When You Need Permission
If you want to use portions of a Reynolds Communications publication in another work—whether it's a book, website, film, educational material, or any other medium—you may need to request permission from Reynolds Communications. We manage the intellectual property rights for our authors and help protect the integrity of their work while enabling appropriate uses.
Permission requirements depend on several factors including the amount of material used, the type of material, how it will be used, and whether your use qualifies as fair use. When in doubt, it's always best to request permission.
What's Covered by Our Permissions Process
Text Excerpts
Using passages, dialogue, or prose from our books in other publications, articles, marketing materials, or derivative works typically requires permission. The length of the excerpt, its importance to the original work, and your intended use all factor into our decision.
Illustrations & Images
Cover art, interior illustrations, photographs, and other images from our publications are protected. Using these materials in derivative works, websites, marketing, or educational contexts requires permission.
Poetry & Verse
Poetry selections, song lyrics, and verse from our publications are especially protected. Permissions for poetry are usually required even for brief excerpts due to the nature of poetic works and copyright considerations.
Song Lyrics Within Books
If our publication contains quoted song lyrics or musical compositions, using those materials may require permission from multiple rights holders. We can help navigate these complex permissions.
Fair Use Guidelines
Fair use is a legal doctrine allowing limited use of copyrighted material without permission in specific circumstances. While not a complete guide to fair use, these guidelines help determine if your use might qualify:
- Purpose & Character: Uses for criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research are more likely to be fair use than commercial uses.
- Nature of Work: Using material from factual works is more likely to be fair use than using material from creative works.
- Amount Used: Using small portions is more likely to be fair use than using large portions or the "heart" of a work.
- Market Effect: Uses that don't harm the market for or value of the original work are more likely to be fair use.
Note: Fair use is complex and context-dependent. If you're uncertain whether your use qualifies, we recommend requesting permission to be safe.
How to Request Permission
Submit your permission request using the form below or by emailing our permissions department directly. Providing detailed information helps us process your request quickly and accurately.
Fees & Processing Time
Permission Fees
Permission fees vary based on the material's scope, usage, distribution, and commercial nature. Many educational and non-profit uses receive reduced or waived fees. Typical fees range from $50-$500, though some commercial uses may be higher.
Processing Timeline
Our permissions department typically responds to complete requests within 5-10 business days. Complex requests or those requiring author consultation may take longer. Rush processing may be available for an additional fee.
Educational Use Special Provisions
We recognize the importance of education and support academic use of our materials. Educators, students, and institutions often receive special consideration:
- Educational copying for classroom use may qualify for fair use or reduced-fee permissions
- Excerpt use in scholarly articles and academic research often receives favorable terms
- Dissertation and thesis use is typically available at reduced or no cost
- Teacher's guides and educational materials may be available at no charge
- Library use and inter-library loan provisions are generally supported
Contact Our Permissions Department
Email: permissions@publsihrc.com
Phone: 1-800-RC-PERMS (toll-free)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST
For detailed inquiries, submitting the form above is the fastest way to get assistance.