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Permission Procedures
How writers and authors can seek copyright permission to use another writer’s work in their writing
This feature first appeared in the print version of Writing Magazine — march 2026 issue
Every time we put pen to paper, or finger to keyboard, our words are automatically protected by copyright. This means that nobody else should use our work without our permission, nor should we use anyone else’s work without asking. But sometimes, quoting another author’s work can help us better explain the point we’re making or its context.
Copyright law allows us to quote someone else’s work without permission if our use is deemed to fall under the ‘fair dealing’ exception, which is often cited for criticism and review purposes. However, there is no legal definition of what ‘fair dealing’ is, which is why cases go to court to determine if there has been a copyright infringement.
It’s always worth remembering that ‘fair dealing’ is a legal defence when a case goes to court. It is not a right that stops cases going to court.
Therefore, the safest course of action for any writer who’d like to use someone else’s words in their work is to seek permission from the copyright holder. But what’s the best way of doing this?
