Do I need permission from people mentioned in my book?

Day 4 of 30 Bestselling Book Tips for Writing Your Life Story

I take precautions in my writing by changing names and details, especially if I have some unbecoming things to say about a person. I also provide my manuscript to the people who are in it so that they can object if they want to — they never have.

One the principles that guides my writing is to focus on MY experience at all times and refrain from telling anyone else’s experience. It’s one thing to write about a difficult interaction with your friend, it’s an entirely different thing to talk about how your friend grew up in a dysfunctional home and that’s why you got into an argument with him. I own my actions and tell the truth about my transgressions so that I am not blaming others for my feelings or making myself a victim. The more honest I am about my mistakes, the less the people in my book feel attacked or criticized.

Emphasizing your own experiences rather than delving into others’ lives without their consent is a responsible approach to storytelling. It allows you to maintain authenticity while respecting boundaries and avoiding the potential harm of misrepresentation or invasion of privacy. By focusing on your own perspective and actions, you not only uphold ethical standards but also create a narrative that is rooted in authenticity and self-awareness.

Owning your actions and being candid about your own shortcomings demonstrates integrity and accountability in your writing, but you should still be cautious about making defamatory statements about individuals in your book. Even if what you’re saying is true, if it harms someone’s reputation, they may have grounds to sue you. If you have any apprehension, consult with a legal expert who specializes in publishing law to ensure that you’re following the appropriate legal requirements and protecting yourself from potential legal issues.

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