[qorrect]

On that note though, is there a way to protect your story if you want to pitch it to a publisher, or anywhere else ? Like a registry for story ideas ?

[Gene_Parmesan]

There's no IP protection for ideas for stories. Regardless, almost no fiction shop is going to agree to print a book on spec, just off a story pitch. Write the book first. Then you already have protection, in the form of copyright (which is automatic and doesn't require registration).

[aardvark179]

Not really, and it’s not a problem. Ideas for stories are abundant, the ability to turn them into finished books or scripts is much rarer.