🚀 go-pugleaf

>   I am currently writing a book on signal processing and signal theory
>and feel it may be a good idea to copyright the manuscript before I submit
>it to the publisher.  This would offer some legal protection.  

I've written lots of books and have never heard of a publisher trying to
steal a manuscript.  The problem is much more to get them to read your
book rather than send it back unread.  Copyrighting it won't help there.

>   Question: Does anybody know how to secure a copyright?

The mechanics are simple: you put appropriate notices in your document,
then send two copies to the Library of Congress along with some filled out
forms and a check for $20.

To get the forms, call the copyright forms line at 202 707 9100 and ask
for a copy of Circular 1, which describes copyright in general, and Form
TX, which is the one you use for books.

Regards,
John Levine, johnl@iecc.cambridge.ma.us, {spdcc|ima|world}!iecc!johnl