Author’s
Responsibility
If
it is necessary to obtain permission to use quotes from other
sources, it is the author’s responsibility to do so. When the
quote is to be used in a magazine, seek the permissions before you
submit the article to a publisher. Any permissions needed for a book
should not be requested until you have a buyer for the book, since
permissions are often given to a particular publisher for a specific
project and may expire after a certain time.
If you
are not sure if certain quotes require permission, your publisher can
usually advise you. Book publishers often have a rights and
permissions department that reviews each manuscript for that purpose.
Be
aware that some authors and publishers grant permissions for quotes
only if you pay a fee set by them. If such a fee is charged, you will
be responsible to pay it—not the publisher—so you will have to
decide if the quote is worth the asking price. If not, delete or
replace it.
With
many publishers, the need for permission, or the fee set, are based
on how important the quote is to your article or book, and how
predominant a place it will have in your work. In other words, if it
is just a quote within the text somewhere, it is more likely to be
considered fair use. But if it is going to be highlighted, printed in
a box or used to introduce a new chapter, they may want payment. The
grim reality is that at many houses, you will be asked to pay for the
quote—even if it should be fair use—just because you asked. For
that reason, it does not pay to be too cautious and ask permission
for every quote—whether you think you need to or not. You could end
up paying much more than you need to. It is also encouraging to note
that few infringement cases are brought against authors of books and
articles—most have to do with TV, drama, movies, etc. where much
more money is involved. At the same time, don’t let the slim
possibility that you will be sued deter you from making wise and
informed decisions about when you should or should not ask
permission. Common sense may be your best guide.
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