Asked by: Chad Bourgault

Only people can be libelled or slandered. Places cannot. Provided that you do not write in a way whereby specific public officials could make a case that you are attacking their personal behaviour and reputations, then whatever you think about a place is your own business.

Do you need permission to write about someone in a fiction book?

First, a simple rule. If what you write about a person is positive or even neutral, then you don’t have defamation or privacy issues. For instance, you may thank someone by name in your acknowledgements without their permission. If you are writing a non-fiction book, you may mention real people and real events.

Can you base a fictional character on a real person?

Using real people in your fiction—whether they are correctly named or not—can be legally hazardous. If an author includes enough details that a specific fictional character is identifiable as an actual person, that person could possibly pursue legal action.

Can I use a real city in a fiction book?

Often, I come across questions about copyrighted material, trademarks, and whether or not certain things can be used in fiction. Here’s a common list of items I see authors asking about. Towns/City Names: You can use the names of real towns and cities without any problems.

Can you sue someone if they write a book about you?

Authors are not often sued for libel, but it can and does happen. While you can never be 100 percent sure you are not at risk, there are some basic dos and don’ts that can help you reduce the probability your book could result in a lawsuit.

Can a novelist Be sued?

Libel & Privacy Law In The Real World. Writers anxious about libel / privacy law can, in most cases, relax: It’s exceptionally rare for a novelist to be sued for libel.

Is it illegal to write a book about someone without their consent?

Even if everything you write about someone is completely true, you still need to consider her privacy. Invasion of privacy occurs when you publicly disclose private facts not related to public concern. As with defamation, only living people can sue for invasion of privacy.

Can you use public figures in fiction?

Authors should NOT use real politicians or any other public figures in their fiction without permission. When you insert a real person into your novel, you are inserting them into a fictional setting, with fictional circumstances.

Can you use a famous person name in a book?

The good news is that celebrity names are not copyright protected, just used as a name. If the name is only used to describe the person, it is not covered.

How do you get around defamation?

Know what constitutes defamation.

1. Stick to facts; avoid opinions that could be construed as facts. …
2. No name-calling. …
3. Let readers reach their own conclusions. …
4. Don’t retweet or link to someone else’s potential defamatory material.

Can you sue someone for writing an article about you?

If you meet the requirements for a civil action, you can sue someone for defamation, whether libel or slander, if they have written or said something bad about you. However, you must be able to prove the necessary elements of a defamation suit if you wish to collect damages.

How can I write without being sued?

12 Ways to Avoid Getting Sued When Writing Your Memoirs by Angela Hoy, WritersWeekly.com and BookLocker.com

1. Change your name. …
2. Change the names of everyone else in the book, even pets.
3. Change the descriptions and even the gender of some of the folks portrayed in your book.
4. Change all locations.

Does defamation have to be false?

Criminal defamation occurs when a person publishes defamatory material knowing it to be false, or without having any regard as to whether it is true or false, and in publishing the material intends to cause serious harm to another.

How do you fictionalize a true story?

How to Write Fiction Based on a True Story

1. Be clear about your premise. …
2. Remove yourself from the story. …
3. Do your research. …
4. Be flexible with facts. …
5. Decide if you need permission. …
6. Combine stories. …
7. Shift the setting. …
8. Edit extensively.