The Legal Index

Due to be published in 2026
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Questions of coaching, editing, and writing law

Practical guidance for coaches, editors, and writers based in the UK.

The Legal Index is written by me, an English lawyer who is also a book coach, an editor, and a writer.
I live and breathe the business world of writing books.

I’ve practiced law for nearly four decades.

I am also an editor and a book coach.

I’ve grown interested in bringing together in one place much of the law that writers, editors, and book coaches need to know.

Once you start thinking about it, legal issues go way beyond glancing over publishing or agent contracts or worrying about copyright issues (and they are important enough to know about).

People ask me questions like these:

  • How long do I need to keep records for?

  • I’m editing my client’s diaries for publication. What defamation risk is she running?

  • Do I really need a written contract with my coaching client?

  • Might my relatives sue me for defamation in my memoir?

  • I have been asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Should I?

  • How do I appoint a Literary Executor? (What do they even do?)

  • I want to publish my late mum’s memoir. Who has copyright?

  • Are there legal issues in using Chat GPT in my marketing?

 
Whether you are a writer publishing a book in the UK, or hiring professional support to finish your book, or whether you are an editor or a book coach providing services from the UK, this book uncovers insights into your legal position.

The Legal Index is sensible and practical.

It is not a law textbook.

In natural language, it asks dozens of questions that arise in day-to-day writing and business practice.

The Legal Index is clearly laid out.

It is easy to navigate with a thorough index that allows you to pinpoint exactly the advice you need.

The Legal Index is written for:

🪶    Editors and Book Coaches working in the UK who want to understand the legal framework they are operating in.
🪶    Writers based in the UK who self-publish and market their books, or who seek a contract with a traditional publisher.
🪶    Writers who wish to hire a UK-based coach, editor, or other writing-related freelance professional.

Publication in 2026

Would you like a heads-up when The Legal Index is actually published?

 
Drop your email into the form and I will make sure to let you know when it’s published.

This book is useless in comparison to a real lawyer.

I have to disclaim all and any pretence that this book could ever be a substitute for proper, one-to-one legal advice that you can rely on.

Disclaimer

1.1

This book is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal, financial, or tax advice. If you want advice that you can rely on to resolve a specific situation, you must engage a lawyer, accountant, or financial adviser who is appropriately qualified for the jurisdiction and for coaching and creative practices and estates.

1.2

1.2.1 Because your eyes glazed over as soon as you read the word, Disclaimer, I am going to say it again, this time a little differently.

1.2.2 Do not rely solely on this book to help you run your business in a legally compliant manner.

1.2.3 Do not rely solely on this book to defend yourself from defamation claims, or to sign publishing contracts, or to plan how to hand your business (writing, coaching, editing) on to the next generation, or to handle any legal issue that crops up.

1.2.4 It is up to you to work out what is best for you and, for example, to plan the succession of your Estate with the help of a skilled solicitor and accountant who understands the law (especially the taxation law) in your jurisdiction and the context of your unique circumstances.

1.3

In case you didn’t get the message, here it is again:

Do not use this book as a substitute for legal advice.