When writing a book, when must you list sources?

Question

I am in the beginning stages of writing a book. A non-fiction book.

The very first chapter, I will be discussing my main topic and I need to define what the topic means. In order to do this, I wanted to use say, websters dictionary, or another source such as this and copy, ver batim, their definition of the word.

Would I have to credit them, in a book, for this definition, and if so, how would I write that out? For an example, webster defines the word DOG as:

1. a domesticated canid, Canis familiaris, bred in many varieties.
2. any carnivore of the dogfamily Canidae, having prominent canine teeth and, in the wild state, a long and slender muzzle, a deep-chested muscular body, a bushy tail, and large, erect ears. Compare canid.

and so on.

Now if my book were on dogs and I wanted to use this, for example to say Dogs are ... and then give the definition, how would I write it? Would I put quotes around the entire definition and then at the end put -Websters Dictionary

Please, if you are an english major, or teacher, I'd like the right answer for this.

Also, do I have to get their permission to use a definition from their dictionary?

Answer 1

Yes, you must cite your source. Anything you do not write yourself must be cited, otherwise it is plagiarized. Whether you paraphrase or quote directly, it still must be cited.

You could put quotations around the entire definition or paraphrase. To cite your source you could and use parenthetical citation or end notes. Try going to this website with help formatting your quotations http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/04/.

Hope this helps. :)

Answer 2

Keep a list. The publisher may want to know, even if it does not appear in the finished book. Plagiarism poses a potential problem and documenting your research may help form a defense.

Answer 3

You must ask for either copyright permission or list the source, unless you want to be sued. That can be done in footnotes in an apendices in the back of your book.

Answer 4

are you ariting in MLA, APA, Chicago style? What style are you writing in. First find out the style, then run a search on said style and you should come up wih many sites that can help you.

Answer 5

its ok that u are using a definition from a dictionary for ur book.u dont have to say the name u got it from .