Writing can be a litigious career, especially in the nonfiction space. You could get sued for the smallest reasons. It doesn’t matter if you win; any legal trouble is bound to drain your time, energy, and resources.
This is why you might want to include a book disclaimer in your work. While it doesn’t make you immune from lawsuits, it does help you defend against them.
What is a Book Disclaimer?
A book disclaimer is a short sentence or paragraph that helps protect you and the publisher from liabilities related to the contents of your book. It clarifies your expertise and scope of work while denying responsibility for certain instances.
A disclaimer may state that:
- any details may be a coincidence.
- your views and opinions shouldn’t be taken as professional advice.
- any information may not be accurate, up-to-date, and error-free.
- the reader’s actions are their responsibility.
- information sourced from third-party sources may not be accurate or complete.
- results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person.
- some details are altered or omitted for the sake of privacy.
- your views do not reflect those of the publisher. (if added by the publisher)
While book disclaimers can help mitigate legal risks, it’s crucial to understand that they do not offer complete protection. Essentially, it is you alerting the reader about the limits of your book so they can’t argue they didn’t know later on.
You typically include a disclaimer somewhere at the beginning of the book, either on the copyright or dedication page. This ensures your readers see it early on.
It is not required to add a disclaimer to your work. However, it is a smart way to give yourself an extra layer of legal protection while setting clear expectations for your readers. Besides, it doesn’t hurt and may help you in specific situations.
Fiction Vs. Nonfiction Book Disclaimers
Disclaimers for fiction books are easier to write as you can mostly bank on the details of your work being imaginary. If you’ve read many fiction books, you’d have most likely seen countless renditions of “This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, or actual events or locales, is purely coincidental.”
Nonfiction disclaimers are a bit more complex, especially if you’re writing to solve a problem. Let’s say you wrote a book about your weight loss journey, in which you detail the exercises and habits that helped you.
Results will vary. Many people will find success and others will fail. The latter might call you out and blame you for their failure.
Because you’re working with real information, people can apply your work to real-life situations. This opens you up to a lot more liabilities. With no disclaimer, people might think your advice is guaranteed to work.
Tips on Writing a Nonfiction Book Disclaimer
Here are a few tips for writing an effective nonfiction book disclaimer.
1. Consult an attorney.
The best way to write an effective nonfiction book disclaimer is to consult a law expert. They know what to look for and how to word your statement best.
If you’re with a traditional publisher, they usually have a legal team that can advise you on this. However, never think of them as a shield against litigation. You still assume full responsibility for your work.
Do your research, discuss with your publisher, and talk with a third-party lawyer if you feel the need to.
2. Be clear and concise.
A book disclaimer is intentionally short not only to avoid boring the reader but to also minimize any misunderstanding. People tend to skip long pieces of text if they don’t deem it relevant to their reading experience.
Use short sentences and simple words. Avoid jargon and slang that could confuse your readers. The less room you give for misinterpretations, the better you protect yourself.
3. Set realistic expectations and limitations.
Be upfront with what your book offers and what it doesn’t. Address any specific situations and issues that are relevant to the audience. Be honest about your qualifications and experiences.
And always state the limitations of your work. Your audience should understand before delving into the content whether you’ve covered a specific time frame, the scope of the subject, if there’s speculation, the reasons behind it, and other factors. Most importantly, state that results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person.
A book disclaimer is where you ground your audience’s perspective of your work. The more realistic they view the information you provide, the more effective your message will be.
4. Include the purpose of the book.
Be clear on why you wrote your book. Its purpose will set the stage for how people understand your message. Did you write it primarily to persuade, entertain, or inform? Including this may also alleviate any concerns of your readers.
6. Include a statement about damages.
Understand that people may act on the information you provide. Always state that any damage incurred from following your work is out of your control.
Examples of Nonfiction Book Disclaimers
In terms of nonfiction, you’ll mostly see book disclaimers added to memoirs, how-to’s, self-help, business, health and wellness, and cookbooks. Below are some examples of how they might look like.
Memoir
The author and publisher have worked to depict events and individuals as accurately as memory allows. In addition, some names, locations, and timelines have been altered for privacy and storytelling purposes.
Health and Wellness
The information provided in this book is for educational purposes only and is based on the author’s research and personal experiences. This book is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease or condition nor to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your lifestyle or diet.
Cookbook
This cookbook contains recipes and culinary tips obtained from the author’s research and experience in the industry. While each recipe has been thoroughly tested, results may vary from person to person. Readers should be mindful of their dietary restrictions and consult with a healthcare professional as needed.
How-To’s
Please note that the information contained within this guide is based on general principles that may not be suitable for every individual. Personalized advice from a trained professional is recommended. The author and publisher do not assume responsibility for any resulting loss or damage, regardless of the cause.
Conclusion
Nonfiction book disclaimers work in two ways: they inform your readers of critical information regarding your book and give you extra legal protection. It’s a harmless inclusion that may just save you in the future.
And here’s a disclaimer: I’m not a lawyer. The information in this post is only meant to inform. If you have any legal concerns about your book, make sure to consult with a qualified lawyer.
What other tips do you have for writing book disclaimers? Share them below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- Copyright Page Templates: Sample Copyright Language You Can Use
- What Is an Author’s Note and Do You Need One?
- Your Guide to Content Warnings: When and How to Include One in Your Book
- Back Matter: Why It Matters as Much as the Front Pages of Your Book
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
