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Question
I'm starting my first fictional novel, but not sure how or if I can use copyright material. Basically it will be used when I am researching material for the book. Specifically I needed some info on angels and found what I needed but it was copyrighted.
Hi, Mark!
Sorry for the delay in responding to your question, but apparently I didn't get it the first time.
If you're writing a novel (which is, by definition, fiction. You don't have to use both terms) and you want to include angels in the plot, then you have several ways to deal with it:
1. Have the character do research along with you. If you reference, in the text, having the character reading that book and tell another character about it, then that's usually fine. For example:
Jen says: "So, where'd you hear that about angels?"
Bob says: "It was in this book I picked up at the library, Angels and Us, by Tom Brown. On page 57 he says that angels..." [fill in the blanks].
That way, you're doing the proper citation and showing your character as being smart enough to research.
2. Have your character be an authority on the subject. You can't quote verbatim---never, NEVER quote verbatim in a book without permission. But you can change the wording around pretty substantially and convey the same information. Not just a word or two, but the whole section. For example:
Book you're reading says:
"Angels are God's messengers that watch over the children of Adam."
You can have your character say:
"Adam's descendents are guided by the messengers of God---angels."
Does that help any?
Otherwise, you must get written permission from the owner of the copyright to use the material in your book.
Good luck!
Cathy
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Answers by Expert:
Cathy Clamp
Expertise
I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)
Experience
I'm a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Tor/Forge Books . Along with a co-author, I've published fifteen mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2011. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.
Organizations
Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.
Publications
Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others.
Novels/Anthologies--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing, BenBella Books, Running Press, Wild Child Publishing. Many others.
Education/Credentials
Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.
Awards and Honors
USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, 2009, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.
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