Gov't Agencies

[WyreBendr0417]

Has anyone ever had a story rejected for using or mentioning actual Government agencies? I'm outlining a story that is still a ways down the line and would like to use one or two. I've already created alternate meanings for the acronyms if I can't use the real thing.

I'm not even sure this story will be Lit material except in non-erotica. For now, there is nothing remotely sexual about it. I'm still ironing out the basics in between other projects.

Thanks.

WB

 

[TarnishedPenny]

Never heard of a problem like that. I’m sure the usual rules about libel and such apply, but I can’t see any reason for you to worry.

 

[SimonDoom]

I've never heard of that and cannot imagine it being a problem unless the story comes across as overtly political and in violation of the politics restrictions.

 

[Voboy]

I'm not sure I'd claim in my story that the FBI is a bunch of pedophiliac gang-rapists.

If I was doing that, I'd probably invent an acronym or put it into the mouth of an obvious conspiracy theorist. Short of that? I'd imagine mentioning alphabet agencies is probably just fine.

 

[Euphony]

There's only one unmentionable that I know of...

https://64.media.tumblr.com/5ab956c0ce6de867ed36653f798fcdaf/tumblr_peuyhrIEgy1us57u5o1_540.gif

 

[BobbyBrandt]

It's definitely not a problem, here or in mainstream literature. It happens all the time, frequently in derogatory ways.

 

[SeraphNocturne]

I’ve used the CIA… so far no cease and desist letters.

 

[KeithD]

Has anyone ever had a story rejected for using or mentioning actual Government agencies? I'm outlining a story that is still a ways down the line and would like to use one or two. I've already created alternate meanings for the acronyms if I can't use the real thing.

I'm not even sure this story will be Lit material except in non-erotica. For now, there is nothing remotely sexual about it. I'm still ironing out the basics in between other projects.

Thanks.

WB

Nope. I have a running series involving a "Candy Store" unit of the CIA (combining the world's two oldest professions, prostitution and spying, in intelligence ops), and I have series on the New York Police Department and one on the Vice unit of the Washington, D.C., police department, and they've all cleared in publishing in both the marketplace and story sites such as Literotica. Many of my stories are set in U.S. embassies (State Department) abroad as well.

 

[MillieDynamite]

They love you to use their acronyms in stories because it covers up how bad they really are. Big Bro, that's just a joke. Seriously, don't sic the FBI, CIA, DEA, ATF, USMS, or IRS on me. Please!

 

[MediocreAuthor]

Thomas from Rescue the Fallen works for the FBI.

Ever since then, there's been a van that keeps parking outside my house, but I'm pretty sure that's just a creepy fan. ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

 

[WyreBendr0417]

Thank you everyone, I appreciate the replies. Guess I'll save the Feral Boneheads of Instigation for another project.

Thanks again.

WB

 

[KeithD]

They love you to use their acronyms in stories because it covers up how bad they really are. Big Bro, that's just a joke. Seriously, don't sic the FBI, CIA, DEA, ATF, USMS, or IRS on me. Please!

I laughed. The CIA did indeed enjoy having Tom Clancy write about them, but they wanted his plots to be more realistic. So, they agreed to let him tour CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA, if he'd let someone go over his next manuscript and make suggestions on making it more real (How about not having the CIA director directly running and going on Ops?) I got that job and we gave him an extensive tour. After I reviewed his next manuscript (Clear and Present Danger) and had suggestions to give, he said 'Why should I change anything? My books sell.) and that was that.

 

[MillieDynamite]

He wasn't my favorite writer, but he wasn't my least favorite either. He didn't even explain that the Deputy Directors were in charge of different parts of the organization. In the book Clear and Present Danger, he spent over 100 pages on the background of the captain of the Coast Guard Cutter, the Panache. Then, the cutter and the captain fade off until the end of the story. I'm not saying he's a bad writer, but he had bloated stories at times. It was like he got paid by the word.

I laughed. The CIA did indeed enjoy having Tom Clancy write about them, but they wanted his plots to be more realistic. So, they agreed to let him tour CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA, if he'd let someone go over his next manuscript and make suggestions on making it more real (How about not having the CIA director directly running and going on Ops?) I got that job and we gave him an extensive tour. After I reviewed his next manuscript (Clear and Present Danger) and had suggestions to give, he said 'Why should I change anything? My books sell.) and that was that.

 

[EmilyMiller]

Gov't Agencies​

I got away with referencing the BEA a lot in Determination and Caputpedes.

Em

 

[WyreBendr0417]

I got away with referencing the BEA a lot in Determination and Caputpedes.

Em

I didn't think there'd be a problem with the agencies themselves. Mostly, I wasn't sure if it was against any Lit policies and grounds for rejection.
Thanks Emily

WB