I've recently finished writing a book that I want to self-publish and sell soon. I just discovered that it takes 4 months for the US copyright office to process an application for copyright. I understand, however, that it's technically my intellectual property as soon as I write it, and that the official copyright is only necessary for litigation. If I apply for copyright right now and go ahead and publish and sell the book, how do I include a copyright page without any official notice? thanks

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First, as a pro writer I do not recommend anyone self-publish, as there's no money in it. Most self-pub books never sell more than 5-10 copies, meaning you will never make back the 35.00 you will spend securing the copyright. If you use an upfront money vanity press, you will never make back your expenses. Lulu and CreateSpace (I think) allow you a no-cost upload, but you still won't have sales, or books in the stores. Second, you just put that c with a circle symbol in the front inside page of the book next to your name, same as you see in the pro pubbed books. Third, join this writer's forum. It's FREE and run by pros, and they have a very active thread for writers who choose to self-publish. http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/ They can better help you with all aspects of self-publishing better than random strangers here on Yahoo.

If you're really concerned go to your local lawyer who'll charge about $250. Or you could send a self addressed stamped envelope and use the post mark as proof of the day you registered your idea. Self publishing is the route taken by those lacking talent. I agree with MM. You'll end up paying through the nose to self publish and only your family and friends will ever buy your book. Publishing houses have crackerjack public relations/marketing staff to sell your book. I doubt if anyone would steal your book idea since professionals publish less than 1% of all query ideas submitted. It's best to put yourself out there and accept rejection from editors, actually editorial assistants, rather than dreaming of being a famous writer worthy of having material stolen from you.

Before you do anything drastic, let me let you in on something. Publishing is synonymous to getting that copyright for protecting your book which is why it is highly important to publish it -- which also means that your publisher will definitely take care of it. Once you give your book to them for production they are the ones who will get your copyright at the same time so that by the time your book will be published, it will already have a copyright page on it. :) Make certain you choose a publisher who will take care of you and your book at the same time. It's fun that you get to see your book published with the same expertise and professionalism as the regular books that you see in bookstores. If you are looking for self-publishing companies to publish your book, I know of a few companies that practically holds court to everything a book needs from getting you your copyright, size preferences, book cover design customization, layout consultation, copyediting and even marketing – at affordable costs. Best of luck! :)