Going old school

It’s official: I submitted my thesis today. And, of course, my brain’s telling me about everything that doesn’t work and needs improving, but I figure it’s either submit it now or spend a couple more years working on it.

So, submitted it is.

I did one last step between revisions and submissions, and it’s one that none of my teachers ever mentioned, let alone required – I mailed myself a copy of my manuscript. Why? Because this is a time-tested way of proving ownership. It’s not a copyright, but it gives you a copy of your book officially date stamped by the post office. That way, if someone comes along and tries to steal your work, you can take your copy to court with you to prove when you finished your manuscript.

Like I said, it’s not a copyright, but that’s one of the last steps before publishing – after all of the rewrites are done. Crown Jewels isn’t there yet, but I can still prove it’s mine.