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Publishing "imaginary" quotes by someone else

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idealistico101

Junior Member
Hi guys!

I am writing a book and to spice things up I´d want to add some funny quotes.

- John Doe is a presenter of a big tv show and famous for his witty remarks.
- I would write similar to this - "if mr John Doe commented on this he would probably say "yes this is a bunch of baloney" (or similar).
- I would clearly state in the beginning of the book that these quotes are fictional
- The quotes would of course not be defamatory, include hatred/racism or whatever offensive material.

Do I have to ask for permission etc to do this?
:confused::)
 


quincy

Senior Member
Hi guys!

I am writing a book and to spice things up I´d want to add some funny quotes.

- John Doe is a presenter of a big tv show and famous for his witty remarks.
- I would write similar to this - "if mr John Doe commented on this he would probably say "yes this is a bunch of baloney" (or similar).
- I would clearly state in the beginning of the book that these quotes are fictional
- The quotes would of course not be defamatory, include hatred/racism or whatever offensive material.

Do I have to ask for permission etc to do this?
:confused::)
It can be legally risky to do what you are proposing to do. If the well-known John Doe is not amused by the words you are putting in his mouth, there is a good chance that you will not be amused for long either. ;)

The idea for your book's "spice" can be doable but you need to be very careful with the words you use. You will be working with a person's reputation and reputations are valuable. Getting permission is always best when you intend to use a real person in a fictitious way.

I recommend you take your manuscript, with the fake witty remarks you intend to have the real person say, for a personal review by an attorney in your area.

Good luck.
 

Just Blue

Senior Member
Hi guys!

I am writing a book and to spice things up I´d want to add some funny quotes.

- John Doe is a presenter of a big tv show and famous for his witty remarks.
- I would write similar to this - "if mr John Doe commented on this he would probably say "yes this is a bunch of baloney" (or similar).
- I would clearly state in the beginning of the book that these quotes are fictional
- The quotes would of course not be defamatory, include hatred/racism or whatever offensive material.

Do I have to ask for permission etc to do this?
:confused::)
What US State are you in?
 

quincy

Senior Member
Not to worry...I think most of us have does it at some point...:)
I think I am going to start pretending everyone is from Michigan unless told otherwise (or, better perhaps, that they are from the U.K. - because that would make my answers shorter :)).
 

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