • To perform the work publicly, in the case of literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works, pantomimes, and motion pictures and other audiovisual works;
  • To display the work publicly, in the case of literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works, pantomimes, and pictorial, graphic, or sculptural works, including the individual images of a motion picture or other audiovisual work.

What does copyright protect?
Copyright, a form of intellectual property-law, protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed.

How is a copyright different from a patent or a trademark?
Copyright protects original works of authorship, while a patent protects inventions or discoveries. Ideas and discoveries are not protected by the copyright law, although the way in which they are expressed may be. A trademark protects words, phrases, symbols, or designs identifying the source of the goods or services of one party and distinguishing them from those of others.
How is a copyright different from a patent or a trademark?

When is my work protected?
Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.

Do I have to register with your office to be protected?
No. 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.

Why should I register my work if copyright protection is automatic?
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.

I’ve heard about a “poor man’s copyright.” What is it?
The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a “poor man’s copyright.” There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration.

© US Library of Congress 2009

The short story word contest opens July  2, 2010. You can enter any time after 12:01 a.m.

When is the deadline for this contest?

This contest will not accept entries after 2:59 a.m. (cst) July 31, 2010.

How many pieces should I submit?

You should enter 1 short story up to 4500 words  in this contest.

How will I know if I won this contest?

The winner of this contest will be notified by e-mail no later than August 15, 2010.

What is the prize for this contest?

The Prize for this contest is our Chapbook Package Option 1. Which includes 5 copies of your bound collection (up to 80 pages) with a full color cover that you can customize yourself or choose one of our templates.

How do I enter this contest?

You may enter this contest by clicking here.

*Note: You should not enter this contest unless you have a full collection of your work that will be print-ready at the time of entering.

The essay contest opens  September 1, 2010. You can enter any time after 12:01 a.m.

When is the deadline for this contest?

This contest will not accept entries after 2:59 a.m. (cst) Septemeber 30, 2010.

How will I know if I won this contest?

The winner of this contest will be notified by e-mail no later than October 15, 2010.

How many pieces should I submit?

You should enter 1 essay up to 3000 words in this contest.

How do I enter this contest?

You may enter this contest by clicking here.

*Note: You should not enter this contest unless you have a full collection of your work that will be print-ready at the time of entering.

The poetry/spoken word contest opens August 1, 2010. You can enter any time after 12:01 a.m.

When is the deadline for this contest?

This contest will not accept entries after 2:59 a.m. (cst) August  31, 2010.

How many pieces should I submit?

You should enter 2 poems/spoken word pieces in this contest.

How will I know if I won this contest?

The winner of this contest will be notified by e-mail no later than September 15, 2010.

What is the prize for this contest?

The Prize for this contest is our Chapbook Package Option 1. Which includes 5 copies of your bound collection (up to 80 pages) with a full color cover that you can customize yourself or choose one of our templates.

How do I enter this contest?

You may enter this contest by clicking here.

*Note: You should not enter this contest unless you have a full collection of your work that will be print-ready at the time of entering.

What are they?

Sections/Chapters are an organized way to divide selections in your collection. Whether you divide poems by theme or essays by topic, this is a completely customizable way to gain focus from your reader. 

How to format?

How you format your Sections/Chapters is up to you. Commonly Sections are introduced by a page with nothing but the title of the section. Chapters are usually depicted by a number located on the first page of the new chapter.

How to format?

What size should it be?

How to format?

Template downloads:

• Microsoft
• Adobe Photoshop
• PDF