If you write a novel that is either based on or inspired by a 'true story' is it necessary to mention that in a query or the synopsis?
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Advice Needed
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It depends. Can you and your publisher get sued for printing it?
If not, then no.
If it was inspired but doesn't have any of the real names and is in fact a work of fiction then leave that inspired by a true story for the book cover.
If not, then no.
If it was inspired but doesn't have any of the real names and is in fact a work of fiction then leave that inspired by a true story for the book cover.
Okay, I understand. My story was "inspired by" a true crime. Names, dates, places changed. No reason/excuse for a lawsuit. I mostly wondered if the basis for the story would help [or harm] my chances of getting it published.
Thank you, icerose.
Thank you, icerose.
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James Ellroy based his novel The Black Dahlia on a famous murder from the 1940's. It's been done.
Especially in horror films recently, it's become almost standard to have your horror film based on a true story.
I would leave it out. If someone says to you, ten years from now at a book signing, "DO you know what your book reminded me of?" THen you can happily say "Well, good, it was based off that in some ways!" and just be glad someone noticed.
I would leave it out. If someone says to you, ten years from now at a book signing, "DO you know what your book reminded me of?" THen you can happily say "Well, good, it was based off that in some ways!" and just be glad someone noticed.
Also, ask yourself: Would identifying the inspiration make it sell better?
If the case was well-known, it may help the agent find a publisher. If it was a tiny case in Podunk, Mississippi that only the locals still talk about, it's probably not worth mentioning. Unless Podunk and surrounding localities are your single target audience.
If the case was well-known, it may help the agent find a publisher. If it was a tiny case in Podunk, Mississippi that only the locals still talk about, it's probably not worth mentioning. Unless Podunk and surrounding localities are your single target audience.
I would say it's good to mention in your query letter (not your synopsis) to the publisher that the novel was inspired by a true story. If it's a well-known crime, the publisher might want to "cash" in on that. Plus, you want the publisher to know so that they can decide if there are any legal ramifications. Then your editor can help you shape the novel to either avoid any legal snafus or to help you incorporate the true stuff so that they can market it as a "true crime" novel.
However, mentioning it won't help or harm your chances ... only your writing will do that.
However, mentioning it won't help or harm your chances ... only your writing will do that.
I have actually heard otherwise from two publishers and at least three agents that have this in their guidelines.
They recommend against mentioning it's based on real life experiences or inspired by a true story.
What hasn't?
But especially in the case of agents who are looking to invest in your career for the long term, the question in their mind pops up: "Okay, can you write fiction?"
They want to know if this is the only thing you can write, by stating its based on real life or true events, it makes them question whether or not you can write something that isn't, this has also been stated in a few pros blogs.
Just what I have seen, do what you feel will best assist you and the sale of your story.
They recommend against mentioning it's based on real life experiences or inspired by a true story.
What hasn't?
But especially in the case of agents who are looking to invest in your career for the long term, the question in their mind pops up: "Okay, can you write fiction?"
They want to know if this is the only thing you can write, by stating its based on real life or true events, it makes them question whether or not you can write something that isn't, this has also been stated in a few pros blogs.
Just what I have seen, do what you feel will best assist you and the sale of your story.
The crime happened 30 years ago. As horrifying as it was, I do not believe anyone outside of this area heard about it. I see your point. There is no reason to mention anything about "inspiration", at this time.
Thanks chaostitan and Peedee.
Thanks chaostitan and Peedee.
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Thanks for your help as well, writeperch. The writing *is* what the publishers are going to be the most concerned with.
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crime
Only if you're really trying to tell the story of that crime, and plan on using real names and places. Then you have to tell. But if the true crome merely inspires your story, then, no, don't mention it.
Mystery1 said:
Only if you're really trying to tell the story of that crime, and plan on using real names and places. Then you have to tell. But if the true crome merely inspires your story, then, no, don't mention it.
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'm submitting it as a mystery. IF someone asks, I'll tell.
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