Using someone else’s image in your book – Beware of copyright
We always state a word of caution with anything concerning copyright. Whenever you are using an image that is not yours make sure that you get written permission to print the image in your book from the copyright holder.
We would highly recommend that you do not use any images in your book that you have not had permission to use. Even if the images have been circulated around the internet (and appears on a number of websites) there will still be an original creator attached to the image and if this person finds their image in your printed book then they may take legal action against you.
Ask copyright owner for permission
You should email / write to the legal owner of the image(s) you wish to use and request permission to use the image in your book. You may wish to give them a brief description about your book and mention that you will give them a credit in the book. We would highly recommend that you keep a copy of the emails or letters you receive that gives you permission to use the images. Also keep a copy of the emails / letters that you send to them.
When you add the images that you have been given permission to use in your book remember to add a credit of the copyright owner to the image (preferably next to the image).
If you are unable to trace the legal owner of the image then we would recommend that you do not use it. This may seem overly cautious but we feel it is best to make sure that there will be no legal issues concerning your book that will arise later on.
Image by dichohecho