I get questions from authors occasionally. Today I received an email with a two-fold question.
“Do I need to get permission to quote a colleague in my book?” And “How do I handle her quotes? Do I include them in the text or note them in the back of the book?”
Here’s basically what I told her:
“If you are including personal anecdotes throughout the text in your book and/or you are writing the book in first person or you simply write with a friendly tone, it makes sense to flow her comments or stories about her into the text. But if your book is a reference or informational book without anecdotes, you could put her comments in an appendix or use footnotes. You have one of my books, so you know that I prefer using a more friendly approach and that I quote people and share anecdotes throughout the pages of my books.
I suggest that you study other books like the one you plan and see how other authors handle this situation. Find a solution that works for you and your project. You are the CEO of your book, so you get to make all of the decisions. The key is to educate yourself in what the possibilities are and make an informed choice. The best way for me to plan my book format and style has always been to check out other books like the one I propose and determine what would work best for my particular project.
About getting permission: Not only would I for ask permission to quote, when you are ready, I would send everyone you quote or write about a copy of exactly what you want to publish to make sure they are okay with it. Get signed or email permission. A publisher will want to see these authorized permissions before he will publish your book. No matter which publishing option you choose, you will want these permissions in your own files, as well.”
You’ll find these and a whole lot more important questions answered in my 240-page book, Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author. Available at amazon.com in print form and Kindle as well as other online and downtown bookstores. Also at http://www.matilijapress.com
Have you downloaded your free copy of my latest ebook, 50 Ways to Promote Your Ebook? Download your copy here today: http://www.patriciafry.com