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Q&A: writing a book of reviews?

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Q&A: writing a book of reviews?

I’m interested in putting together a book of reviews of local *hot* spots. Can I write bad things as well as good as long as don’tn’t rip apart anywhere?

The answer in the following:

Answer by ☼ Hey! It’s Claire Again!♥
Yes you can it is your opinion. You basically say anything about them. Some people will hate you some will believe you!
hope i helped

Answer by Bolt
Not necessarily. There is a fine line between opinion and the legal aspects of libel/defamation/slander. You need to KNOW that line before you cross it. An oinion does not garuntee that you can not be held responsible for harming a person or business. Not knowing the difference is not a defense against it either.

Many writers who do reviews or opinion pieces carry insurance for those instances when the line is crossed or just blurry enough for a lawyer to make a case.

Too often, even in fiction writing, when someone asks if they can use names, the answer they get back is wrong or only half correct. This is one reason a manuscript may not sell. Just changing the names may not be enough if the person, place, or business is still identifyable. Just because a business or person isn’t being portrayed negatively doesn’t mean that being included in a negative theme book can’t be argued to be harmful to their reputation.

One of the benefits of a good agent is that they know what can and can’t be managed with a “work is a piece of fiction” disclaimer.

When in doubt, check with an attorney, especially one familiar with journalism/publishing.

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