Protect work before illustrating

[diamondgirl]

I have written a children's book.  I would like to have someone illustrate it.  However, I am worried about protecting my work while it is being illustrated.  Can I publish it on Lulu without the illustrations and then add the illustrations later?

[davemill]

What do you want to protect your book from? Are you fearful that the illustrator might somehow steal your book or ideas? I don't think this happens very often (never have heard of it happening).

US law says your book is copyrighted to you as soon as you write it. You may also register that copyright with the US Copyright Office to provide more protection (and this step is necessary before pursuing any copyright violation). You can read about that here: 

http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-register.html

Most other methods, such as mailing yourself a copy of the manuscript, or notarizing an envelope with the manuscript in it, offer little real protection.