Is it legal to publish a "true" story and put someones name w/o permission?
By goodhappens
@goodhappens (671)
United States
March 13, 2008 11:51am CST
I have a question for all the published writers out there, I have a friend that was informed by someone that was reading a book that her name and some untrue facts and quotes were in it. I know she didn't talk to the author, I remember her telling the lady her step sons atty advised agaist it. So does she have any legal recorse? Can they just do that and say it is a true story when in fact they never talked to her?
3 responses
@fifileigh (3615)
• United States
14 Mar 08
i dont know, but i would change names and call it fiction inspired by a true story. if the person written about finds out, she could sue.
i published my novel on lulu.com, The Sand Dollar by Fifi Leigh. all the ideas, people and situations are real, but i fictionalized everything and changed names. i wrote my novel like a reality show or indie film, and in a memoir form. go to lulu.com and check it out, and check out my lulu website where i have my book promotion tour and some excerpts. i dont think this place here allows me to post links. i also have more excerpts on my bebo.com author's page...
@Aingealicia (1905)
• United States
14 Mar 08
I would say contact a lawyer, media, and the publishing company. That is deformation of character and is almost as bad as plagiarism. Good luck to your friend. There are repercussions to this action.
Ainge
