TMZ published a story about Jimmy Snuka, the author of "Superfly: The Jimmy Snuka Story," now being charged with the 1983 murder of his girlfriend.
Why? Apparently he was charged with murder because of book details that were recently published about his girlfriend's death in 1983. Reportedly, the details of his girlfriend's death differ from the version of her death given to police back in 1983.
When the story changes involving a death, watch out. The police will be paying attention.
As a result, Jimmy Snuka was arrested for third-degree murder.
The book in question is available on Amazon. It was published in October 2012.
Writers are abuzz about this story asking the questions: Who wrote the book? Who is responsible for what is written in the book? Who is responsible for the final published stories?
Real ghostwriters know the answers to these questions.
At the end of the day, the author of the autobiography credited on the book is solely responsible and liable for publishing his own story. Even if there's a co-writer, as there is in this case, or a ghostwriter, the person whose story is being shared in an autobiography is responsible for every word and story published in the book. The buck stops there.
An author who is credited on an autobiography must read every draft or revision even if he's getting help from a co-writer or a ghostwriter.
The police haven't detailed their investigation dating back to 1983, but I imagine there's more to this story that will be coming out in the days ahead.
Still, it's a good lesson for anyone who wants to publish his or her story and chooses to expose details around a death in published form. You are liable for anything you write. You are liable for anything you publish. Make sure you get the facts straight or someone will raise the red flag of attention to the police. Jimmy Snuka has apparently learned that lesson the hard way.
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