: Do I need to get people to sign a waiver to include their content in my book? I am working on a book that will be based on the results of ten interview questions that I am asking of multiple

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I agree with El Cadejo, it is always wise to have a contract in place. This covers you legally (and to some degree ethically) if:

You have a falling out with one of your subjects who wants to pull their work.
A subject doesn't like your interpretation of her/his words and claims you never had permission to use them.
A publisher requires this in the future* but then you can't reach one of your subjects.
Your book makes lots of money and a subject thinks some should go to her/him.
A subject dies and her/his next of kin is not into the project or is so overwhelmed that s/he won't respond to your requests.

* Note: You may be self-publishing now but maybe the book will be reprinted or, even more likely, you may wish to submit some articles based on the larger book.

Always always cover your tuchis.

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I think it is absolutely wise. Any sorts of legal complications can arise and it's always best to be in the clear. I wrote up a contract with a close friend of mine adapting her work (basically making me her agent as well as granting separate use of her characters). Relationships and situations can change.

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