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[dbintz]

I've written a novel about old-movie buffs and am planning to publish it through one of the self-publishers like iUniverse or Xlibris. I'm wondering about fair use in this case.

As would be expected of movie buffs, the characters have memorized scenes from favorite movies and quote the dialog to each other as the situation demands. I've included quotes from 18 old movies like "The Big Sleep" and "Gilda." Each quotation is no more than 200 words in length, with quotation marks around it, and formally referenced at the end of each chapter.

I would expect this to be within the limitations of fair use. But I expect that quoting the lyrics of old songs poses more of a problem. I've included the lyrics of 14 old tunes like "That Old Devil Moon" and "Shanghai Lil." I believe that including the lyrics would enhance the reader's experience of the story, rather than just telling the reader that the chanteuse is singing Sigman and Ellington's "All Too Soon." However, paying $100 per line per song is a bit steep for a novel that will probably sell no more than 12 copies online.

What do you think?

Thanks.

[Isaac]

I think any opinion not based on seeing your work and the quoted
material is not going to be exceedingly helpful.

There are plenty of bandied about thumbrules about how much
copying constitutes fair use, but those thumbrules are not
strongly based in court decisions.

I'd recommend getting a professional opinion in a situation
where you can discuss the details in confidence.