In writing a book, what is the proper way to provide images?

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Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,784
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#1
As in an image for a chapter title or for getting a point across. What is the proper guidelines to using an image?

For example, is okay to use an image off of a Google search? Would I just cite the source just as I would with research?
 

Oncefallen

Idiot in Chief
Staff member
Jan 15, 2011
6,029
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#2
Ultimately, when using an open source image within a copyrighted work such as a book you would need to secure the permission (in writing to cover your backside legally) from the originator of the image otherwise you run the risk of a copyright lawsuit that could cost more than the potential profit (if any) from your book. Ultimately it might be easier (and cheaper) to pay someone up front to create illustrations that you would have sole ownership to.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,784
4,451
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#3
Ultimately, when using an open source image within a copyrighted work such as a book you would need to secure the permission (in writing to cover your backside legally) from the originator of the image otherwise you run the risk of a copyright lawsuit that could cost more than the potential profit (if any) from your book. Ultimately it might be easier (and cheaper) to pay someone up front to create illustrations that you would have sole ownership to.
I will keep this in mind thank you.
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,581
113
#4
As in an image for a chapter title or for getting a point across. What is the proper guidelines to using an image?

For example, is okay to use an image off of a Google search? Would I just cite the source just as I would with research?
I don't know if this will help at all, but I know Deade has mentioned his own books several times on the site. I was just thinking you might be able to PM and ask him about his own experiences as well, if he doesn't happen to answer this thread?

Best wishes to you! I have a friend who published a book several years ago, and seeing everything she's going through -- and is still going through -- has given me only the utmost respect for modern authors!

Please keep us posted. :)
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,784
4,451
113
#5
I don't know if this will help at all, but I know Deade has mentioned his own books several times on the site. I was just thinking you might be able to PM and ask him about his own experiences as well,if he doesn't happen to answer this thread?

Best wishes to you! I have a friend who published a book several years ago, and seeing everything she's going through -- and is still going through -- has given me only the utmost respect for modern authors!

Please keep us posted. :)
Well, it is a book about my experience of events that revitalized my faith and how to build a solid foundation in Christ. The audience and reason for writing are to pass it on to my children once they are of a maturing age like 15 years+.

But I want it to look professional, well written, researched on my topics, sourced, and avoid plagiarism or copyright issues at all cost. Once finished if I feel it may benefit others, I may publish it. I would rather put in the work as I go than wait until the end to prepare it for publishing.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,173
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#6
I think your best option is to ask someone to illustrate your book. They can be a graphic designer and do original illustrations and be credited in the copyright, or the publisher could commision someone to do them.
Its not fair to steal or copy someone elses work if you cant do it yourself. If you are using photos you need to credit the source say if its someones photo or if its from a picture agency eg Gettys or Shutterstock or Corbis.

I used to work in photo library keywording pics.
If its just for a facebook post or a blog or something most things on google come under creative common license and are free for all. but for a published work that might last 50 years or more and be you want to retain your own copyright. You also want an ISBN number if its an original title, so it can be catalogued correctly as a book.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,784
4,451
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#7
I think your best option is to ask someone to illustrate your book. They can be a graphic designer and do original illustrations and be credited in the copyright, or the publisher could commision someone to do them.
Its not fair to steal or copy someone elses work if you cant do it yourself. If you are using photos you need to credit the source say if its someones photo or if its from a picture agency eg Gettys or Shutterstock or Corbis.

I used to work in photo library keywording pics.
If its just for a facebook post or a blog or something most things on google come under creative common license and are free for all. but for a published work that might last 50 years or more and be you want to retain your own copyright. You also want an ISBN number if its an original title, so it can be catalogued correctly as a book.
Sounds like I need to sweet talk my brother lol. He has been going to college for graphic design and has experience in photography.

Thank you for the info.
 

Deade

Called of God
Dec 17, 2017
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Vinita, Oklahoma, USA
yeshuaofisrael.org
#8
Sounds like I need to sweet talk my brother lol. He has been going to college for graphic design and has experience in photography.

Thank you for the info.
There are many free image sources available. I used Christian Faith Publishers to help me design my covers. Just look for copyright free open source images. 5thumbsup.gif
 

Isny

Senior Member
Jan 15, 2017
2,261
2,382
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#10
There are many free image sources available. I used Christian Faith Publishers to help me design my covers. Just look for copyright free open source images. View attachment 223491
It is very interesting (to me) that a person can learn so much about various subjects here at Christian Chat. Copyright protection is indeed so very important.

Thank you all for your input in this thread.
 
Nov 15, 2020
1,897
362
83
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
#11
As in an image for a chapter title or for getting a point across. What is the proper guidelines to using an image?

For example, is okay to use an image off of a Google search? Would I just cite the source just as I would with research?
Cite the source, but also ask permission of copyright material. Just don't get sued. Have you heard of intellectual property ?
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,784
4,451
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#12
Cite the source, but also ask permission of copyright material. Just don't get sued. Have you heard of intellectual property ?
Yes, I have. Just trying to make sure I am covering all my bases.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,784
4,451
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#17
I always thought at the beginning of a chapter or on the cover. I don't really know though because the only things I've finished are poems. I have quite a few unfinished novels.
I have plenty of completed poems. I figured once a wrote enough, I would publish them too.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
55,248
25,719
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#18
As in an image for a chapter title or for getting a point across. What is the proper guidelines to using an image?

For example, is okay to use an image off of a Google search? Would I just cite the source just as I would with research?
There are a number of sites that offer images free for personal use as long as there is to be no commercial gain. I source them for images used in the construction of my Scripture panel designs :) Images from them would work for the book you are putting together for your children, but the same images could not be used if you wanted to publish the book for public sale. Also, I don't think you will have much trouble making your book professional, well written and researched, since your posts are far more often than not very much that way :)
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,784
4,451
113
#19
There are a number of sites that offer images free for personal use as long as there is to be no commercial gain. I source them for images used in the construction of my Scripture panel designs :) Images from them would work for the book you are putting together for your children, but the same images could not be used if you wanted to publish the book for public sale. Also, I don't think you will have much trouble making your book professional, well written and researched, since your posts are far more often than not very much that way :)
Thank you. I am looking at all my options.