Writing About Real People Safely
What UK defamation law means for memoir and autobiographical fiction, and simple ways to protect yourself.
The Basics
If you write memoir or autobiographical fiction, it helps to understand the basics of defamation law.
What Defamation Means
Defamation is publishing something false that harms someone's reputation. Truth is a defence, but you must be able to back up what you claim.
Facts vs Opinion
Opinions clearly framed as opinion are generally safer than statements presented as fact. How you phrase something matters as much as what you say.
Living vs Deceased
UK defamation law only protects the living. Writing about someone who has passed away carries different considerations, though family members deserve care and respect regardless.
Practical Protection
Simple habits that reduce risk without watering down your story.
Change Names and Details
Changing names, locations, and identifying details is the simplest and most effective way to protect both yourself and the people you write about.
Combine Characters
Many memoirists blend traits from multiple real people into a single composite character, making any one person harder to identify.
Add a Disclaimer
A standard line such as ‘some names and details have been changed’ is common practice and signals your intent clearly to readers.
When You Are Not Sure
If a passage feels risky, it is worth a second opinion before you publish.
Ask a Trusted Reader
Run sensitive passages past someone you trust who can read it with fresh eyes and flag anything that feels too identifiable or risky.
Consider Legal Advice
For anything high-risk, a media lawyer can review specific passages. This is a worthwhile cost for a book built heavily around real, identifiable events.
Get In Touch
If you are unsure how this applies to your manuscript, get in touch and we will talk it through with you.
Related Guides
Copyright and plagiarism are separate issues worth understanding too, and a clean, well-edited manuscript is easier to review for risk.
Questions About Your Manuscript?
We work with independent authors at every stage. Get in touch and we will point you in the right direction.
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