Permissions - Songs & Publications

LYRICS/SONGS:
I STRONGLY recommend getting permission to use lyrics from songs covered by copyright.  Failure to do so may result in serious financial consequences. A permissions editor specializes in this area and can be a great help to any author.  

At the very least, an author should familiarize themselves with a basic knowledge of copyright laws and the Fair Use exception. Some websites to start this process:

http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html

http://fairuse.stanford.edu/Copyright_and_Fair_Use_Overview/chapter9/ 

http://copyright.columbia.edu/copyright/fair-use/fair-use-checklist/

http://www.justaboutwrite.com/A_Archive_IntellectProp3.html

                

Links for ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and Public Domain Music

ASCAP - http://www.ascap.com/ace/
BMI - http://repertoire.bmi.com/startpage.asp
SESAC - http://www.sesac.com/Licensing/Licensing.aspx
Public Domain Music - http://www.pdinfo.com/

Hal Leonard http://www.halleonard.com/permissions/pre_lyric_request.jsp

Once you determine the copyright owner of the lyrics (not the music they are set to), you can request permission from them to use the lyrics.

A helpful booklet from the Editorial Freelancers Association member Elsa Peterson: http://www.lulu.com/shop/elsa-peterson/copyright-permissions/ebook/product-20609712.html

 Here are some other blog posts that talk about song lyrics:

How to Use Song Lyrics in Your Book

Patricia Aufderheide talks about copyright and fair use

How to Use Lyrics Without Paying a Fortune or a Lawyer

 http://eowynwood.blogspot.com/2011/04/lyric-permissions-process-of-reprinting.html

http://www.justaboutwrite.com/A_Archive_IntellectProp3.html

http://www.murderati.com/blog/2009/10/14/music-and-lyrics-and-permissions-oh-my.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/may/01/blake-morrison-lyrics-copyright

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2013/03/so-you-want-to-use-song-lyrics-in-your.html

http://janefriedman.com/2013/07/15/the-fair-use-doctrine/

http://janefriedman.com/2012/01/23/permissions/

http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/can-you-include-song-lyrics-in-your-book_b79478 

http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2013/03/5-top-legal-issues/

PUBLICATIONS:
The same type of permissions are needed for quotes you might use in your manuscript.  After all, if someone was using your words, wouldn't you want them to get your permission?

Here are some blog posts on permissions on quotes:

Who Owns the Words That Come Out of Your Mouth?

iUniverse Copyright & Permission FAQ 

HOW TO OBTAIN PERMISSION TO USE COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL