Comments on: The Non-Case of the Stolen Manuscript

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By: Barbara

Barbara — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:10:25 +0000

Manuscripts may not be so easily stolen–if at all, but beware of reading your stories to writers’ groups. My very unique, original story was stolen by someone in a group, rushed to a self publisher and onto Amazon. It is almost word for word and there is not one thing I can do about it. The author used a pseudonym, and I can’t trace her. In addition, I have been told that sending a manuscript to yourself does not hold up in court.

By: Sue Campbell

Sue Campbell — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:03:55 +0000

Excellent explanation of a much misunderstood concept. You wrote it, it’s yours—simple. Another way writers can protect their work if they are so scared is to email it to themselves. Or print it out and send it to themselves registered mail, but don’t unseal the envelope when it comes. Both of these methods should hold up in court.

As a writer participating in an open and welcoming critique group, I hear this fear from new writers all the time. They are afraid to post excerpts online, which may or may not be a legitimate concern. But also I have seen people fearful of submitting work to the writing group, where let’s face it, we are all in the same boat! I have said many times to these paranoid sorts, we’re not going to steal your work, we’re here to get our own work critiqued. Some are even reluctant to share their IDEAS for their stories, as if we’d write anything even recognizable to them. Nonsense.

To prove it, give a writing prompt to any group of people and see the diversity of written works that result. NO ONE will write the same piece that you will, it is filtered through your brain, your life experiences, and your beliefs—not to mention your writing style and ability. So calm down and share with your support community.