Is My Book Non-fiction If I Use Fictitious Names to Keep from Being Sued? ​

Feb. 24, 2015

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​Dear Cathy:

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I am writing a non-fiction book about the workplace abuse that occurred in my workplace but how do I keep from being sued when I mention people’s names?   If I decide to use fictitious names, will this keep me from being sued and would the book still be non-fiction?  Anonymous in Nebraska

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Dear Anonymous:

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Yes the book will still be a non-fiction book if you use fictitious names for the people in your stories.  Unlike fiction books where you use fictitious characters, in non-fiction books you have the right to refer to the individuals in your book as fictitious characters in order to keep from being sued.

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Many people are afraid to tell their stories in books because of their fear of being sued and this along has kept the world from learning what really happens in many workplaces all over America.  

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Not only can writing a truthful book about your workplace be healing for you but it can be very therapeutic for you and others – so do it.  Writing a book about your life is the best way for others to get to know you -- so it will present other opportunities for you to become a speaker or create your own line of lectures, seminars and workshops.  

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When you write a book about your life, you need to decide if it will be about your entire life or a certain part of your life.  If you are coming from a “specialized industry” such as Banking, Financial, Mortgage, Education, Medical, International Traveling, Law Enforcement, Government, Technology, etc. – an industry that many people have very little knowledge of, there are many opportunities for you to write a book about your life and educate others.  To learn more read the book “How To Write A Book: The Complete Guide to Writing and Selling Your Own Paperback and E-book.”