Can anyone explain how to copyright

[MalikZiplock]

Hello,
Can anyone help me?
I need to know what the best way is to copyright my
material. I have a so many songs, but am too afraid to
shop them around, at least until I know how to protect
myself. Is there anyone out there who can shed light
on my problem please?
Greatly Appreciated
MZ

[bretth]

Go the main Copyright Office website at www.copyright.gov/

If you just have the completed lyrics written in their entire expression that will be performed in front of an audience, ex. radio, CD, in concert; you will need to fill out a "Form PA" or a "Short Form PA" under the "Performance Arts" category.

If your songs have been recorded, you will need to fill out a "Form SR" under the "Sound Recordings" category.

Generally, copyright protection extends to two elements in a sound recording: (1) the performance and (2) the production or engineering of the sound recording.

In other words, if you have both, you will need to fill out a Form SR and a Form PA. Your total cost would be $60 for the registrations.

Hope this helps.