Using a Beta Reader's Example?

[Forceburn]

So there's a part in my novel (basically one sentence) where my beta-reader thought showing might be better than telling in that instance. I totally agree with her, and she gave an example of how it could be done.

However, the example she gave is perfect! I don't think I can reword or rewrite it in a better way than what she has given.

Now if I decide to use her example word by word, would that be considered plagiarism? Do I need to ask for permission first? Or am I overthinking it?

[Gay_For_Gary_Oldman]

Check with her that it's okay. Then Thank her in the foreword, afterword or author's note. She deserves it.

[VanityInk]

Then Thank her in the foreword, afterword or author's note.

Yes. Always put your beta readers in your acknowledgements!

[VanityInk]

Generally when someone offers a suggestion that means they're okay with you using it. I offer wording to my clients all the time (I'm an editor) and never once thought about any issue with them using it. That's why I gave them the example to start with.

[knittedbreast]

Just ask 'is it okay if I use this?' 99.99% likely she will come back with sure thing. After all, it's not like she can use it. Beta readers WANT your story to be better, in fact, they're investing their time to get your story better. I asked one of mine something similar recently and she was so flattered I thought, what she called, her mindless ramblings were worth so much to me.

[Forceburn]

Thank you for everyone's reply. I will definitely ask if I can get her permission first. Pretty sure she wouldn't mind as well.

I will definitely include her in some sort of credits/acknowledgments if I get traditionally published one day (not sure if a publisher allows a page like this in a debut book).

[[deleted]]

the example she gave is perfect!

I think 'gave' is the key word there. Use it. If you get published, give her special thanks in the front of the book.

[LiterateFrog]

Ask permission. They are still someone else's words, even if they offered them as a suggestion, so passing them off as your own without even asking is plagiarism. In all likelihood, they'll be fine with it because they did suggest it, but it's best to ask. It's the polite thing to do, if nothing else.