Using an online picture for book cover?

Question

Can I see a picture from google to use as the cover of my book if I site my sources on the back cover??

Answer 1

You can if the copyright owner will give you permission.

If you use it without permission, or payment of royalty, you can be sued and worse.

You could use a portion of the picture under the "fair use" part of the law, but then they could still sue you, taking you to court to let the jury or a judge decide what constitutes "fair use".

Years ago you could get a way with it, not so today, unless the copyright owner is dead or doesn't see that you have used the work.

By the way, the word you want is "cite" not "site".  "Even if you

'cite' the source, you can be sued if you don't pay".

Answer 2

You have to ask for permission, lest you get sued.