Remember to allow plenty of time to receive and send back the required forms. Ideally, you will want to plan to begin this process while you are writing the book, otherwise there could be a gigantic time lag. Independence Avenue S.E. Washington, DC 20559-6000 Allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery of forms. I am suggesting that you send for the copyright forms before you need them. Actual registered copyright can only be obtained after the book has been published.
Complete instructions come with the form.
Information obtained from the other contacts below will need to be published in your book. With very few exceptions, anything you write today will enjoy copyright protection for your lifetime plus 70 years. Titles, ideas and facts can NOT be copyrighted. If you choose not to register your book with the copyright office, I recommend that you send a copy of your book or manuscript to yourself by registered mail and let it remain unopened in your file. This will add to your credibility as to when the work was completed in the event you are ever involved in an infringement suit.