QUOTING WHEN WRITING NON-FICTION

Everybody's uncle:

On writing non-fiction. What is the rule of thumb on how to use/quote of author's work when writing non-fiction/historical?


Marc Tiley, London

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Marc,

Easy thumb rule: Put yourself in the place of the party you are quoting. Am I sited for my brilliance or utilized without consent or acknowledgement?

Authors love to be quoted but want credit for their work.

Acknowledging the source of a theory, conclusion, analysis, study, any statement or work of a person or entity is in order.

The fair usage principle recognizes gray areas. Statements of unchallenged, widely recorded, common knowledge items of history do not require acknowledgment.

A simple one-line excerpt may require a courteous note of source.

Revamping characters and plots presented as your own invites a lawsuit.

Use of logos, names, music and all protected material for profit or otherwise, without consent, is prohibited.

Compilations of the works of others or lengthy passages should be scrutinized and permission sort before employment in your work.

When in doubt, contact a publisher or do some due diligence research in the library.


Best wishes for a best seller,

Everybody's uncle