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Writing Books/Putting words in people's mouth
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Question
I read you answer about writing factual books. I am writing a book which contains real persons who were known to have met and conversed together. They, however, are now dead. To what degree can an author construct a conversation between them. The conversation would not be in anyway slanderous but merely chatter about aesthetics and the creative nature of people.
Dear Harry Smith,
Again, I'm really not the expert on this and can't say for sure 100 percent, but certainly what you propose should be absolutely fine. In this case your own creations are acceptable because you don't have exact wording, i.e., taped conversations, etc.
Hope this helps -- it's always best to be on the safe side when dealing with 'real people' issues like this.
All Best,
Catherine Van Herrin
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WordChannel
Expertise
Welcome! I have a BA in English and 23 years of professional editing, writing, and proofreading skills. I am a full-time freelance writer, editor, and proofreader. I provide crystal-clear, clean grammar; strict attention to style, consistency, flow, logic, accuracy, and spelling, and I work quickly and efficiently. Have a question? Just ask!
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION:
Speeches,
Biographies,
Autobiographies,
Short stories,
Novels,
Medical journal drafts and articles,
Art history,
Headline, subhead writing,
Lead paragraphs, pulled quotes, book critiques/reviews,
How-to, DIY [special circumstances only; inquire specifically],
Career exploration, resumes and CVs,
Health,
Calendars, copy,
Photography, copy,
Metaphysical, astrological reports or copy,
Family or historical summaries,
Academic manuscripts [university level and above only],
Self-help, Holistic, Spiritual, all Metaphysical,
Romance,
Fantasy,
Children's literature,
Ghostwriting or co-authoring,
Contributing writer/Op-Ed, column writing, poetry.
If I am away or maxed out, you may always contact me here, and I will respond within or before 24 hours:
WRITING HELP
Experience
Twenty-three years' publishing industry experience, editorial (print media). I am now a full-time freelance writer, editor, ghostwriter/collaborator, and proofreader. I provide crystal-clear, clean grammar; strict attention to style, consistency, flow, logic, accuracy, and spelling, and I work quickly and efficiently.
My strengths are in book editing, ghosting, and proofing.
I have a flair for detail, dialogue, and personal narrative.
Organizations
Editorial Freelancers Association, USA
Publications
Various online e-zines, e-books, full-length (up to 260,000 words) book manuscripts, website revisions/edits, and blogs. Please inquire for full list.
Education/Credentials
AA, Liberal Arts, Anderson College, Anderson, SC.
BA, English, University of Georgia, Athens, GA.
Post-graduate work, English, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX.
Past/Present Clients
List of past and current clients/references provided upon request.
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