I've been involved in helping put it together, in my role as chair of the guild's Books Committee. Earlier this week, I was quoted by trade paper the Bookseller in its coverage of the free guide. Later this week, on 27 August, I'll be hosting a free online event about it later this week (see below for details).
It's likely to be my last job as chair, as my three-year stint comes to an end next month at the guild's AGM.
Full blurb for the guide and event details as follows:
The lives of real people and true stories have always provided inspiration for writers. But the practicalities of working with factual material – and the potential to upset an existing person (or their lawyer) – can leave writers feeling anxious.
Which is why WGGB has today (19 August 2025) launched a new free, online guide on working with factual material.
The guidelines cover how copyright law treats factual material and how writers can build relationships with their subjects. They also provide advice on how to avoid being accused of libel or defamation.
The guidelines have been produced by the WGGB Books Committee, but the advice and principles contained in them will also be useful for writers working in other craft areas such as film, TV, theatre or audio.
The guide includes answers to questions that the WGGB is regularly asked. For example:
- Do I need ‘life rights’ to write about a real, living person?
- What if I want to write about a real, deceased person?
- Do I need permission to include a reference to a brand or trademark in my work?
- Do I need a licence to quote an academic or journalistic article in my work?
- Do I need a licence to parody or pastiche something factual in my work?
- What if my sources are in the public domain?
- How do I protect my copyright when doing research/conducting interviews?
- Should my interview subjects sign an NDA?
- How do I work with historical consultants?
- What if my subject wants a cut of the profits from my project?
- I want to base a fictional character on a real person – can I do that?
When it comes to undertaking research and interviews, for example of subjects or specialists in the author’s chosen area, we have published an accompanying template ‘Right to release’ form (as a free download) which the writer can ask the interview subject to sign to confirm that they understand the purpose of the interview and which grants the writer the right to use their material.
Working with factual material guides writers through understanding the differences between libel and defamation, best practice to protect themselves against a legal case, and the implications of writer warranties and indemnities.
WGGB Books Chair Simon Guerrier said: “When it comes to working with factual material, there are clearly many areas in which writers want help and clarification — as WGGB has received numerous enquiries in the past few years.
“This clear, concise publication guides writers through what they need to know and includes some practical tips.
“I’m very grateful to everyone on the WGGB Books Committee and at the union for their hard work in putting these guidelines together.”
Working with factual material – come to our free event on 27 August
WGGB Books Chair Simon Guerrier will be offering some practical advice on this subject and discussing with guests (to be announced) the pitfalls of writing about real-life characters, events and issues, whether contemporary or historical.
Live captions will be available throughout. Please let us know when you register if you have any additional access needs.
5-6pm, 27 August
Online, via Zoom
Price: free
No comments:
Post a Comment