what are the rules when it comes to writing a novel that is based on real life people, places and events? does permission have to be sought from all these people, or would a simple name change 'to protect their identities' be sufficient? could someone sue for libel if they recognised themself or their home town in a book? what is the law in this regard? (for example, when frank mccourt was writing his memoir 'angela's ashes', did he have to seek permission from everyone he ever met?
2007-10-04 11:58:42 · 5 answers · asked by ylanger ylanger 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
In a Memoir, Frank Mc Court probably did have to get affidavits signed since he is a recognizable person and he was writing about people he knew. That would be determined by the legal department of the publishers. They tend to be fussy about those things - they want to avoid litigation later. I have a set of forms from Wiley and Sons in my files. If I am in doubt, I get one signed. Often, it is not the fact that you used a person in your book but the way that you represented them. If you refer to your next door neighbor as a nice, helpful guy that is very different than if you refer to him as a womanizing drunk. The legal department will review your entire manuscript and decide what cuts you need to make for the sake of avoiding litigation. That is their job. That is why when you are writing your book, you should keep a notebook with information on everyone you speak with - including names, addresses and phone numbers. They very well may ask for that information. Just remember, it is not your call - let the legal dept do their job. Pax - C
2007-10-04 12:34:05 · answer #1 · answered by Persiphone_Hellecat 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's legal to write about real people and places
2016-05-21 01:33:38 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's a work of fiction, no permission is needed. You just need to actually make it fiction -- that is, change enough of the details to make the character seperate from the person it's based on, even if it's still obvious where you got your inspiration. Using real names is a bad idea, unless they're recognizable public figures.
2007-10-04 12:10:42 · answer #3 · answered by Caitlin 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There's a standard disclaimer printed on most fiction. That and changing names should suffice. In practice, I suspect most successful "fictional" descriptions are based on characters well known to the author.
2007-10-04 22:52:28 · answer #4 · answered by geof24 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's fiction so yeah. but you have to be very careful. if it's supposed to be your biography or something you should ask people. i think it would be wise not to be too obvious
2007-10-07 08:40:09 · answer #5 · answered by kelby_lake 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋