What are the legal issues of writing a book of local stories/experiences? Would I have to pay/credit people?

Question

I've begun work on a book about paranormal experiences, and I want to include true stories from people in my area. I need to know if there are legal issues involved here. Would I simply need verbal consent from the people, or would I need to credit them (keeping in mind that some of them may not want to be credited with their real name, etc.), or would I actually have to pay them, etc. if the book turns out to be profitable? Are there online resources where I can find out more about such situations?

Answer 1

As long as you don't do anything to indicate that it is the person involved (ie- use aliases and don't give addresses), you don't have to do anything.