Can You Write A Book About Someone Without Getting Their Permission?

Can you write a book about someone without getting their permission?

Writing about people is a niche on its own.

Regardless of your positive and wholesome intentions, it remains a highly sensitive endeavour, especially if your subject is alive (or if family members are alive). 

Convention provides that no permission is necessary if the person is (was) a public figure.

Hence, writing a biography of, say, a well-known politician or entertainer would not require the Save ir approval.

But then again, there are exceptions to the rule.

For example when the person’s estate has an existing legal foothold on the use of their name and likeness. 

However, if the subject isn’t a public figure – be it alive or deceased – you likely will need to obtain consent from them (or their family) prior to writing about them.

It’s crucial if your book contains personal information that could harm the individual or their family. 

There’ve been countless cases of writers getting sued for defamation or invasion of privacy when publishing content about people without their consent.

And in most cases, these lawsuits were successful, even if the subject was a public figure.

Truth be told, it’s becoming a minefield out there, and writers must be careful with their words. 

So, is it possible to write about someone in a book without getting permission?

We’d say yes with some caveats and exceptions – but it’s more complicated than you might think. 

Why Write About Someone in the First Place?

There’s no shortage of reasons why you may explore this genre.

Maybe you have a compelling personal story to tell or an intriguing topic that you feel doesn’t deserve to be ignored.

Maybe the person’s experience struck a chord with you and motivated you to share it with readers.

But whatever your motivations are, you’re bound to approach the subject with sensitivity and integrity. 

And we’re not just talking about biographies here.

Other types of content can be considered as “someone in a book.”

For example, it could be a fictional story with characters resembling real people.

It may also involve fictional accounts based on real-life experiences. 

In any case, you must understand the significance of obtaining consent before you write about someone.

Put yourself in that person’s shoes.

Would you want your life story to be written about without your knowledge? Of course, not – and the same goes for everybody else. 

A Question of Authenticity

Yes, seeking permission to write about someone in a book is an unwritten rule, but there’s a rationale for why this practice is necessary.

It’s not just about respecting someone’s privacy and individuality; it also goes back to the question of authenticity. 

If you’re writing nonfiction, your goal should be to deliver a truthful account that’s as close to reality as possible without compromising the main characters’ dignity.

It means adhering to the facts and figures and the emotions and experiences that resonate with people. 

In that sense, you’re forming an unspoken contract with your readers – a promise of honest storytelling where nothing is held back.

But if you don’t get permission first, then there’s a chance that something may be withheld or changed to give your book a more positive or commercial spin. 

It’s a slippery slope when dealing with sensitive topics and could ultimately result in an imbalanced narrative that lacks authenticity.

By obtaining consent first, you ensure that the story you tell is genuine and unflinching – something that some readers are quite willing to pay for. 

Treading Lightly When Writing

Of course, it’s up to you as the author to decide whether your subject is worth covering in a book.

If you feel that the individual’s story comes with high value for people and their circumstances are educational or inspirational, then go ahead with the project. 

But there is one thing to keep in mind: tread lightly. When you’re writing about someone – especially if they’re still living – neither you nor your readers should presume that you have the right to exploit their experience for personal gain. 

In other words, don’t make it all about yourself or what you want from the story.

Remain mindful of how your characters feel and strive to project their perspective with compassion and empathy.

If you’re successful in creating a connection with your readers, then it won’t matter if your subject has permitted you to write about them or not. 

At the day’s end, writing about someone in a book or any other literary work is an art as much as it’s a skill.

It requires an understanding of narrative and humanity – a commitment to storytelling that leaves no one behind.

And with these qualities, you’re certain to craft a story that’s both moving and fulfilling for all involved.

That being said, continue writing with purpose and integrity. You can’t dream of becoming a successful author without those attributes.

What Is Considered An Invasion of Privacy?

Invasion of privacy is when you disclose private facts not of public concern or interest, which would be offensive to a reasonable person.

It also includes intrusion upon someone’s  private affairs in a way that would be objectionable to an average person.

This could range from unauthorized use of personal information, photographs, or portraying someone in a false light that could be damaging to their reputation.

For writers, it’s crucial to balance storytelling with the ethical considerations of privacy and consent.

For a deeper understanding, it’s beneficial to refer to legal guidelines or consult with legal professionals.

Tips When Writing About Someone Without Their Permission

When writing about someone itt’s crucial to blend ethical practices with legal prudence.

Seeking explicit permission not only respects the subject’s privacy but also solidifies your legal standing.

In addition, make sure you leverage publicly available information and conducting thorough, independent research enriches your narrative with depth and credibility.

And lastly, one possibility is to employ satire or parody can subtly convey critical viewpoints, adding layers to your narrative.

These strategies foster a respectful, legally sound approach to writing about real people without their direct consent. For more detailed exploration, please refer to the original blog post here.

Last Thoughts On Writing About Someone Without Their Permission