Question

you write a short story but you want to make sure your work is protected before you post it online what should you do to help protect your copyright

Answer 1

You can add the Copyright symbol. And write a notice below your work saying that if a person has to copy or copy-and-change you work, they should contact you or something. Make sure you leave you email [If you wanna.] And if you see your work anywhere else, just report the person or talk it out with them. 

Hope that helps!! :)