Professional Author Fanfic Policies

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Related:	Blanket Statement
See also:	Permissions, Attitudes Toward Fanfiction
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The attitudes of professional writers and creators of source texts to fandom and fanworks are as varied as their understanding of copyright and Fair Use. Some are vehemently opposed to fanworks based on their texts, and some are actively supportive. Still others are fine with fanworks but believe that reading or seeing them constitutes a threat; in fact, fan works pose no greater risk to a professional author than any other artistic works, essays, or even fan mail.

The following lists are not exhaustive, but do attempt to list the publicly stated positions of novelists and other writers (including television and radio producers) who have earned fannish attention. An additional list of author fan fiction policies can be found on FanWorks.Org here.

See TPTB's Involvement and Interference for information on interactions between fans and canon creators.

Authors Who Support/ed Fanfic About Their Work

Note: This support may be either explicit or tacit.

• Applegate, Katherine and Grant, Michael, her husband. Animorphs and Gone. Thanked Animorphs fanfic writers in the author's note to the final book in the series, number 54. "You will have noticed that I didn’t give this story a pat conclusion, and that’s deliberate. Katherine (my wife and frequent coauthor, K.A. Applegate) and I were among the earliest authors to encounter fan fiction via the internet. We’ve embraced it from the start. And some part of me hopes that fanfic writers will carry this story forward. Don’t ask me what happens to these characters next, because I don’t know. Will Dekka find love, perhaps with Simone? Will Cruz and Armo? How will Sam and Astrid do in this terrifying extension of earlier trauma? Maybe you have some ideas. I built the sandbox; if you want to bring your pails and shovels and play in it, cool. It’s one of the best things about writing for young people: you are my collaborators in imagination. If I leave blanks it’s because I know you’ll fill them.
• Armstrong, Kelley. Otherworld, Darkest Powers, Nadia Stafford series books. Says "I'd be thrilled. What greater compliment to an author than to want to write stories using the characters/universe she created? If anyone ever did write fanfic based on my books, I wouldn't just 'not mind', I'd link 'em up to my site and show 'em off!"
• Bardugo, Leigh. The Grisha Trilogy, Six of Crows and Wonder Woman: Warbringer. "I’m flattered by fan fiction. I’m delighted that anyone would feel invested enough in my characters or the world I created to want to write stories based around them—even if it’s because they don’t like where I took the narrative (who got killed, who got kissed, etc). I’ve had a few people send me fics, and unfortunately, I’ve had to decline reading them. I will admit to being incredibly curious, but until the trilogy is published (and maybe even after), I just don’t want other narratives in my head."
• Bow, James. "The Unwritten Book Series" "... as a professional author who has spent many of my formative years in fan fiction circles, I still feel the need to defend the hobby. Speaking as a professional author, I see no threat in its existence, and indeed, I can only dream of the day when fan fiction written around my professional novels appears on the Internet. To me, it would feel as though I’ve come full circle."
• Brennan, Marie. Midnight Never Come, Warrior, Witch. "[W]ith all the retellings I've written, and the secret history series (read: historical fanfic, especially Midnight Hever Come, which has almost no invented mortal characters in it), I'd be a hell of a hypocrite if I spat on fanfic."
• Brennan, Sarah Rees. The Demon's Lexicon series. "I think fanfiction is very cool. It’s a way to have fun, be imaginative and practise your writing. And if you want to write some based on my books, I’ll be very flattered and pleased: you have my permission to go right ahead. I can’t read it, because that can get writers into nasty legal situations, and you’re not allowed make money off it. Otherwise go right ahead!"
• Brite, Poppy Z. "...this would probably be a good time to mention that I used to be anti-fanfic (and personally squicked by the idea of people writing about my characters), but no longer am... people being inspired by your characters and wanting to play in your world is a pretty goddamn luxurious "problem" to have. It doesn't matter, it doesn't do harm, and the loss-of-copyright bugaboos that scared a bunch of authors (including me) some years back appear to have been inaccurately reported and (probably) wildly exaggerated. So I hereby apologize to everyone I've ever been a douchenozzle to about fanfic."
• Brockmann, Suzanne. Troubleshooters series, as well as the Tall Dark and Dangerous series and many stand-alone romance novels. Admits in interviews to writing Star Trek fanfiction as a young adult, and tacitly approves of fanfic as long as it's not on her website message boards.
• Brust, Steven. Vlad Taltos books. Published a CC-licensed Firefly fanfic. "I, Steven Brust, tell stories and publish my works because I want to spur the imaginations of my readers. I view non-commercial fanworks as a natural extension of that inspiration. The only thing I can’t support is anything that would damage my livelihood or reputation, hence keep the stuff non-commercial and label it as non-commercial fanfiction when disseminating/posting it. If you break any local laws where you are to either read my works or write about them, please don’t tell me. I may or may not read or comment on fanworks out there. Sometimes my time is limited, sometimes a comment would turn out to be a spoiler for another reader, and so on, but don’t mistake my silence for ‘don’t ask, don’t tell.’ I support the creation of non-commercial fanworks and fanfiction as a valid fannish activity, right up there with costuming, filking, and text-based play-by-post role playing."
• Bujold, Lois McMaster. Vorkosigan Saga. "Yes, I am a fan-ac friendly author; I did indeed write fan-fic in my teens. Recent legal concerns in genre fiction have rather thrown a wrench in the deal. In general, it's considered safer for a writer not to view fan fic centered on their work, so lately, and most reluctantly, I've taken to avoiding it. Feel free to write amongst yourselves, though."
• Butcher, Jim.The Dresden Files books. Gave explicit permission for CC-licensed derivative non-commercial fiction.
• Butler, S.C. Stoneways books. Would be "more flattered than otherwise to learn anyone was doing it with my world and characters, as long as they didn’t try to make money off it."
• Cabot, Meg. The Princess Diaries series. Hosts a writing forum on her site which explicitly includes fanfiction. Wrote "I'm not going to get all authorish and beg you to please stop writing fan fiction based on my books, because, as a kid, I wrote reams and reams of fan fiction based on Star Wars, most of which I sent to George Lucas (who never thanked me – although I see he didn't use any of it in the next 3 films. He probably should have). I won't even prosecute you (unless you try to make money using my characters without my permission. That is just evil and wrong)."
• Caine, Rachel. Weather Wardens, Morganville Vampires books. Links to fanfiction community for Morganville Vampires from her official website.
• Carey, Jacqueline. Kushiel's Legacy series books. Says "for legal reasons, I don't feel comfortable officially endorsing the writing of fanfic. Unofficially, my personal policy is more of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' variety."
• Carmody, Isobelle. Obernewtyn series, Alyzon Whitestar and other books. Has a fanfiction page on her official fan site.
• Cashore, Kristin. Graceling, Fire. On her blog FAQ: "I rarely read and never write fanfic, and I would certainly never want to read fanfic about my characters or worlds (talk about a link I wouldn't follow!). But I quite like the concept, I'm glad people in the world are writing fanfic, and I don't care what fanfiction writers do with my characters and worlds, as long as I don't have to read it. Actually, I'll go a step further -- I think I'd find it flattering and fun to hear that my characters had entered the world of fanfic."
• Chabon, Michael. Wonder Boys, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, The Yiddish Policemen's Union and other books. Wrote "...[A]ll literature, highbrow or low, from the Aeneid onward, is fan fiction....Through parody and pastiche, allusion and homage, retelling and reimagining the stories that were told before us and that we have come of age loving--amateurs--we proceed, seeking out the blank places in the map that our favorite writers, in their greatness and negligence, have left for us, hoping to pass on to our own readers--should we be lucky enough to find any--some of the pleasure that we ourselves have taken in the stuff that we love: to get in on the game. All novels are sequels; influence is bliss."
• Cohen, Scott. Actor, The 10th Kingdom TV miniseries. Wrote an open letter to fans, praising fan activities and fanworks.
• Collins, B.R. The Traitor Game, A Trick of the Dark, Tyme's End, Gamerunner, The Broken Road books. Says "I've never written fanfic, but I recognise that experience - you read a book, you love the characters, and you rewrite them again and again, you get to know them, you live their lives... That's normal, isn't it? And it's a huge compliment to the author. I'm amazed and thrilled that people care enough about [my characters] that they want them to go on living."
• Conan Doyle, Arthur. Sherlock Holmes book series. Reportedly said to a playwright who asked if he could give Holmes a wife, "You may marry him, or murder him, or do anything you like to him."
• Constantine, Storm. Wraeththu Mythos series books. Says "As long as people give credit where credit is due - i.e. give a clear explanation where any characters or worlds derive from, I have no objection to other stories being written about them."
• Cook, Glen. The Black Company and other books. Says "As long as they’re not trying to make money out of it, that’s not a problem with me."
• Cornell, Paul. Writer, Doctor Who tie-in novels and television and formerly, fanfiction. Linked to fanfiction of his characters in his blog in a format recognizable as a recs list.
• Cornwell, Bernard Author of the Sharpe series. Responded to a question about fanfic by saying "I think they [fanfics] are splendid! I don't read them much (not enough time), but from time to time I see them - it's a great tribute!"
• Dare, Tessa. The Legend of the Werestag, The Stud Club Trilogy and other historical romance. Used to write Jane Austen fanfic and states, ".... if someone were to write fanfic based on my characters or stories, I think I would be carried away with glee. To me, fanfiction is the ultimate compliment to a creative work."
• Doctorow, Cory. Little Brother, Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom, Makers books. Wrote In Praise of Fanfic for Locus magazine.
• Donati, Sara. Wilderness books. Blog entries titled "Fan Fiction: Why I Like It" and "Practising What I Preach," which granted permission for fanfiction are not currently available due to problems with the author's blog.
• Duane, Diane. Young Wizards, Cat Wizards, Star Trek spin-off books. Tacit permission via acknowledgement that fanworks cannot be stopped and that there must be "some other, more affable, more enjoyable, possibly more mature way to deal with the situation."
• Duncan, Dave King's Blades Chronicles, others. He is okay with noncommercial fanfiction: "My policy has always been that people may write anything they like for their own amusement. I have no reason or desire or means to stop them. But if a work infringes one of my copyrights--by including a character or locale from any of my stories, for example--and is used for gain, I am forced to defend my rights or lose them under the law. My publishers and I have mutual obligations to take action."
• Evanovitch, Janet. Stephanie Plum books. ^{[citation needed]}
• Fallon, Jennifer. Second Sons trilogy, Hythrun Chronicles, other fantasy series. "Write fanfic if you must. Enjoy it. Let others enjoy it. Use it to polish your grammar and punctuation. Hell, you can write fanfic about people I’ve created if you want."
• Finnemore, John. Cabin Pressure Radio Show. Replies to a commenter on his blog who has "Stumbled into a Cabin Pressure erotic fan-fiction archive": "Yes, I have been made aware that there are stories by other writers in which the crew apparently get a bit... fruity. I don't mind particularly, but I've decided it's probably best for the peace of mind of all concerned if I never read them!" On a different occasion, when linked to a fanfic, he tweets "I'm delighted people want to write them, but I think it's best I don't read them."
• Fink, Joseph The co-creator of fiction podcast Welcome to Night Vale states on the official website, "Non-commercial fan projects are fine by us. Please keep it free and let us know how it goes!".
• Flint, Eric. 1632 books. Publishes The Grantville Gazette fanfiction anthologies.
• Foglio, Kaja & Phil. Girl Genius comic series. Link to the fanfiction community fan_constructs on their webpage and say about it "our attorney doesn't want us reading fanfic [...] On the other hand, there's nothing to stop YOU from reading it!"
• Francis, Manna. Administration series books and etexts. Links to fanfic, fan art and meta on her official website.
• Fuller, Bryan. Hannibal TV series. Shared a fanfic-anthology and openly defended fanfiction rights.
• Gaiman, Neil. The Sandman, Good Omens, Neverwhere, American Gods and many other books.
  • Openly allows fanfiction "because fan fiction is fan fiction. I don't believe I'll lose my rights to my characters and books if I allow/fail to prevent/turn a blind eye to people writing say Neverwhere fiction, as long as those people aren't, say, trying to sell books with my characters in."
  • "As long as people aren't commercially exploiting characters I've created, and are doing it for each other, I don't see that there's any harm in [fan fiction], and given how much people enjoy it, it's obviously doing some good. It doesn't bother me."
  • "I won the Hugo Award for a piece of Sherlock Holmes/H. P. Lovecraft fanfiction, so I'm in favour."
• Gerritsen, Tess. Rizzoli & Isles novels. Is "amused" by Rizzoli & Isles fanfiction and "Rizzles" shipping. Says "I’m also thrilled that, for so many fans, these characters are like real people. [...] I must emphasize that I absolutely am not reading any of these fan fic stories, because I don’t want to ever be accused of stealing someone’s story idea!"
• Graham, Jo. Black Ships, Hand of Isis. Says "As someone who's written fanfic since I was nine years old, I feel honored to have inspired that kind of thought and love" and links to fanfiction sites.
• Gray, Claudia. Evernight, Stargazer, Hourglass books. Says "It has come to my attention that there’s some Evernight fanfic out there. I just wanted to take this opportunity to say that, in my opinion, this is awesome."
• Gross, Paul. due South TV. "I suppose the character is public ground. If you're willing to bring it into people's houses every week, the [fans] are entitled to certain liberties, where ever their imagination is carried by those characters."
• Grossman, Lev. The Magicians book. Twittered that he is "unreservedly pro-fanfiction."
• Hardinge, Frances. Fly By Night, Fly Trap / Twilight Robbery, Face Like Glass,' and other books. When asked about fanfic, responded, "I don't object to fanfic. If people feel an urge to respond creatively to something I've written, then that's great."
• Harris, Anne. Accidental Creatures, Inventing Memory and other books; Libyrinth book as "Pearl North". "I adore fanfic, particularly slash, though sadly, I don’t have much time for reading it these days. I live for the day my characters get slashed."
• Healey, Karen. Guardian of the Dead book. When asked if readers can write fanfiction based on her works, says "Knock yourself out! I think fanfic is awesome."
• Hines, Jim C.. Goblins and Princess series. "I can’t think of a single way fanfic hurts me as an author. And I can think of ways in which it helps. I’ve seen first hand as fans found my princess series, got excited about the fanfic potential, and handsold the book to their friends...If someone convinces me fanfic can harm me as an author, or that I’m better off disallowing it, I reserve the right to change my mind. But for now, I’m updating my fanfic policy to the equivalent of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Please don’t ask me to read it or tell me about it, but beyond that, so long as you’re not trying to sell it, have fun!"
• Horowitz, Anthony. Alex Rider series. "I'm very moved. It's great to think that the Alex Rider stories are encouraging people to write, as well as read."
• Huff, Tanya. "Unofficially, I'm as honoured by fans wanting to play in my world as I am honoured by the people who make television shows. So unofficially, you have my blessing, knock yourselves out. Just don't let me know about it!"
• James, E L. 50 Shades of Grey series. "I'm immensely flattered, and it's humbling to know my work is inspiring others to write."
• Jemisin, N.K.. The Inheritance Trilogy series. "[In] general I’m pro-fanstuff so long as it’s created in the spirit of sharing and not profit — though for legal reasons I don’t read fanfiction. I can’t draw a straight line, though, so fanart is less of a problem...if I have time, I’ll look [at fanart], and if I like it, I’ll say so."
• Johnson, Jean. Sons of Destiny books. Has rules which allow fanfic and fan art with disclaimers and a restriction of "No descriptions or drawings of smutty stuff with characters who are under 18 years of age. (If the local restriction is higher than that, heed that, too.)"
• Jones, Diana Wynne. Howl's Moving Castle, Chronicles of Chrestomanci and other books. Says "My attitude to all information is that, once it is out in the public domain, then it is there for anyone to use. [...] 1. If I objected to fan fiction (or any other kind) derived from my stories, I'd be going mad by now. For instance, Neil Gaiman tells me - as if I needed telling - that he derived American Gods from my Eight Days of Luke. I was pretty pleased. 2. I just say 'Feel free'. It would happen even if I didn't."
• Katherine, Anna (Anna Genoese and Katherine Crighton). Salt and Silver book. Stated that "Kat and Anna want to make it clear that we support all noncommercial transformative works (including but not limited to fan fiction, fan art, and fan vids)."
• Kay, Guy Gavriel Tigana, Fionavar Tapestry, Lions of al Rassan, and other books. His semi-official site's FAQ states, "any fanfic or role playing etc that uses [Kay's] characters or worlds, (but not themes) is illegal for profitable publication. It would be unwise, also, for explicit permission to be given by the copyrightholder even in case of non-profit publication."
• Kemper, David. Farscape TV. Of fanfic, says "he knows what it is and that it means a valuable core of loyal fans. He also understands the urge that makes them write."
• King, Laurie R. Mary Russell, Kate Martinelli books. Ran an authorized fanfiction contest in 2009 and 2010.
• King, Stephen The Dark Tower series, The Stand, books. In his book On Writing King describes his early writing as being copied from movies and comic books. His professional career includes at least three fanfics: two short stories ("The Doctor's Case" and "Crouch End," about Sherlock Holmes and H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulu mythos, respectively), and the eight-book Dark Tower series, based on Robert Browning's Childe Roland To The Dark Tower Came and borrowing heavily from a plethora of other sources. In addition to the "canonical" books, there are a series of King-approved derivative comics written by Robin Furth and Peter David. Although King serves as "Creative and Executive Director" of these comics, much of the material contradicts the history of All-World as given in the original series.
• Kurtz, Katherine. Deryni series books. Co-edited fanzine for her works. Effectively has a "don't ask don't tell" policy; has been advised by her agent "never to read any fan fiction, nor even to look at the relevant fan groups on Usenet. This gives [her] the defence of never having seen the fan fiction, and so any similarities can be dealt with as cases of simultaneous copyright."
• Kushner, Ellen. Swordspoint and Tremontaine, The Privilege of the Sword, The Fall of the Kings, Thomas the Rhymer, The Golden Dreydl books. Says "I totally adooooooore fanfic! I love the idea that people could love my world and characters so much that they want to play in/with them themselves! I know there were once legal concerns that fanfic was somehow compromising an author's own right to her work, but I think that's mostly died down now. I do very much appreciate the disclaimer that courteous fanfic writers put at the top of their work; it seems to do the trick."
• Lackey, Mercedes. Valdemar books. Gave explicit permission for CC-licensed derivative non-commercial fiction.
• Landy, Derek. Skulduggery Pleasant series. Says "I think it is incredibly healthy for you, my Minions, to continue doing this. I think everyone should write, even if you think you’re rubbish at it, because I, personally, find writing so fun and so rewarding." Has also given an explicit go-ahead to non-profit fanfiction: "/---/ asked if people can reference Skulduggery in their own stories. This is absolutely fine, so long as those stories aren’t then put on sale- for instance, referencing, or even using, Skulduggery characters in fanfiction is fine, but this is not the case if you write a book or a short story you want to get published."
• Larbalestier, Justine. Magic or Madness trilogy, How to Ditch Your Fairy, Liar. Encourages fanfic: "I’m pretty sure that HTDYF is a standalone and the MorM series a trilogy, but I’m thrilled my books left you wanting more. The best way to get more is to write it yourself. There are gazillions of wonderful fanfic sites out there. You could add your own stories about the further adventures of Tom and Charlie. Go forth and create more fanfic! Mash up MorM with Buffy or Nana. Or HTDYF with Naruto! What would be cooler than that?"
• Lethem, Jonathan. Chronic City, You Don't Love Me Yet, Fortress of Solitude, Motherless Brooklyn and other books. Wants to be slashed and "is eager to encourage fanfic writers of all stripes. He admires Henry Jenkins‘ seminal book about fanfic, Textual Poachers, and champions the creative appropriation of pop culture icons."
• Lewis, C. S. The Chronicles of Narnia, The Space Trilogy. Wrote in a letter to a young fan, "I am delighted to hear that you liked the Narnian books. There is a map at the end of some of them in some editions. But why not do one yourself! And why not write stories for yourself to fill up the gaps in Narnian history? I’ve left you plenty of hints – especially where Lucy and the Unicorn are talking...I feel I have done all I can!"
• Lichtenberg, Jacqueline City of a Million Legends, and other pro novels, as well as various Star Trek fanzines. "As far as having others write sequels to your works -- it's freaky but enriching as an experience, also inspiring... So let fans play in your universe - in fact, invite them to by the way you write the novels. Writing is about giving and sharing, not about possession and control."
• Liu, Marjorie M. Dirk & Steele series, Hunter Kiss series, other books, and comic books. In her FAQ, in answer to 'Do you allow fanfic?', says 'Sure' (but notes that she can't have anything to do with fanfic of her books for legal reasons).
• Lowachee, Karin. Warchild series and Gaslight Dogs books. Says "My stance on fan fiction is that people are free to do what they like - I just can't see it."
• MacHale, D. J. Pendragon, Morpheus Road series, The Monster Princess books. Says "I think it's great. If fans are that involved with my characters that they want to write their own stories with them, then I'm all for it. I'm not concerned about copyright."
• Marr, Melissa Wicked Lovely series, et al. Says, "Short version? I can't read it, but you can write it." Also asks that you make no money off fanfic, that you don't post NC17/R rated fics where minors could easily find them, not to do crossovers with works whose authors don't like fanfiction, and that you don't do non-con (the last because Marr is a rape survivor herself).
• Matthews, Susan R. Jurisdiction series. Has given the okay to fanfiction as long as it is licensed as "derivative, non-commercial fiction under the Creative Commons umbrella" and includes "a statement that that I own the source material (grin)". Requests that fans not contact her about fanworks.
• McCaffrey, Anne. Dragonriders of Pern, Crystal Singer, Doona, Rowan and other books. Gives explicit permission for fanfiction, fanart, and online RPGs as long as they are non-commercial and non-pornographic.. This is a marked change from her earlier policies in the 1990s and early 2000s which attempted to strictly limit fan fiction in terms of both content (characters that could be used) as well as location (no online fan fiction). More details can be found here.
• McCullough, Kelly. WebMage, Cybermancy, CodeSpell and other books. Says "I really have no personal objection to it and see it as a tribute."
• McDonald, Sandra. The Outback Stars and other books. "Can I write fanfic too? Sure! Put it on your lj. Put it on fanfic.net. I won't read it, but I'll be tickled."
• McGuire, Seanan. Wayward Children, October Daye, InCryptid, and others. Fanfiction writer and filker before published author. "I honestly think that fanfiction is stigmatized on a high level because, for a long time, fanfiction was the creative part of fandom that was most dominated by women and queer people." "That is very much a stigma around fanfic, that it’s all about pornography. We have the Organization for Transformative Works, which is the fanfiction legal support organization, and they run Archive of Our Own, or AO3, which is the world’s largest fanfiction repository." "'Are you all right with fans writing fanfiction of your work?' Oh, absolutely. I just can’t read it ever. [...] So, I am thrilled when people write in my universes. The first time one of my fandoms was listed as an option for Yuletide, I literally cried. I’m not exaggerating. I literally sat down and cried because I had changed the world in a way that I was never sure I was going to be able to. But I can’t read it and if you try to tell me about it I will shut you down like a blockbuster video." "And if I say to my readers, 'No, this story is for consumption only, and if you try to touch it, I will slap you,' then why are they going to want to consume it? Because the brain is inherently going to want to do that remixing. You can’t stop it. You can’t turn it off. That is a natural human response. It’s like saying you’re going to eat these cornflakes and you’re never going to masturbate again. You’re going to read this book and then you’re never going to write fanfic again. It just doesn’t work. I think authors can say anything they want. I don’t think that they have any rights to enforce it and I don’t think that it’s reasonable, fair, or—from a purely capitalistic standpoint—smart."
• Meyer, Stephenie. Twilight series books. Links to fansites including FanFiction.net from her official website.
• Morehouse, Lyda. Archangel Protocol series books. Hosts fanfiction on her website.
• Novik, Naomi. Temeraire books. Founding Board member of the Organization for Transformative Works."I would love for people to put up posters and make costumes and invent their own stories and fantasize about my characters. If they did, that would mean I was doing something fundamentally right — that I was creating characters that people wanted to make part of the shared culture by which we communicate with one another."
• Peterfreund, Diana. Secret Society Girl series, Rampant book. Says "As for fanfic based on my own work, I’ve seen my fans discuss it on my website, and even try to send me some, but though I have no problem with its existence, I cannot, for legal reasons, read it or discuss it with you." Also mentioned being excited about "A note from a reader that she has discovered Secret Society Girl fanfiction (no, I will not read it, but still, cool!)" on her blog.
• Pierce, Tamora. Tortall books. Says "I don't mind in the least" regarding non-commercial fanfiction.
• Pini, Richard and Wendy. Elfquest comic books. Link to fanfiction and fanart sites from official webpage.
• Pratchett, Terry. Good Omens, Discworld books. "I don't actually object to fan fiction, which by its very nature uses copyrighted and trademarked material, provided that it's put somewhere where I don't trip over it, ... isn't done for money, and isn't passed off as 'official' in any way. I can't really object to people writing their own DW scenarios, etc, for other gamers -- the problems would only begin if they got too proprietorial about them."
• Roberts, Nora (J. D. Robb). In Death, Bridal Quartet, Circle Trilogy and many other series and books. Despite being on FanFiction.Net's unpostable list, has said that she doesn't mind fanfic and she'd "say on your own site, or a site that supports or is structured for fanfic--go for it, and have a good time." However, she does not approve of "stories that had nothing to do with the canon or completely disrespected and bastardized the characters."
• Robins, Madeleine E. Sarah Tolerance series books. Says "I understand the impulse to play in someone else's universe, and I suspect I'd be flattered if someone started writing Sarah Tolerance fic. On the other hand, it's hard not to have certain proprietary feelings ("my characters! MINE!") as well. I guess I'm fine with fanfic as long as it's not being used to produce an income stream... [...] I'm not cranky about it, certainly. I just feel that when I send my characters out into the world, any money they earn they should send home to Mom. On the other hand, I was the kid who played Man From U.N.C.L.E. and Star Trek after every episode - fanfic is, to my mind, the same activity with better production values!"
• Roddenberry, Gene. Star Trek. Gene Roddenberry wrote in the 1976 introduction for Star Trek: The New Voyages, a pro book edited by Sondra Marshak and Myrna Culbreath: "... We were particularly amazed when thousands, then tens of thousands of people began creating their own personal Star Trek adventures. Stories, and paintings, and sculptures, and cookbooks. And songs, and poems, and fashions. And more. The list is still growing. It took some time for us to fully understand and appreciate what these people were saying. Eventually we realized that there is no more profound way in which people could express what Star Trek has meant to them than by creating their own very personal Star Trek things. Because I am a writer, it was their Star Trek stories that especially gratified me. I have seen these writings in dog-eared notebooks of fans who didn't look old enough to spell 'cat.' I have seen them in meticulously produced fanzines, complete with excellent artwork. Some of it has even been done by professional writers, and much of it has come from those clearly on their way to becoming professional writers. Best of all, all of it was plainly done with love.... That is the highest compliment and the greatest repayment that they could give us."
• Rogers, John. Leverage TV. Says "I think fanfic is the sign of a healthy show. Here's what it boils down to: you're telling me that in today's crowded media space, our show made someone love it so much they take time out of their own life to talk about it? Holy. Crap."
• Rothfuss, Patrick. The Name of the Wind. Is delighted to find the first fic for his book and links to it on his blog.
• Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter books. Said of fanfiction, "I find it very flattering that people love the characters that much."
• Sanderson, Brandon. Mistborn Saga, Stormlight Archive. "I have nothing against fanfic, so one can use my magic systems in not-for-profit, fan endeavors."
• Scalzi, John. Old Man's War, The Android’s Dream. Is delighted to find out that someone requested a fic for his book for Yuletide. Has a policy in favor of fanfic, fan art, filk, school projects and parodies.
• Schwab, V.E. Shades of Magic, Vicious, The Archived and Monsters of Verity series. "I’m happy for people to write fan fiction, but I wouldn’t want to see it on shelves."
• Simone, Gail. Wonder Woman, Birds of Prey, and Secret Six comics. In response to the question "How do you feel about fanfic?", she Twittered "I think it's fine, personally."
• Smith, Sherwood. Inda series, Crown Duel series and other books. Says "I do not [object to fanfiction]--I think it a flattering sign that people wish to experience my world for a little longer by posing stories there, and I'm grateful that people have enough interest to want to imagine their own characters in my world, or what mine might have done. I do ask that you place the "good faith" disclaimer on your work."
• Starbuck, Sam. Nameless book. Says "I'm not in a position to talk about what other people think about fanfiction, but I am for it. If you want to write it, god bless and go ye forth. I am for fanfiction of my stories. I realise no monetary loss from fanfiction, and if it hadn't been for fanfiction I would not be a writer. You don't actually need my permission, but I give it anyway. If you want to write it, knock yourselves out."
• Stiefvater, Maggie. Shiver, The Raven Cycle series. "C'mon, fanfic is a complete compliment! :)"
• Stross, Charlie. "No, the characters in my stories are not real people, and I do not care if you want to write stories about them...I do not mind you writing fanfic using my characters and sharing it with your friends unless you do so in a manner that fucks with my ability to earn a living."
• Stroud, Jonathan. The Bartimaeus sequence and other books. Says "I'm honoured that anyone would want to write new stories with Bart and co. It's a sign that the characters have life beyond the confines of the page, which is pretty much the holy grail for any author. More power to your pens!". Has a link to fanfiction.net on the official site for the Bartimaeus series.
• Takeuchi, Naoko. Sailor Moon creator. Said/showed: "I've been collecting all the Sailor Moon fan fiction! Thanks to everyone who sends them to me!"
• Tan, Cecilia. Black Feathers, White Flames. Is a member of the OTW and says "I support the creation of non-commercial fanworks and fanfiction as a valid fannish activity."
• Tarr, Judith. Avaryan Chronicles series, The Hound and the Falcon series, Alamut series and other books. Says "Personally I'm honored when people write fic based on my works. It's not theft, it's homage."
• Turner, Joan Frances. Dust book. Says "My first book comes out in September and if the fanficcing spirit ever moves anyone, go for it."
• Valente, Catherynne. Palimpsest, The Orphan's Tales and other books. Says "As long as it doesn't keep me from feeding myself on it, and little fan activity actually does, even less for an author at my level, any and all fan action is beloved and encouraged by me, in perpetuity. You can bookmark this page and in twenty years I'll still stand by it. This place, these tales, belong to you as surely as to me, and when I signed that contract three years ago, I gave them to you, with both hands and gladly." Said of Yuletide 2009, "fanfic makes me feel like I've 'made it.'"
• Wein, Elizabeth E. The Winter Prince, A Coalition of Lions, The Sunbird, The Mark of Solomon books. Fulfilled a fanfic request for her own work, while admitting it may not be "fanfic" if the author writes it herself.
• Weir, Andy The Martian. "I love fanfics. I've written several in my day. I consider it a great compliment when people write fanfics of my work."
• Wells, Martha. Fall of Ile-Rien trilogy, Wheel of the Infinite, City of Bones, The Element of Fire and other books. Says "My policy on fanfic is that I can't say that I'll read it, but I'm totally cool with it and I think it's a fantastic compliment when people do it." Wells has also said: "I actively encourage fanfic of any kind about anything" and "... I find it pretty awesome when people write fanfic about my work.". Via her tumblr blog Wells has helped promote a fanfiction exchanged based on her book series Books of the Raksura.
• Westerfeld, Scott. Uglies, Leviathan series books. Ran an official fanfiction contest.
• Whedon, Joss. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly/Serenity TV and movies. Said of fanfiction, "That’s why I made these shows. I didn’t make them so that people would enjoy them and forget them; I made them so they would never be able to shake them. It’s the way I am as a fan. I create the shows that would make me do that."

Authors Who Are Ambivalent About Fanfic of Their Work

• Fforde, Jasper. Thursday Next books. As of December 2010, he has changed his opinion and now allows fanfiction. He says "After speaking to many Fanfictioneers and understanding the genre a litttle better, I have modified my opinion since writing the following. I still have no interest in reading any of it, but would regard it more as a celebration of writing rather than simple copying. The bottom line is that all creative writing is good, wherever it is, whoever does it, and whatever the subject, and nobody should attempt either conciously or unconciously to discourage those who wish to express themselves. [...] That it seems strange to want to copy or 'augment' someone else's work when you could expend just as much energy and have a lot more fun making up your own. [...] But anything published in any form whatsoever - and that specifically includes the internet - I cannot encourage, nor approve of."
• Le Guin, Ursula K. Earthsea and other sf/f fiction. Apparently disapproves of the only way most 21st-century fic is shared: "It's all right with me — it's really none of my business — if people want to write stories for themselves & their friends using names and places from my work, but these days, thanks to the Web, 'stuff for friends' gets sent out all over the place and put where it doesn't belong and mistaken for the genuine article, and can cause both confusion and real, legal trouble."

Authors Who Discourage/d Fanfic About Their Work

• Archie Comics. Archie, Sonic the Hedgehog, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Josie and the Pussycats, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures comics.
• Armstrong, S.L. M/M works. Believes fanfiction is illegal: "It is derivative works made from source material that you have not obtained the right to make. It is not a parody. It is not fair use." Also says, "people shouldn’t write fanfiction with my characters because it upsets me."
• Baen, Jim. Publisher. "I checked with my attorney when the matter first came up for me a couple of years ago, however, and he confirms what Baen, Misty, Roger Zelazny, Fred Saberhagen, and several other pros had all told me on previous occasions. With that much experienced opinion on one side of the question, I see no choice but to believe they know what they're talking about."
• Bishop, Anne. "Q. Is it all right to create role-playing games or MUSHES/MUDS based on your work? What about writing fan fiction? A. No. At this time , I am not granting permission for the worlds and/or characters that I created to be used in role-playing games or MUSHES/MUDS. I also do not give permission for fan fiction that uses the worlds and/or characters that I created because of the copyright issues involved."
• Bradley, Marion Zimmer. Darkover, others. See Marion Zimmer Bradley Literary Works Trust and Unauthorized Fanworks and Marion Zimmer Bradley Fanfiction Controversy
• Card, Orson Scott. Ender's Game series, others.

"I'm flattered; and then, if they try to publish it (including on the net) except in very restricted circumstances, I will sue, because if I do NOT act vigorously to protect my copyright, I will lose that copyright -- and that is the only inheritance I have to leave my family. So fan fiction, while flattering, is also an attack on my means of livelihood. It is also a poor substitute for the writers' inventing their own characters and situations. It does not help them as writers; it can easily harm me; and those who care about my stories and characters know that what I write is "real" and has authority, and what fans write is not and does not. So it's all pointless. I'd prefer simply to ignore it when it happens, but the way copyright law functions, I am told that I cannot ignore it."

In June, 2012, Card is quoted in The Wall Street Journal:

"After spending years fending off fan fiction, and occasionally sending out "cease and desist" letters through his lawyer to block potential copyright violations, science-fiction novelist Orson Scott Card has started courting fan writers. Mr. Card, author of the best-selling "Ender's Game" series, is planning to host a contest for "Ender's Game" fan fiction this fall. Fans will be able to submit their work to his Web site. The winning stories will be published as an anthology that will become part of the official "canon" of the "Ender's Game" series.

• Elrod, P.N. Clarifies that she thinks fanfic should be restricted to public domain works. Elrod is a fanfic author and editor of several fanzines. Also see this author's 1992 views in Open Letter to FYI from Author P.N. Elrod.
• Feist, Raymond. Cites the MZB story as his reason for disallowing fanfic.
• Flewelling, Lynn. Cites a combination of factors, among them that her publisher won't allow it, it is morally wrong, stealing and rude, and a plea to have consideration for her feelings.
• Gabaldon, Diana. Outlander, Lord John books. Says she thinks fanfiction is immoral and illegal. In 2008, Gabaldon wrote on a CompuServe forum: "A good bit of my objection to fanfic (aside from the copyright issues--and I'm not sure how these apply when you take characters from one medium and implement them in another; particularly when one medium is TV, in which episodes may be written by a lot of different people) is that 99% of it is Just Awful, and it's revolting to see your characters being made to do and say idiotic things, or be forced to enact simple-minded sex fantasies (which is what most fan-fic that comes to my unwilling attention is). Like someone selling your children into white slavery." In 2010, Gabaldon wrote Fan-Fiction and Moral Conundrums. May be open to understanding fanworks as appreciation for source material. Has publicly posted to say that she is "not comfortable with fan-fiction based on any of my work, and request that you do not write it, do not send it to me, and do not publish it, whether in print or on the web."(Posts deleted as of May 9, 2010.)
• Goldberg, Lee. Diagnosis Murder and Monk tie-in novels. Believes fanfic without permission is illegal and immoral, but writing tie-in novels for TV shows and movies is nothing like fanfic. Claims there are "significant differences between tie-ins (which are the equivalent of being a freelance writer of an episode of a TV series) and fanfic (which is the equivalent of stealing someone else's work and putting your own name on it).". Regularly rants against fanfic.
• Goodkind, Terry. "I know that [fanfiction writers] intend no harm, and are only expressing their admiration of my work, but that doesn't make it all right, and it causes me needless problems. Copyright law dictates that in order for me to protect my copyright, when I find such things, I must go out and hire lawyers to threaten these people to make them stop, and to sue them if they don't."
• Hamilton, Laurell K. Believes she needs to forbid fanfic for legal reasons: "until a court ruling comes down that clearly states one way or another, we will go with the blanket no policy."
• Hobb, Robin (aka Megan Lindholm). Farseer, Liveship Traders, and Tawny Man trilogies See: The Fan Fiction Rant.
• Hogarth, M. C. A. Described incidents in which fans wrote noncon fanfic and passed it off as being written or approved by Hogarth as "punishment" for her pre-existing desire for no fanfic. As a result, "Fan fiction is a major trigger for me, so I would deeply appreciate it if people don't write or request it."
• Kerr, Katherine. Deverry novels. Believes that fanfic shows a "paucity of imagination", including professionally published fanfic (e.g., Wicked). She's fine with people writing tv-based fanfic since she believes that "If they love the shows, which are a group production to begin with, that much, what the hell, they probably don't have the taste and imagination to write anything original anyway." Wants all fanfic writers to leave her work alone."
• Lee, Sharon. Liaden Universe. Does not want "other people interpreting our characters".
• Leicht, Stina. Of Blood and Honey. Agrees with Diana Gabaldon that fan fiction is immoral, illegal and "practice."
• Lisle, Holly. Claims fanfic is a derivative work and will be prosecuted in order to protect her legal rights. Also has said that "Fanfic is to writing what 'Piss Christ' was to art."
• Lumley, Brian. Forbids not only fanfic but RPGs using his characters or settings. Believes use without permission is plagiarism.
• Martin, George R. R. A Song of Ice and Fire. Believes fanfiction damages copyright and authors should not allow it, even though he wrote amateur comic fic himself when younger. Proud that he never used anyone else's characters without permission, and refers to 'fan fiction' in quotes. However, he later said that while he was opposed to fan fiction, "people can do whatever they want for their own personal amusement, so long as they don't send it to me."
• McKiernan, Dennis L. "I do not want anything written which might compromise my rights to my own intellectual properties." Okay with derivative works "for your own personal use and enjoyment (such as one to read to your family; or to use in a private FRP game)."
• McKinley, Robin. "My agent doesn't like fanfic. She says it's a very muddy copyright area at best and furthermore could in some cases be setting precedents that could cause trouble now or later.... I don't see why anyone would want to spend any more time in what is essentially someone else's work than they absolutely have to, to get on with their own. It is, to me, a kind of virtual virtual, and the fade from the real becomes kind of extreme. I don't get it - and because of what my agent says about it, I don't need to get it. So no fanfic. Sorry."
• Morrison, Patricia Kennealy. Keltiad series. Lists under "Hate": "fanfiction and the perpetrators thereof (I consider it theft, and I don't allow any based on my works)" Also see The Karma of Obsession.
• Radford, Irene.
• Rice, Anne (aka Anne Rampling, A. N. Roquelaure). Said in 2000: "It upsets me terribly to even think about fan fiction with my characters. I advise my readers to write your own original stories with your own characters. It is absolutely essential that you respect my wishes."

However, in 2012, she is quoted as saying in an interview "I don’t ever want to read about my characters in someone else’s writing. It’s too upsetting for me, because they are mine and from my mind. I never read fan fiction. Other writers feel differently about it and are happy and encouraging of it. I don’t make judgments -- I prefer to ignore it."

In a 2013 interview, she clarified: "I got upset about 20 years ago because I thought it would block me,’ she says. ‘However, it’s been very easy to avoid reading any, so live and let live. If I were a young writer, I’d want to own my own ideas. But maybe fan fiction is a transitional phase: whatever gets you there, gets you there."

• Roberson, Jennifer. Chronicles of the Cheysuli, Sword-Dancer Saga "If I grant permission, I risk endangering my copyright…. My sincere apologies--hey, I wrote fanfic in high school and college!--and I hope you understand."
• Silva, David B. Several horror novels and many short stories. "At the advice of his lawyer and agent, he did not tolerate fan fiction derived from his work."
• Walton, Jo. Stated she doesn't want any fanfiction written about her worlds and characters, at least not until she passes away. Has compared fanfiction to rape: "I can't respond to all of you who are asking politely if I mind if they write fanfic in worlds I'm not still actively writing or whatever, because it all sounds like 'Do you mind being raped just a little bit?' (My urge isn't to sue people who do it, it's to rend them limb from limb.)"
• Ward, J.R. (aka Jessica Bird)
• Weber, David. Honor Harrington series, War Gods series, others. "[A] writer cannot allow the free use of his universe without risking the loss of his own rights to it."
• Yarbro, Chelsea Quinn. The Saint-Germain Cycle. Believes fanfiction is "against federal law," and has taken legal action (all of which resulted in settlements, not court cases) against fanfic authors.

Authors versus Publishers

Differences in Authors' Personal Thoughts versus Their Publishers' Thoughts?

Shifting in Attitudes

Catherynne Valente has argued that as an increasing number of authors come of literary age with fanfiction as part of their landscape, it will become increasingly common for pro authors to not mind fanfiction, and/or to acknowledge writing it themselves:

It is part of the human activity of storytelling to retell, misremember, breakup and tell backwards, peek into the crannies and tell the other stories (thank you Euripides), wonder what might have been, what could be, and tell the same stories over and over, but tell them slant. I feel that trying to destroy that impulse is not only hopeless but cruel.

[...]

I believe in planet remix. In culture as a vibrant and changing thing. I do not believe fanfic violates that, but encourages it. Yes, much fanfic is bad. I've got news for you. Most published fiction is bad, too. Life goes on.

In the end, I have an important secret to tell you. Huddle up.

This argument is already over. It is a generational one. You've got a whole host of authors coming into their own who grew up with fanfic as a fact of life, or even committed it themselves. Who have been messing about with creative commons since forever. A whole generation who sees fanfic as, not a nuisance, but a mark of success, a benchmark--if someone wrote fanfic about my book, then I've really made it. A certain generation of authors will always hate and fear fanfic, and every once in awhile the internet will get its hackles up and have a conversation about it. But that will happen less and less as years go by. You can't stop this beat, my friends. It's too old, and too basic.

It should also be noted that attitudes among producers of fanworks have changed over time. Authors who published fanfic in zines before going pro may have a very different view of how accessible and public fanfic should be than a younger fan even if both people have written fanfic.

Attitudes in Different Media

Do Certain Media Have Different Creator Acceptances? Are there differences in regarding fanfic, vidding, other? Are some fandoms more accepting of transformative work than others?

Any differences between television/movies vs text?

Effect of Fic Content

Many authors react differently to fic depending on its content. It is particularly common for authors to react more negatively to slash or explicit fic about underage characters. Other authors may not mind fic for series they've finished or abandoned, but object to fic about whatever they're currently working on.