How can I tell a writer about a ture story without having him steal my idea and use it for himself?

Answer 1

2 ways -

Alter the "true story", leaving huge chunks out, and only give the basics of the story.

The other way is to copywrite it first - then it can't be touched. I would choose this way for protection.

Answer 2

Wow, a ture story. I've never heard of a ture story. How about doing the poor man's copywrite. Put your idea on paper. Then mail a copy of it to yourself before you tell the writer the idea. If the person steals the idea, you can sue. The envelope will then be opened in a court of law and prove (because of the postmark date) that you had the idea first.

Answer 3

If I had a good story line...which I have lots of them...I would only tell fellow writers if I trusted them. So make sure you trust whoever it is you decide to pitch your story to. Usually a professor or someone on the lines helps out that way. But also keep in mind that if that person steals your story by chance, then it will not be exactly the same as yours will because you have your own thoughts and that eprson has theirs. Writing is definitely not a one track scheme especially when dealing with plots lines. Think of how many classics are closely related to one another. It is inevitable.

Answer 4

You can make him sign a confidentiality agreement, but even if you don't, you could still sue him after the story is published, if it falls under slander or it does some sort of damage to you or your livelihood.

But, if you think this guy will try to give you the shaft somehow, why are you telling him anything?

Answer 5

Zip it! Don't tell anyone any of your ideas until you get your work on paper and have made sure that it is copyrighted...resist your need to impress anyone with your story, or you will lose it. Good luck!

Answer 6

Tell it backwards. People dont remember it that well that way. Although it takes more time effort and such to do it.. why would you tell and author about a true story if you didnt want him to know it?

Answer 7

You must get any writer you want to speak with to sign a "confidentiality" contract that is worded correctly. This is pretty standard among ghostwriters -- they are used to it.

Answer 8

Tyring writing the story first then keep a copy to show that you are the one who the story actually happened to...Then you have roof that you wrote it first if he goes behind your back....

Answer 9

If you're naive enough to have to ask that question: tell him. You'll get a better story to tell your friends afterwards.

Answer 10

If you can't trust him enough, just don't. If you really have to, try to document that it is your story and that it was yours before he wrote it down (i.e. now), so that you have a chance to challenge him in court.