1. SapereAude

    SapereAude Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2021
    Messages:
    1,714
    Likes Received:
    1,359

    Library of Congress processing time?

    Discussion in 'Self-Publishing' started by SapereAude, Feb 7, 2022.

    I sent the required two copies of my first book to the Library of Congress (to register my copyright) in March of last year. I followed that with two copies of my second book in June. The Library of Congress still shows both copyright registrations as "Open" (meaning incomplete), and a search of the LOC catalog doesn't come up with any hits when I search on my name.

    Okay, COVID-19 and everything, but how long does the Library of Congress usually take to open a package and check off that the mandatory deposit has been received?
     
  2. Homer Potvin

    Homer Potvin A tombstone hand and a graveyard mind Staff Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2017
    Messages:
    12,058
    Likes Received:
    19,670
    Location:
    Rhode Island
    You sent a physical package? Last time I did that (1998) it took about 3 months, not that that helps. Digital copies about the same, but it's been 10 years at least.
     
  3. SapereAude

    SapereAude Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2021
    Messages:
    1,714
    Likes Received:
    1,359
    Well, yes, I did -- because as I read the criteria for digital submissions, I didn't think a printed, non-fiction book qualified for digital upload. From the LOC web site:

    I don't do exclusively e-books, so I don't think my books fall into any of the above categories.
     
  4. Cephus

    Cephus Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2014
    Messages:
    850
    Likes Received:
    953
    It says ONE of the following categories. Is it an unpublished work? If so, it qualifies.
     
  5. SapereAude

    SapereAude Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2021
    Messages:
    1,714
    Likes Received:
    1,359
    My books are all for sale on the Internet. I'd say that qualifies as "published."
     
  6. SapereAude

    SapereAude Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2021
    Messages:
    1,714
    Likes Received:
    1,359
    I have my answer. Saturday's mail (February 19, 2022) brought the copyright certificate from the Library of Congress.

    Year of creation: 2021
    Date of first publication: January 31, 2021
    Effective date of registration: March 08, 2021
    Registration decision date: January 22, 2022

    So it's taking the Library of Congress more than ten MONTHS to process copyrights.
     
    Dogberry's Watch likes this.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice