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 you use real people’s names in fiction?

Using someone’s name, image or life story as part of a novel, book, movie or other “expressive” work is protected by the First Amendment, even if the expressive work is sold or displayed. Therefore using a person’s life story as part of a book or movie will not be deemed a misappropriation of the Right of Publicity.

Can authors use real names?

If you’d really like to use real peoples’ names, it’s imperative to get their written permission just in case. The rule of thumb is that if you don’t have their permission to write about them (whether good or bad), just don’t do it. It’s just a precautionary measure.

Can I use real people in historical fiction?

Apparently living people have a problem with others using their name and likeness without their permission. However, if the historical figures have already passed away, they are fair game to include in your historical fiction.

Why do authors not use their real names?

The definition of a pseudonym (or nom de plume in French) is a fake name used by a writer when writing and publishing their work in order to protect themselves or increase the chance of success.

Can I use a famous person name in my 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.

Can I sue someone for using my name in a book?

Only human beings, and not corporations or other organizations, have rights of publicity and privacy interests that can be invaded by misappropriation of name or likeness. Thus, only individuals can sue for unlawful use of name or likeness, unless a human being has transferred his or her rights to an organization.

Can you write about real places in fiction?

Writing a book set in a real town makes research easy, and it gives you an interesting marketing hook. People like to read about places they know. A real-life setting for your story anchors your fiction in reality, and adds another dimension to your story.

Can someone sue you for writing a book about them?

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 I use a real school in my novel?

But you should be sure to include a prominent disclaimer on the title page that it is a work of fiction and any resemblances are entirely coincidental. (You may be subject to invasion of privacy lawsuits if someone can demonstrate that you based it on a real event at that school).

What is it called when an author uses a fake name?

A pseudonym is a fictitious name taken by a writer in place of their real name. The term “pseudonym” is a Greek word that literally means “false name.”

Why did JK Rowling use a pen name?

Why the name Robert Galbraith? I chose Robert because it’s one of my favourite men’s names, because Robert F Kennedy is my hero and because, mercifully, I hadn’t used it for any of the characters in the Potter series or The Casual Vacancy.

What is it called when an author uses a fake name?

A pseudonym is a fictitious name taken by a writer in place of their real name. The term “pseudonym” is a Greek word that literally means “false name.”

Why did JK Rowling not use her given name as a writer?

JK Rowling has revealed she did not use her full name when publishing the first Harry Potter book because she was “paranoid” following a “difficult” marriage. JK Rowling has revealed she did not use her full name when publishing the first Harry Potter book because she was “paranoid” following a “difficult” marriage.

Why did JK Rowling use a pseudonym?

I certainly wanted to take my writing persona as far away as possible from me, so a male pseudonym seemed a good idea. It doesn’t consciously change the way I write. I think I write differently, because it’s a very different genre.

Is it legal to use a pseudonym?

Are pen names legal? Yes, an author can legally use a pen name or pseudonym to publish their intellectual property. Pen names are legal, as long as you have purchased the rights to your pen name, and have copyrighted your name.

How many times did Harry Potter get rejected?

Pruchnie/GettyImages Before J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series was a commercial and critical hit, Rowling was struggling to make Potter’s story come to fruition. Her manuscript was rejected by 12 different publishing houses before she finally found a publisher.