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I am publishing my memoirs - Do I need legal advice?
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Karencuba
 25 Jan 2012, 15:20 #140459 Reply To Post
I have just finished writing my memoirs and one or two individuals may be unhappy with my portrayal of them. How can I protect myself from a lawsuit? It may never come to it, but just in case ... I don't want to end up in court.
This post was last edited by Karencuba, 25 Jan 2012, 15:20
ajblack4567
 25 Jan 2012, 19:21 #140468 Reply To Post
Surely this only becomes an issue if/when your memoir is published, at which point it is an issue for your publisher?
My story, 'An Encounter' - as improved by YWOers - is available in this anthology:

Speech Bubble Magazine Best Of Issues 1, 2 & 3 ebook

Karencuba
 25 Jan 2012, 20:18 #140477 Reply To Post
Thanks for the reply. I am, however, planning an e book, digital version, on Amazon. That probably means the buck stops with me. It may never happen but I don't want to take a risk. Any advice?
ciaranl
 25 Jan 2012, 22:02 #140479 Reply To Post
Don't make a mistake by publishing something out of vanity or revenge. Consider your motives and whether you are good enough a writer to lay your memoir to the public.
Time And Time Again
ajblack4567
 25 Jan 2012, 22:04 #140480 Reply To Post
Well, I'm no legal eagle but I would have thought that unless you say something untrue, defamatory or libellous there would be no problem.

If you merely show them in an unflattering light, then it might make for an awkward situation if you bump into them but I can't see that it would be actionable.

You could, as a preventative measure, change names, if that didn't compromise the integrity of the piece?
My story, 'An Encounter' - as improved by YWOers - is available in this anthology:

Speech Bubble Magazine Best Of Issues 1, 2 & 3 ebook

PERRY
 26 Jan 2012, 12:55 #140529 Reply To Post
I think Tony basically just highlighted your query here. Google the legislation on libel and defamation of character. If you can write a book, you can research.
rosefitzrobert
 27 Jan 2012, 00:19 #140567 Reply To Post
Especially, in the UK, where libel laws work against writers, journalists and social change campaigners, do research by all means, but I'd check with a solicitor before final release.

Are you aware of the McLibel case? If not, here's the Wikipedia page to start

This post was last edited by rosefitzrobert, 27 Jan 2012, 00:20
Karencuba
 27 Jan 2012, 08:21 #140579 Reply To Post
Thanks very much to everybody for your helpful replies. Just to clarify, vanity and vengeance are not my motives here. I just aim to give an honest portrayal of tyrannical bureaucrats in Cuba, one of whom happens to be well known, so a change of name is going to be difficult. Maybe I am being over cautious.
notleyab
 27 Jan 2012, 09:18 #140586 Reply To Post
Quote: Karencuba, Friday, 27 Jan 2012 08:21


I just aim to give an honest portrayal of tyrannical bureaucrats in Cuba, one of whom happens to be well known,.


You're not talking abt that FC are you?
I think any libel worries will depend on where you get brought b4 the courts.
In the US you'll probably end up with a Congressional Medal of Honor.
On Cuba they may be looking for someone to subsidise the next 10 year agricultural plan (ie the same bureaucrats you mention).
In the old days books cd well remain off the radar altogether.
But if you use social networking to promote its presence it's going to show up anywhere.
I'd brush up on Cuban Law.
Caveat Vendedor, as they no doubt say en la Bodeguita..
papa stas
 29 Jan 2012, 10:41 #140686 Reply To Post

Quote: Karencuba, Wednesday, 25 Jan 2012 15:20
I have just finished writing my memoirs and one or two individuals may be unhappy with my portrayal of them. How can I protect myself from a lawsuit? ... I don't want to end up in court.


Quote: Karencuba, Friday, 27 Jan 2012 08:21
… I just aim to give an honest portrayal of tyrannical bureaucrats in Cuba, one of whom happens to be well known


Well if one tyrannical individual -

happens to be the best know Cuban –

Then my dear –

"a lawsuit" and

“Ending up in court” –

Is the least of your worries.

papa
stas (questions your posts - and if true - questions your sanity)
“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” - Albert Einstein
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