Quite a few times, I’ve seen writers in other groups ask if they change a location, person’s name etc, but are referring to a real-life person, is that possible.
As I have already had legal advice on this topic, I thought I’d share it with others who are in this situation. If a person or small group of people can identify a specific person, regardless of a name or location change, legal action can be taken against the author.
For me, the only way to get around this, was to remove the derogatory comments I made about the person. So they are still in my book, but I’ve been less harsh about them.
I am aware there is a very small risk of being sued, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.
Similarly, if a writer slates a particular brand such as a drink or vehicle or famous person – they are at risk of being sued.
I was a critique partner for a guy writing about a psycho serial killer and in his story he repeatedly slated a particular vehicle make and a famous influencer. I advised that he was at risk of having legal action taken against him, regardless of it being his personal views, as his book is a published document – so libellous.
As I have already had legal advice on this topic, I thought I’d share it with others who are in this situation. If a person or small group of people can identify a specific person, regardless of a name or location change, legal action can be taken against the author.
For me, the only way to get around this, was to remove the derogatory comments I made about the person. So they are still in my book, but I’ve been less harsh about them.
I am aware there is a very small risk of being sued, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.
Similarly, if a writer slates a particular brand such as a drink or vehicle or famous person – they are at risk of being sued.
I was a critique partner for a guy writing about a psycho serial killer and in his story he repeatedly slated a particular vehicle make and a famous influencer. I advised that he was at risk of having legal action taken against him, regardless of it being his personal views, as his book is a published document – so libellous.
