What are the rules for using cover art in a book review on Hubpages?

1. 69

   Rose Anne Kareshposted 11 years ago

   What are the rules for using cover art in a book review on Hubpages?
   
   I believe cover art is copyrighted material, but is there a way to use it on Hubpages if you are reviewing the book? It would help readers identify the book in question.

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2. 61

   Dr. Haddoxposted 11 years ago

   I too, tend to believe that cover art is copyrighted. It makes sense that it would be. However, it is worth the time and effort to get permission, if need be, to use the cover art of a book that you want to write a hub about, because you are simply helping to promote the work and produce of another author, which is a good thing. You are not "stealing," for the lack of a better work, the work of another.
   Good luck.
   Regards,
   Dr. Haddox

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3. 80

   coleikerdposted 11 years ago

   Creative answer: Create an ad link for the book on your article.
   
   I agree the cover art is copyrighted. But if you link to the book you are reviewing, It should use the picture for your hub, and I believe that covers you since you are creating an authorized link to the sales of the book.
   
   But feel free to consult a lawyer. I of course, cannot be held accountable for your choice.

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      wqaindiaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I have similar opinion as law of natural justice also sees logic and reason behind the intention.

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      coleikerdposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you. I agree. There are certain reasonable limits you can set. It seems to me it's unreasonable to expect your media to be on the internet, yet have no one link an image.

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   3. 69

      Rose Anne Kareshposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you, this seems to be the most commonly suggested solution. I appreciate the idea!

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4. 60

   John Holdenposted 11 years ago

   I'm a bookseller. Along with virtually every other internet bookseller we reproduce cover art of books for sale many times a day. I've never heard of one book seller even being asked to cease and desist, let alone face prosecution.
   
   I think it is covered by the "fair use" element of the copyright laws.

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   1. 69

      Rose Anne Kareshposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you!

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5. 69

   theluckywriterposted 11 years ago

   Using covers of books and movies if you're writing a genuine review is considered fair use.

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6. 77

   Kathleen Cochranposted 11 years ago

   I just try to credit the source I got it from.  It's promotion for the book.  Can't imagine anyone would complain.  Please!  Review my books and you are welcome - in fact would you please - to use the bookcover.  Free advertising and an endorsement (hopefully) rolled into one!

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7. 84

   SidKempposted 11 years ago

   HubPages has never released an official statement on this that I know of. However, Wikimedia commons has (and for movie posters as well), and I go with this. A low-resolution image of a book cover or poster that identifies the object being reviewed is fair use, as long as it cannot be taken and copied and used for a pirate purpose. Credit, as best you can, not your immediate source, but the copyright holder. You may find that on the back of the cover page of the book. If not, best to credit the publisher. It can be good to say, "used in low resolution under fair use copyright rules for identification purposes."

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   1. 71

      Daisy Mariposaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Sid, your answer is perfect!

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   2. 84

      SidKempposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you, Daisy!

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   3. 69

      Rose Anne Kareshposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks so much, I appreciate the feedback.

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8. 63

   Sapperposted 11 years ago

   It might be under copyright, but whenever I write reviews on books or products alike, I use images anyways. Nobody with half a brain will complain about you using their image to promote their product/book. If they do, it probably wasn't worth promoting in the first place.

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9. 91

   heidithorneposted 11 years ago

   Using an Amazon Capsule can also drop the book cover into your review with the link to where your readers can buy on Amazon. That helps you with the cover art issue AND helps the author and publisher well more books.

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10. 64

    viveresperandoposted 11 years ago

    I reviewed an eBook where I asked the author if I could get an image of her book to add to my hub.  She declined stating it was copyrighted.  I respected her wishes.  Great book though!   I glad you asked this.

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