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Is it OK to use that song lyric in your memoir or novel? Will that one line really get you into trouble?

What about chapter epigraphs that quote celebrities? Does that require permission?

What if you paraphrase a work instead of directly quoting it?

Can you mention or link to a site without permission?

If you’re working on any kind of article or book that quotes another work, or incorporates someone else’s ideas, sometimes crediting the source is not sufficient. You have to seek written permission. But knowing when and how to seek permission is not always straightforward.

This 90-minute class, taught by Christopher Hoffmann and Jane Friedman, will help you identify and evaluate permissions issues, provide a research guide for how to seek permissions, and discuss a variety of work-arounds for when permission cannot be obtained.

When writers realize that they need permission to use content, navigating permissions for that content can be one of the most frustrating parts of getting published. This class will alleviate that frustration by introducing you to important foundational knowledge of copyright and the concept of fair use as they pertain to mainstream/trade publishing and self-publishing. You’ll also understand how to seek permission when necessary and what you can do to avoid seeking permission when it’s too costly or time consuming.

You’ll learn:

• When to start the permissions process for your book or publication
• How to reduce your risk of copyright infringement
• How to identify what kind of content is free to use without permission
• How to find content that is free to use or in the public domain
• How to determine if your use of content falls within fair use guidelines
• How to research rights holders
• What information is needed for a basic request for permission
• What to do when you cannot contact the rights holder
• How to decide when it’s time to hire an attorney
• What you need to know about the rapidly changing situation around AI (spoiler alert: it’s mostly unknowns)

Please note: This class is not for writers seeking professional legal advice and is not meant as such. For legal advice about copyright or intellectual property issues, please contact an attorney.

Who this class is for

• Any self-publishing author: The last thing you want to receive is a cease-and-desist letter from a publisher, agent, or a lawyer. Learn how to avoid worst-case scenarios and protect yourself.
• Any author seeking traditional publication: Just as everything is moving toward publication, you may experience an unpleasant surprise: the editor has flagged several quotations and photographs as having potential permissions issues. Most publisher contracts put the burden of securing and paying for permissions on the author.
• Editors and others who work with writers. You can better advise your clients on copyright and fair use issues and raise a flag when they need to secure permission.

This class is not suitable for

• Anyone looking for professional legal advice
• Anyone seeking 100% certainty about their specific permissions issue. You will gain confidence in your next steps, but every single permissions situation is different and we can’t promise your exact situation will have a black-and-white answer. Fair use is complex and there are no bright-line rules (e.g., “300 words is OK” is a subjective guideline, not the law). Learn more about the complexities of fair use. Again, contact a lawyer if your situation might require it; see Jane’s resource page.

What you’ll receive

How do I attend the live class?

This class uses Zoom webinar technology (see system requirements). You will join through your Internet-connected computer or mobile device. When you register, you will receive information via email on how to join the class. If you don’t receive it within 1 hour of registering, please contact us.

• When: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
• Time: 1:00–2:30 p.m. Eastern / 10:00 a.m. Pacific
• Fee: $25 through March 22, 2026 / $35 if you register after March 22, 2026

The webinar is broadcast via the internet with live audio delivered through your computer or mobile device speakers. The visual presentation is displayed directly from the presenter’s computer to your computer screen. The Q&A is managed through a chat-style submission system with questions read and answered by the presenter for the entire class to hear.

Closed captions are provided during the live class. We use Zoom’s automated closed caption service, which is about 80%+ accurate. We use ElevenLabs to generate a lightly edited transcript, provided with the recording.

Refund policy

If you attend the live class and/or watch the recording, and it does not meet your expectations, contact us for a full refund, no questions asked.

Event Attendance & Anti-Harassment Policy

We strive to provide an environment where all present—whether attendee, presenter, or staff—can feel supported. In order to ensure a welcoming event, here is what we expect from all who participate.

• That the presenter and the presenter’s work be treated with respect by attendees and that all attendees treat each other with respect and a generosity of spirit.
• That attendees will refrain from harassment of any sort including (but not limited to) comments or questions of a racist, homophobic, sexist/sexual, or threatening nature. This includes actions that disrupt or interfere with anyone’s ability to participate. Offenders will be disconnected from the live event.