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EVOC
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So I just finished my flash fiction work and I found a prayer that is perfect to use in my story. However, since no one is known to write the prayer, how do I quote it correctly?

I feel it adds a another element to my WIP. I originally put it as a prayer my MC said just before death, but I feel it would be better as a stand alone quote before my story starts.

Any suggestions?


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History
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In my novel THE KABBALIST, my protagonist is a rabbi and I've included a few prayers and biblical verses where relevant (including in Hebrew and in transliteration). Also, where appropriate, I "help" the reader identify where these verses are found in Scripture. The Bible and ancient liturgy is not copyrighted, thus you need not worry about this.

However, if the "prayer" you use is one created in the last 75 years and somehow attributed to a certain author, you will need to not only provide source reference but also may need to ask permission for use [as per copyright law for any work].

Respectfully,
Dr. Bob


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mrmeadors
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If you are using it as a stand alone at the beginning, can you just say "Anonymous"? Google the prayer and make sure that no one knows who wrote it, just to make absolute sure.

Is that what you were asking? If you put it in the text, I've seen it done where the author puts a footnote just in the manuscript itself that gives the attribution, but I'm not sure if there is a correct standard format for something like that.

M


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redux
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As History suggested, if it's a prayer from a religious text I would recommend citing chapter, verse and source.

If it's a character who is reciting a prayer, I don't think you need to give a citation.

I've seen quotes preceding the prose written as such:

"Now I lay me down to sleep..."
-Children's prayer, New England Primer

[This message has been edited by redux (edited March 14, 2011).]


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philocinemas
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quote:
The Bible and ancient liturgy is not copyrighted, thus you need not worry about this.

However, certain translations of these texts ARE copyrighted. KJV is not, and some other translation copyrights may have expired - with the Bible, it is good practice to reference which translation is being used -KJV, -NIV, -ASV, -LDS, etc.

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Robert Nowall
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I concur with "philocinemas"'s and "History"'s caveat...find an edition of the prayer whose copyright can be assumed to have lapsed. The Authorized Version of the Bible (a. k. a. the King James Version) can, from its age, be assumed to be in public domain...but any recent rewriting of it must be checked.
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