: What's the best way to cite non-fiction in fiction? I'm reading a (proposed) novel for a friend, and they've used large chunks (as in, full paragraphs verbatim) from online sources within their

I'm reading a (proposed) novel for a friend, and they've used large chunks (as in, full paragraphs verbatim) from online sources within their text, usually sourcing from encyclopedias. The way they've done it is if a certain character is lecturing, or the protagonist is describing the geography or history of an area. It flows well with the rest of their writing style, but so much has been used that I'm quite confident it passes fair use under copyright.

So my question is: make them re-write the sections, or simply reference as if it were non-fiction?

Thanks!

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@Shakeerah107

They should rewrite it. If the character is supposed to be smart enough to be lecturing on the subject, the words should sound like the character anyway and not like Wikipedia or wherever. Also, if they are citing in big enough chunks, it will likely get boring for the reader. Much better to have the character's audience interrupt with a question or something. There is opportunity to show a lot about the characters in a situation like that. Is the character that's giving the information pompous about it? Are they uncomfortable with being the center of attention and running through the info as quickly as possible? Suggest your writer friend think about the scene as a whole and not just a way to get information across. And that will all avoid copyright/plagiarism concerns.

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: What's the best way to cite non-fiction in fiction? I'm reading a (proposed) novel for a friend, and they've used large chunks (as in, full paragraphs verbatim) from online sources within their

More posts by @Pope4766717

: How should these be formatted? In quotes or italics? I have a dilemma here and I hope any one of you can help me with this: I have been using double quotation marks for dialogues and italics

: What is difference between clown and trickster? Trickster is a character in a story, which exhibits a great degree of intellect or secret knowledge, and uses it to play tricks or otherwise disobey

: Reported speech in a dialogue I suppose this is not really advisable but how do you report speech in a conversation with another person? Should standard reported speech rules apply or do I

: Using capital letters and full-stop in bullet points This question may be related with this question. I come to the direct point. I am confused with the usage of bullet points. Is is necessary

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