Hi
Can anyone help me with a non-fiction question please.
I’m writing my first book, and although it might never see the light of day, I want to make sure I do the right things.
I am telling a true story about myself and experiences and over the course of it there are various people mentioned, as they were involved.
Where do I stand on other people being named in it? Do I need to ask people’s permission use their name?
What about the actual events that they are involved in? It is about how they’ve helped me, so nothing detrimental to anyone.
If they are named, do they then have any rights over the book/ proceeds/ reproduction etc?
Or do I change all names? If I change them, the people will still recognise themselves and know they did whatever is described in the book. Will that perhaps upset them if they were happy to be in it?
Thanks
kathie
Hi Kathie
I faced the same dilemmas a long time ago. In my case I dropped the book because of the people I would hurt by publishing and there would have been legal implications too. Now I've written something completely different. You story doesn't sound as though it will hurt anyone.
Sure you have many questions. Sometimes these are a procrastination device ... they were with me for a long time anyway and I used the device for 30 years.
:)
Hi Renee
I'm new to this and it feels like there are so many questions and dilemmas!
Thanks for your reply, it's very helpful.
kathie
These are personal choices.
If it's true ... you can write it. Be careful with people you are close to; they may not want you to write them into your book and you may lose their friendship. You can ask them if you know them. Personally, I would change names. Unless the person is well known I don't think it really matters.
Write the story ... think about this stuff when it's finished. It's easy to search and replace a name.
:)