Books & Authors, I Need Your Wisdom?

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Lana T.

New member
One of my relatives is an extremely well known sports celebrity. At least two men have helped him write books about himself and another man interviewed some of my relatives to write a book on the family member I just mentioned. Should I try to contact either of these men to ask for a possible reference with a literary agent? I have a sports novel (historical fiction) regarding the Ne_gro League that this family member was a part of that has never been written about. About 5 other members of my family were on this team (not just the famous family member).

I can't ask the famous family member for their help (I have my reasons, even though the book shows them in a positive light). Would it seem desperate, though, to ask these strangers for a reference to an agent? Should I go for it or just leave that alone? I need serious advice, please.

btw, please forgive me but I can't offer best answer for this - the question needs to be taken down in a little while so it's not traced back to me should I get this book published.

Thanks in advance!
MUSICimprovedMe, Thanks:-) We don't sue each other in my family. My relative knows about the book and said that's good. There's no friction but I don't know him very well is all. No, he will never sue me...not in this family.

But it would be easier if I had a contact, a reference, since 99.9% or writers don't get published. It was just an idea, but I guess I see what you're saying.
 
If you aren't in good standing with your relative, it's not really cool to use him or his co-writers for their "in" in the industry, no matter who is in the right or wrong of the situation. But that doesn't mean you can't try to get the agent's attention without dropping your relative's name. It doesn't have to be a secret, but you don't have to be the one who outs yourself as this person's family member. In fact, in time it will probably be known by everyone involved and to me, that wouldn't be such a big deal unless you are afraid for some reason, of a huge scandal or putting the agent in a position of having to choose between you.

On the other hand...there is that old business with pleasure rule...and family just seems to complicate the equation. So I would wonder if finding your own agent apart from this situation would be better.

I would think you want to contact a lawyer with regard to your rights and responsibilities to all the people mentioned in your book. Make sure they are cool with it, since there seems to be some friction in the family, especially this celebrity relative you talk about. You don't want to get sued.
 
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