Save your manuscript in electronic format. The U.S. Copyright Office recognizes most text document formats (e.g., .doc, .pdf, .txt), but check with them for a list of acceptable file types.
Go to www.copyright.gov, and click the link Electronic Copyright Office. This will lead you to the eCo Online System. Click the link to login to eCo, and click through the following disclaimer page. When you enter the portal, you will need to register for an account if you do not already have one. Log in to your account.
Click on Register a New Claim. The system will take you through the process of filling out the form, paying the $35 fee and uploading your document (or alternative instructions for mailing).
Go to www.copyright.gov and click the link Electronic Copyright Office to enter the eCo System. Scroll down the page to the link that says Form CO and click it. This will lead you to a page where you can open an interactive PDF file to fill out Form CO online. (Form CO is a bar-coded form that is filled out online and printed from your computer, replacing the old Form TX for literary works and other older copyright forms.)
Fill out Form CO online. Print the form when it is completed. You must send in the original printed form; the U.S. Copyright Office will not accept a photocopy.
Mail the completed Form CO to the U.S. Copyright Office at the address provided by the Copyright Office, along with a hard copy of your novel and the $50 fee.