A poetry question

[Will Hay]

I've some poetry and a short story I wrote about seven or eight years ago which I'm quite proud of.
Don't get me wrong, I don't think it's award winning material or anything but I'd be interested to know how it's percieved, how good it is from the perspective of a writer/publisher
I'm a little loathed to show it online and wondered if anyone has any experience of having work published, how they went about it, did they patent/have it copyrighted first, where did they send it?
I've seen a couple of 'scams' where you can pay £50 and have it published in a book of similar (novice) work, but I'd rather have it printed for free with a legitimate publisher than increase my ego by paying for it to be included.
I suppose what I'm saying is I'm worried about having it 'stolen' and not recieving the credit.
Any help would be appreciated.
Many thanks,
Will

[The village idiot]

Depending on the court... When it is created, it is copyrighted. Big movement in photography a few years ago. Mostly if you can prove you did it first, then you will win. But copyright certainly can not hurt. Certain countries do not recognize other countries copyright, so it might still be a crap shoot.

[Gees]

Hi Will,

I've never attempted to have any writings published - I would just self -publish on my own site.

But as for print publishing, if it were poetry, I'd look into some of the poetry magazines that accept submissions. I think that'd be the best place/way to get feedback from a targeted audience - people interested in poetry.

I would think book publishers cull those mags looking for material for permanent collections, so - who knows - maybe you'd be discovered! and get famous that way!

Just an idea.

TVI is correct about intellectual property - writing, ideas and such. Patenting doesn't apply, but the writings are yours and can not be copied without violating laws. Just be sure to have a way to prove you wrote it and when. Make sure it is dated before publishing anywhere.

Good luck. :c) And - if you ever go for it - let us know where to find it.

[Will Hay]

Thanks Gees/Idiot,
I'll dig a little further and see what I come up with.

And - if you ever go for it - let us know where to find it.

Hmm, not sure I could handle the feedback from this crowd, I'm not always the most popular and I don't think my pride could take the assault
Will

[Hardcoreruss]

One of my friends at my old job did this. Can't remember the specifics but one of them was mail a copy of his work back to himself and never open it. To prove the date etc...

[housepig]

One of my friends at my old job did this. Can't remember the specifics but one of them was mail a copy of his work back to himself and never open it. To prove the date etc...

that won't stand up in court, even if it's a registered letter that was never opened. the "Poor Man's Copyright" scheme is a myth.

Will, if you are that attached to the work, copyright it. In the US, you can file your work with the Copyright office for around $20-30. If you take a bunch of stuff you like, you can publish it all in a little chapbook, and copyright the entire thing for the same price.

I would be surprised, with the rush to globalize and standardize copyright and Intellectual Property worldwide, if the UK did not have a similar system, with similar rates.

But if you ever think you're going to care enough to go to court, file for copyright and get the certificate....

[i_am_dave]

Will,

There once was a man from Nantucket........

No, seriously, I've just pinged one of our tech writers who has published before.
I think she should have some ideas. I'll let you know the results as soon as she responds.

[Will Hay]

Thanks Dave, and thanks to everyone who has (and hopfully still is) contributing.
If I feel enough warmth I may give you a link to my work
But then again, I'm too
Will