Any potential plaintiff would probably get to pick where to file-- the state in question, the state the book was published in, the state the plaintiff is living in--it's all about where the damages occurred so it would depend. If there isn't much money to get, a lawyer won't take the plaintiff's case on a contingency fee (i went thought that when a doctor accidentally blinded my eye instead of fixing it during surgery. Because the damage wasn't permanent and only lasted 6 months, it wasn't worth suing, according a few lawyers). If the plaintiff is wealthy and wants to sue just to get on your nerves, well then all bets are off. Proving a case is winnable isn't that difficult with expert witnesses (a psychologist for mental duress, loss of income from needing time off a job) and getting a report from a doctor isn't that hard, I don't believe the defense gets a say in refuting any evidence. Obviously you would think the case was frivolous (and it might be), but there could be others who disagree. It's messy. Plus there are always appeals to higher courts and constitutionality etc.
You're spending a LOT of energy into this. Run the exact situation by a lawyer to see what she says.
You're spending a LOT of energy into this. Run the exact situation by a lawyer to see what she says.