MWSA receives at least one book each season that includes song lyrics without documentation demonstrating either permission or a credible fair use basis. This is something authors should understand before submitting, and reviewers should watch for it during evaluations.
Based on two books already withdrawn this season for this problem, we updated our Tips & Tricks article on this subject. Please take a few minutes to review it so you have a better understanding of this issue and know what to look for:
https://www.mwsadispatches.com/tips-tricks/2026/7/song-lyrics-and-fair-use