If you would like to cite material from personal correspondence such as letters or e-mail in your book, you should obtain permission from the original writers. Also, if you are telling personal stories to illustrate a point, you may need to obscure identifying details of a story (e.g., names, location, relationship with author) to protect the privacy of those involved.

Wherever possible, you should obtain a signed release form from people mentioned in such anecdotes. A disclaimer may also be added to the copyright page that reads: "While any stories in this book are true, some names and identifying information may have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals."

Please send copies of signed release forms to your editor for our files. If any photographs are used in your book, release forms should be obtained from the photographers.

Download a release form (PDF).