Can I apply for copyright for an unfinished novel I'm writing? If I write 50% and apply for copyright, do I own my work? Usually, an author could apply for copyright after completing his work and sell or share it with others. However, if the work was still in the process of creation, the author might still have the copyright. This is because the author has the right to modify, modify, and create the work during the creative process, and these modifications and creations may be regarded as independent creations of the work. Therefore, if the novel was still incomplete, the author could still continue to modify and create it, and had the right to treat it as an independent work and thus own the copyright. However, if the author has published or shared the work with others before applying for copyright, the copyright may be granted to others. If you're writing 50% of your novel and applying for copyright, it's best to make sure that the work is ready and that you can safely apply for copyright. If you need further legal advice, you are advised to consult a professional lawyer.