Do I need copyright permission to use quotes in my books?
To use quotes in your book, it is always best practice to obtain copyright permission – especially if you wish to remain respectful, ethical and on the right side of the law.
Some folks believe there are some exceptions, such as if you are sharing a link to a book, citing the research, models or quotations, or if the content is in the public domain. And whilst this may be true for some, there are many cases of writers, entrepreneurs and experts who have certain copyright and usage clauses when it comes to their intellectual properties.
As an author coach, I would always advise my clients to contact the person whose quote or research you would like to use, and find out if they are happy with you to use their content. This way, you will get it in writing that they are happy for inclusion within your book. If they have certain stipulations, then you have the choice to adhere to those stipulations or not.
Some may require you to pay a large fee in order to use their content, and some will wish to have a copy of your book sent to them. Regardless, of whether you choose to use the content in the final manuscript of your book, you have now opened the door to dialogue with the creator of the content you wish to use.
Opening this door may have been about the use of content, but it can also leads to an endorsement of your book from said person, further opportunities to work with them, and it keeps you out of a court of law owing £100,000s in copyright infringement laws.
Depending on the content as well, will also depend on whether you need to have a contributor release form. These are also a very good idea if you are sharing case studies, personal stories and writing a memoir style book.
If you are in any doubt about your content, then it is always best to speak with your author coach, publisher and a lawyer.