Music Question for the Published

[tinwoodsman]

Just wondering, for those that are published or working on non-self publishing now; How do you deal with song references? Say the characters are going to a Karaoke bar and they want to sing a song that has meaning to one of the other characters or someone hears a song on the radio dedicated to them. Are there legal rules that prevent, or don't prevent, someone from using a song title and or lyrics so long as the original artist is referenced at the same time?

Just curious as I do this in my hobby writing all the time but can't recall this being dealt with in any book I've read recently and it's something I was going to deal with in my own. Looking for advice, suggestions and what not.

Thanks.

 

[sr71plt]

Didn't we just have this question yesterday?

Song titles are good to go. They can't be copyrighted.

Convention permits you to use up to two lines of song lyrics (total for your whole work) without risk of suit. No one's gotten away with using more than that if sued (which is unlikely for stories posted here).

 

[dr_mabeuse]

My publisher had me submit a list of all brand names and copyrighted material used n a book when I turned in the manuscript. Then they just put a disclaimer on the credits page saying, "So-and-so is a brand name of the Such-and-such Corporation..."

They acknowledged copyright holders of song titles too, but I don't know if that was necessary. I don't think I ever used any lyrics.

I'd go with what Sr says on this matter, though. He's pretty knowledgeable about copyrights, even if he does type his manuscripts with a stick held in his teeth.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

The afflatus would be to have the narrator mention they were singing the song and then cut the scene to after they have finished. Then go from there. Or have the narrator describe the action on the stage.

I have never seen a reason to have dialog of anyone singing a song, no matter how the song might have moved people or you. If they are going to be moved it would be by the mention of the song title and describing the characters emotions and action. But show, don't just tell.

 

[tinwoodsman]

Didn't we just have this question yesterday?

If we did, I'm sorry. So much advice, and so little time.

Thanks for the advice, seeing as this is the first book I'm going to try getting published I figured I should think of these things while I'm still writing it.