By Richard Rowley
You need to protect your original songs (legally) so you can make some money from them...
First: The copyright notice should arrear on all copies of your original songs, even if your songs have not been registered with the Copyright Office.
The copy right notice looks like this: (c) 2005 Johnny Songwiter
Next: Contact the Copyright Office and get the forms you need. Here is the address of the copyright office:
| U.S. Copyright Office |
| 101 Independence Ave. S.E. |
| Washington, D.C. 20559-6000 |
| (202 707-3000) |
Their web site: www.copyright.gov
If you are sending them a tape... you must first obtain their SR form. If you have a "lead sheet", then you would need the PA form.
Fill-out this form and mail it to them with $30.00/song... (it will then take about 5 to 6 months)...then you will receive your "official" proof that you are the copyright owner.