Every now and then I get a request for help in copyrighting something. Here’s an example:
“I am a singer/song writer who has just recorded my first single. I am trying to get my single in stores to be sold but I need it copywrited first. I wrote the lyrics to the song and need them copywrited before I put the single in stores so that no one will steal the music…do you do that kind of thing or would I need to look for someone else? I’m a bit confused.—L.D.”
Answer: no, L.D., that’s not what a copywriter does. (Although I think I know the answer: if you created it, you ALREADY own the copyright unless you expressly sign it over to somebody else. But hey, I’m a copywriter, not a lawyer, so don’t take my word for it.)
For an excellent depiction of what a copywriter DOES do, check out this short movie on the Veer website. In case you don’t have 7 minutes to spare, here’s a synopsis. Copywriter gets a job in a design agency. He keeps showing his work around for feedback and nobody ever has anything to say. Finally he realizes all the designers are illiterate. He teaches them to read and write—and then gets fired. As his boss explains, “now we can write our own copy, so we don’t need you any more.”
Thanks to designer Steve Stanard for sending this link my way. Think he is trying to tell me something?