Spiderwize's Self Publishing Blog

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

An author recently asked us what he/she could and could not say in their book. This is a very good question and one all authors should be aware of.

If your book is a non-fiction book and about true life events, then you to be careful in what you say about the individuals or groups that you mention since if individuals or groups take offence they might take legal action against you.

Fiction note: Even if your book is fictional but you have some characters based on real life people, then we would also give a word of caution.

Written for permission
If your book includes real individuals we would highly recommend that you receive written permission from the individuals or groups you mention to check that they are happy to be included in your book.

Change character names and places
Some authors writing true stores may change the character names and places to fictional names. This helps to protect the individuals / places that you are mentioning but also helps to protect you. Even so, still be very cautious about including any material that puts anyone you mention in a bad light.

You may want to take a look at Ehow Article which gives you some general advice on avoiding a Defamation of Character Claim – though the article is geared not to authors only but also the wider public.

P.S. If you are unsure about anything in your book being legally acceptable, then seek processional legal advice. It is better to take the time to get this right at the outset.

Photo by Orin Zebest