Andrea: Since I have practiced law for more than 25 years, I probably have a different view than some people. I think it is extremely unlikely that most writers would ever get sued for something they write in a book. This, of course, assumes that the writer has not made a point of writing something obviously malicious and untrue about someone. I haven't priced any of these policies, so I don't have a sense of what they cost. If they are cheap, and they should be considering the slight risk of a claim, they might be worth spending a few dollars just for the peace of mind they might provide. But more than likely a writer is better served spending those dollars promoting his or her book rather than paying them to an insurance company.

A major chain wants to carry my book but I'm told I need it insured!
could someone call me 310 562 3990.
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I don't have much expertise in insurance, but I've done some work with interviews, mostly for documentaries. I'd say the best thing in that case is to make sure you always get signed release forms from your subjects. Keep a copy for yourself and give one to the person you're interviewing. Then at least you have something to fall back on should a problem ever arise. The form should specifically include how the information will be used, and (if) how the interviewee will be compensated.

I work in the insurance industry. One of the best reasons for buying liability insurance is that it pays for your legal defense if you get sued. Even with release forms in hand, you may still get sued. The suit might be groundless, but you'll still incur the cost of hiring a lawyer to get it thrown out. In this case, the policy may be more "legal costs insurance" than liability insurance. I agree, most authors won't end up being legally liable for damages, but defending the suit can be expensive.

I agree with Tim that the main thing one would get from such a policy is protection from the cost to defend a claim. However, I still think that the chances of a suit are extremely remote and unless the policy is very cheap an author is just wasting his or her money to buy it.

I've been thinking about all this over the past few days and now see the value in, at least, examining insurance policies. I buy insurance for home, health, teeth, travel, my husband's guitars, so why not book liability. I have seen doctors I know being sued for absurd reasons. The claims are thrown out, but the doctors waste hours and hours on preparation for deposition, and working with hospital lawyers. I would have to find and pay for a lawyer myself if someone brings an equally absurd lawsuit against me for publishing something they said to me in an interview. I am working on a WWII story, based on a family's very personal documents. That seems to me a good book to insure before publication.

It sounds like you've really attempted to protect the anonymity of both yourself and the people mentioned in your book. Although, I believe the threat is extremely low, I don't have the specific answers to your questions. I suggest you speak to an insurance agent as well as a lawyer with experience in publishing. Both should provide you with a consultation as well as some peace of mind. Good luck and please let us know what you find out.

I'd like to buy liability insurance. I have a new book coming out on the JFK assassination. Most of the media insurance I have investigated is terribly expensive. My homeowner's policy covers slander, defamation and libel, but one exclusion is for "business issues." I don't have a "business" but I am publishing a for profit book with a major publisher. Any suggestions? The one policy I checked was very expensive. Jerry Kroth