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Guidelines for writing Poems, Stories and Tales

What are the exact steps for requesting permission to quote and attribute a book excerpt for a novel?

Asked by: Russell Munez

How do you get permission to quote a book?

If you’re seeking permission to quote from a book, look on the copyright page for the rights holder; it’s usually the author. However, assuming the book is currently in print and on sale, normally you contact the publisher for permission. You can also try contacting the author or the author’s literary agent or estate.

Can you quote someone without permission?

It’s perfectly okay to quote an excerpt of another author’s work in your writing, but it’s not always okay to do so without permission. If you don’t want to be sued for copyright infringement, it’s important to know when you need permission and when you don’t.

Do you need permission to write about someone in a book?

First, a simple rule. If what you write about a person is positive or even neutral, then you don’t have defamation or privacy issues. For instance, you may thank someone by name in your acknowledgements without their permission. If you are writing a non-fiction book, you may mention real people and real events.

Is it legal to use quotes in a book?

As a common practice, all quotes are copyright to the author, which means that legally you should get permission from the author you hope to borrow from. This can sometimes be very difficult if the author is deceased or a public figure.

How do you collect quotes?

Handwritten Methods

  1. Notebooks. To collect quotes from books, I prefer to kick it old school by using a notebook as my reading journal. …
  2. Bullet Journals. Want to get crafty with your favorite book quotes and ideas? …
  3. Reading Journals. …
  4. Chalkboard Signs. …
  5. Felt Letter Boards. …
  6. Embroidery.

How do you publish a quote?

To register your quote, submit an application form, deposit and filing fee to the U.S. Copyright Office. You can submit an application online at Copyright.gov or you can mail a hardcopy. If the U.S. Copyright Office needs additional information, it will contact you.

How do you legally use quotes?

According to US copyright law, the legal rights to a quote belong by default to its author (or speaker). Quotes are considered intellectual property, which is protected under the law.

How do you quote a book in a book?

In-text citations include the last name of the author followed by a page number enclosed in parentheses. “Here’s a direct quote” (Smith 8). If the author’s name is not given, then use the first word or words of the title. Follow the same formatting that was used in the works cited list, such as quotation marks.

Can you publish a book of quotes?

To quote books or other works published before 1923. For news stories or scientific studies. Shorter quotes, references and paraphrasing is usually ok without permission. Copying large amounts of a story or study, however, may require permission from the writer or publisher.

How do you know if a quote is public domain?

Go to the official website of the United States Copyright Office to use its online “Public Catalog Search” for works copyrighted after 1978. Use the “Keyword” search field for phrases in copyright records. Surround the phrase with double quotation marks to search for the precise phrase.



Can you quote books in the public domain?

You must cite (credit the author or creator) even if content is in the “Public Domain”.