Libel vs. Slander
Q: What is the difference between libel and slander?—Mark E. A: Libel is the printing of false information that’s stated as if it were fact and brings harm to someone…
Q: What is the difference between libel and slander?—Mark E.
A: Libel is the printing of false information that's stated as if it were fact and brings harm to someone (or some group). Slander is spoken.
Think of it this way: If my mom were to go on television and tell everyone that I kicked puppies—which I've never done and would never do—she would be committing slander. If my local newspaper printed a story, "Brian A. Klems is a Puppy Kicker!" then that rag would be committing libel.
Seriously, though, I would never, ever kick a puppy. I swear.
OK, I'll make a donation to my local SPCA right away.
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Jane Friedman is a full-time entrepreneur (since 2014) and has 20 years of experience in the publishing industry. She is the co-founder of The Hot Sheet, the essential publishing industry newsletter for authors, and is the former publisher of Writer’s Digest. In addition to being a columnist with Publishers Weekly and a professor with The Great Courses, Jane maintains an award-winning blog for writers at JaneFriedman.com. Jane’s newest book is The Business of Being a Writer (University of Chicago Press, 2018).
