Reprinting an out-of-print book?

[nym9]

What is the name of your state? NY

If an individual or business decides to reprint an out-of-print book (possibly at their own expense) who needs to be contacted for permission, and what steps need to be taken?

The original author of the book has long since been deceased.

 

[Some Random Guy]

Out of print is not public domain.

You will need to find out who the current copyright holder is. Since the author is deceased, contact their estate of their past publisher. If they have been dead a long time (like over 75 years), then it may be public domain.

 

[quincy]

You need to contact the holder of the copyright. You can go to www.copyright.gov and do a copyright search to find the owner. It would be up to the copyright holder whether or not to grant permission to reprint the book.