I am thinking of self-publishing the book I've written. I have thought about getting a graphic artist to do my cover, but I am experimenting with doing the cover myself.
The novel is set in the Vietnam War, and I am researching actual historical photos to use as options for the cover. My question concerns the copyright of these images.
As I understand it, photos taken by news services are generally owned by the news services or photographers and I would have to pay for the rights to use one of these photos. However, the National Archives and the different military branches also have a number of photos. If these are considered public documents, would I have to pay for the rights to use a government photo as cover?
Thanks for the help in advance.
The novel is set in the Vietnam War, and I am researching actual historical photos to use as options for the cover. My question concerns the copyright of these images.
As I understand it, photos taken by news services are generally owned by the news services or photographers and I would have to pay for the rights to use one of these photos. However, the National Archives and the different military branches also have a number of photos. If these are considered public documents, would I have to pay for the rights to use a government photo as cover?
Thanks for the help in advance.
