I want to reprint from magazines that are no longer published, and books that are out of print:
- Letters to the Editor
- Articles
- [Book] excerpts
The items, the vehicles from which I want to take them, have copyright protection remaining. There is no question about that.
I want to reprint to a newsletter for a non-profit organization. The organization maintains newsletter distribution by voluntary donation only. The organization charges no membership dues. The newsletter is printed and distributed at no cost. So there is no money or profit in any transaction.
Legally, must I obtain written permission to use these items?
If you’re just using snippets from each of the articles or books, that’s considered “fair use” and is free for you to use.
However, if you want to reprint whole articles or chapters, that’s a different ballgame. You must get permission to do this.
As far as the books go, you can contact the publisher directly, and they can help arrange reprint rights.
As you didn’t list the magazine titles, I have no idea how to begin looking for anyone who can grant reprint permission.
Robin
Legally, it does not matter in the slightest whether you are doing it for profit or not. Note that the mods won’t let you reprint entire articles, poems, or song lyrics here at the Dope even though no profit is involved.
MsRobyn has it correct. You need permission from the copyright owners.