Can I name other people in my books? 

Naming others in your books can help generate a lot of additional sales, as well as certain legal issues.

Choosing to name someone in your book who doesn’t agree to be in it, can be very useful to drive sales if they go public. If you know how to deal with negative press, it could be incredibly lucrative.

BUT, potential legal issues like defamation or invasion of privacy may very well come into play. You could destroy your reputation and your ability to provide for yourself and loved ones long into the future.

The flip side is also true.

Writing about someone who wants fame and glory, and who is prepared to help you get publicity, go for it! Harness that horse and ride it into the lands of fame and fortune together!

Our advice is to always have a signed contributor release form. It is a simple contract that states they are allowing you as the author to use their story. It also states they have no claim on any royalties or other income streams.

If you are writing a story about your life, from your own perspective, and you have evidence to back up the events, then depending on the law in your state or region, you should be ok legally.

Events which are documented publicly, such as in court records, are also be fine to publish; unless the documents are sealed or there is a ‘gagging order’ in place.

We always advise that you check to see what the current laws in your country allow and prohibit.

Make sure you have an editor with legal expertise look over your manuscript before going to print, as well as a lawyer if you are writing something such as an expose.

If you would like Dawn to have a look over your manuscript, then use this link to book in a time for the assessment to be done.

She will advise you on what to look for, how to write about certain events, and make sure your manuscript has an international flavour for readers all around the world.