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10.
AOTW: When you're researching, are you viewed differently by the principals in the case as a book writer as opposed to a newspaper or broadcast journalist? Does a "book" suggest a more hefty and permanent retelling in their eyes?
Susan Kelly: This is a very interesting question. A great many law enforcement people hate the press --- but they like book writers. Certainly this was my experience. I had the welcome mat laid out for me while I was writing the Strangler book --- everyone from the then Attorney General of Massachusetts to beat cops was pleased to cooperate. Amazing.
Gretchen Brinck: Yes. Some felt the news media had misrepresented them and had treated them with insensitivity. Presenting oneself as a book writer implies one intends to take time to get things right as much as possible. For one family, telling me their whole story helped them move forward in their lives.
Michael Fleeman: It cuts both ways. When I was covering crime for AP, I had the credibility of the world's largest news organization behind me. With books, it's just little old me. Still, people are more interested in helping with books, if only because they know you can tell a more complete story. Also, people tend to think you're going to pay them large amounts of money for their cooperation; if only they knew how little we actually make.
Brian J. Karem: The second part of that question is "NO." They view you as a possible means to a revenue stream called "The Movie of the Week" in many cases, but not in all. And, having covered these cases as a television, radio and newspaper reporter as well as an author, yes they look at you differently. Again, because of the "hefty and permanent retelling" in their eyes which could lead to that revenue stream.
Burl Barer: Yes [and] yes.
Don Lasseter: I think most people involved in a case; victims' families, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and witnesses, generally respect book authors a little more than news reporters. The reporter, unfortunately, needs hot, sensational information instantly, while the author can interview at the person's convenience and in a slow, friendly pace. The stereotype often shown in movies of the feeding frenzy by rude reporters is, unfortunately, based on some elements of truth. Of course, there are exceptions. I've met several reporters who have been extremely helpful, and were absolutely loved by the people involved.
Irene Pence: Interesting question; I would only be able to make an assumption. I think that the large newspapers and TV channels would carry more clout than I, even though they frequently get a "No comment." However, I may get some additional information because I try to convince the principals that I'm writing to tell a sympathetic story through the victim's eyes. Depending on his point of view, the interviewee may see it as more justice.
Sue Russell: I think the principals do have the sense, and rightly so, that they will get a fuller hearing and that their story will be told more accurately.
Robert Scott: Yes, a book does suggest a more permanent and hefty retelling. I'm a member of the Press (ASJA --- American Society of Journalists and Authors), and have written true crime articles for magazines. Compiling research for a magazine article may take a month or two. For a book it takes at least nine months and nearly 2,000 pages of notes and copies of court documents. You can explain all the tangents of a case more readily in a book.
Carlton Smith: This was certainly true in the beginning, but less so in recent years as current events have merged into entertainment. However, because my work has taken me to jurisdictions throughout the West Coast, to Texas, Colorado, Massachusetts and Florida, I have had many contacts with law enforcement people and with attorneys for both the prosecution and defense. Having already had contacts with many of these people is an assistance in undertaking a new project, because these sources are familiar with my previous work.
Dina Temple-Raston: Absolutely. Because I was in Jasper so often, and was talking to so many people over the course of more than two years, I think Jasperites saw I was trying to get the story right. I'm not sure they will agree with everything I've written, but I did try to be fair.
Carlton Stowers: Yes, I believe most people view newspaper reports and book authors differently. The person working on a book is obviously going to be telling the story in depth, lending personality and place to the story. For many of the families I've dealt with, they view the publication of a book as the permanent record of an event that changed their lives. And therein, as I've mentioned, lies a great responsibility on the part of the writer.
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