Aussie Readers discussion

I think it's fairly important to stick to real police procedures otherwise it could be pretty alarming for a reader who might then complain!

Anna Faversham wrote: "I think it's fairly important to stick to real police procedures otherwise it could be pretty alarming for a reader who might then complain!"

I agree - People believe what they read and see!!!

You would be surprised how many people in Australia, when arrested for whatever reason, seem to think they have the same rights as people arrested in the USA. They see all the cop shows and think it is universal. So yes, I think its very important to get it right.

If I come across incorrect info in a book, first I check it out (I could be wrong!) but if the author is wrong, it spoils the book for me as I see him/her as unprofessional. In other genres you can get away with making stuff up so long as the reader can go along with it, but in some genres it is important for the author to look as though he/she is knowledgeable about the subject - otherwise it's fantasy!

That is absolutely correct Anna. And as much as authors sometimes think the majority of readers don't notice - we do!! lol

We certainly do notice those details, and they put us off if they're wrong. But you can always throw in a disclaimer, saying you have taken liberties with times or dates or places or actual laws. If you explain what you changed for the sake of your story, readers are generally willing to accept that.