[PW] The legality of quotes (XPOSTED)

[Carolyn]

I'm not sure how to approach this question so am hoping someone on 
the list has traveled this road before and can advise.

I am working on a book in which I plan to include two full-length 
poems known to be in the public domain, and for which I would like to 
also open each chapter with a pithy one-liner from a collection of 
quotes I've gathered.

In researching the source(s) of the one-liners, to both validate them 
and learn if I need reprint permission, I've come upon a curious 
phenomenon: Nobody seems to include reprint permission on published 
short quotations.

Not only online, where I've found numerous collections, but also in 
conventionally published books by reputable publishers. For example, 
I own two collections that are nothing but one- and two-line pithy 
quotes, and the only copyright information included is for the compilers.

OK, so does that mean short, pithy quotes fall under "Fair Use"?

When it comes publication time, I must present to my publisher proof 
that I have legal permission to reprint any words that aren't my own.

Um, what should I do?

Thanks for any advice.

Carolyn Haley
DocuMania
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