Q.How can writers of poetry and short stories get their work published? Do I need to copyright my work before I try to publish it?
A. Most short story writers and poets begin by submitting their work to literary magazines or journals. This is a good way to make your entrance into the publishing world and get the attention of editors, agents, and other writers.
As far as copyrighting, in the FAQs on Copyright. gov, it reads the following, “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.” While original writing (published and unpublished) is immediately protected under copyright law, you may choose to register a copyright to create a public record, which makes it easier to defend your copyright in a court of law. That decision is completely up to you.
