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Permission Costs
Does anyone know roughly what it costs for permission to use a few lines from a song? I want to use about four lines from a song in my novel, two lines in one chapter, two different lines in a later chapter. I feel the lyrics really add to the story, otherwise I wouldn't bother.
Taking into account I've never been published, I believe a publisher will not be willing to pay the license fee. I wonder if it is within reason to pay for it myself. Anyone know the cost? It's a pop song from a few years back by Bon Jovi.
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Thanks for the info! I'm using "Wanted Dead or Alive" - but decided to cut the lyrics.....the scene was clear enough without them.
But.....I did discover my love for karaoke was going to cost me a lot of money. So, I'm sure glad I read your post :)
I had written a couple of bar scenes with lyrics.....but there's only one (Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody) that's important to the scene...so I'll be cutting some ABBA, Chris Isaak, etc.
Thanks for the info, Marita. I've gotten further with this question since my original post. In fact, I've gotten the paperwork I need to complete for the Bon Jovi song. The problem is the questions are geared to a publisher. I wanted to get permission on my own so a publisher wasn't scared to take on my book because of my use of the song lyrics. Also, I thought I might be able to get a "better" deal if I said I hadn't even started looking for a publisher. Unfortunately, they sent me the normal paperwork, which includes all sorts of questions and asks for the page containing the lyrics plus the page before and after the lyrics. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. It's their business.
If only I could meet Jon Bon Jovi in an elevator and ask him to personally grant me permission for a mere $5.00!
Marita, here is the info for Bon Jovi's songs: http://www.ascap.com/ Click on ACE/Repertory to look up specific song titles. I had to contact Lacey Chemsak (email [email protected]). She's the one who sent me the forms.
Good luck.
Out of curiosity, which Bon Jovi song do you quote. I quote "Superman Tonight."
Just remembered I read your query yesterday. Did you quote "Wanted Dead or Alive" and "Killer Queen?"
Great question. I have a Bon Jovi and Queen song in my book.....
I did a bit of quick research and found this reference....thought it might help....
http://fairuse.stanford.edu/Copyright_and_Fair_Use_Overview/chapter1/1-b.html