: Re: Are there any restrictions about the use of non-copyrighted characters or plots? I have finished my first novel and shared it online with beta readers and those helping me write query letters.

@Hamaas631

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Your distribution to beta readers and others could support a copyright claim if they are willing to sign statements indicating they are familiar with your work prior to this self-publishing.

You could pursue a takedown with Goodreads and/or the publisher under the DMCA.

Copyright exists from the moment of creation in the US. You don't need to register it like a patent---registration simply makes it easier to determine the creator and date of creation.

It is probably a good idea to nip this in the bud if you intend to use those characters or that world in the future. Otherwise, this "author" could cite his publication as evidence of "his" copyright.

You should look for legal resources and contact Goodreads immediately. Maybe this will require a lawyer, but maybe it won't get to that point. The important thing is that you retain the right to use those characters, regardless of whether you intend to monetize the existing work.

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