What are two ways in which an author can copyright his work?

An author doesn't need to take any specific action to copyright their work. Copyright automatically attaches to original works of authorship the moment they are fixed in a tangible medium of expression. This means:

1. Automatic Copyright: As soon as an author creates a work and puts it into a form that can be perceived, like writing a story in a notebook or recording a song, copyright automatically kicks in. There's no need to register or formally claim it.

However, while automatic copyright exists, there are benefits to registering your work with the U.S. Copyright Office:

2. Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office: This is optional, but it offers several advantages, including:

* Legal Presumption of Ownership: Registration establishes a public record of your copyright, giving you stronger legal standing if you need to prove ownership in court.

* Ability to Sue for Infringement: You can't sue for infringement until your work is registered.

* Increased Statutory Damages: If your work is registered before infringement, you can potentially receive higher statutory damages.

So, in summary, while automatic copyright protects your work, registering with the U.S. Copyright Office is strongly recommended to provide stronger legal protection and enhance your ability to enforce your copyright rights.