As I interact with independent publishers each day, the issue of copyright often arises. Is my work safe? How do I protect my manuscript from being stolen? What many don’t realize is that their work is already under copyright protection. Both published and unpublished “original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression” are covered under U.S. copyright law. From the moment you pen (or type!) your manuscript, it is protected. So, why go through the work and the expense of copyright registration if it’s already protected? You should officially register your work for the legal protection it provides. Without registration, you will be unable to bring a lawsuit for copyright infringement, since registration establishes you as the copyright owner. For more information, fees and registration forms, visit www.copyright.gov