I'm about to get an editor and submit my full book to a publisher.
I had my book notarized. Then I put it in a large orange envelope and mailed it to myself so the UPS could put a date stamp on it.
Is this enough? Should I do more? What other low-budget copyright methods can I use?
Neither of those things will really do anything to provide you with any protection in a court of law. As far as a "low-budget" copyright method, the only thing you need to do is add the following line to the bottom of your manuscript:
Copyright 2015, Author Name
It's just as simple as that. Make sure that you have a copy for yourself before you send it off to the publisher. I see a lot of people who are worried that a publisher is going to steal their manuscript or take away their copyright. Believe me, they will make their money if they decide they like your book, so they will have no desire to steal away your copyright. If you are truly concerned about protecting your work, then register it with the US Copyright Office. It will only cost you about $35.
I am not a lawyer. But according to copyright.gov, in the US, once you create a work, you have copyright protection. But you can register your copyright for added protection.
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. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration.”
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. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration” and Circular 38b, Highlights of Copyright Amendments Contained in the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA), on non-U.S. works.
