I’m a writer blog

Guidelines for writing Poems, Stories and Tales

What should I do if my book’s title is already taken?

Asked by: Katie Butler

If the title has been used in a similar book, you might still want to use it. Or you may want to change it to avoid confusion by readers. If you want to see if a title has been trademarked, you can use TESS, the online search at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Then you can start the trademark process.

Can I use a book title that already exists?

Much like names, slogans, and ideas, titles are not protected by U.S. copyright laws (which is why so many books have the same titles).

Can there be books with the same title?

The short answer to your question is, yes, books can have the exact same title, sometimes even in the same genre.

Can a book title be duplicated?

Dealing with Duplicates



Even if you don’t use a one-word title, you might still discover that you’ve duplicate the title of another book. If the other book is obscure and out-of-print, you’re probably fine having the same title. Otherwise—that is, in most cases—it’s worth changing it.

Can 2 books have same name?

Make Your Book Title Original



Titles cannot be copyrighted in the United States. Therefore, two or more books can have the same title. However, if you use a title that is the same or very similar to another book, it makes it hard for your title to stand out.

Are titles copyrighted?

Copyright does not protect names, titles, slogans, or short phrases. In some cases, these things may be protected as trademarks.

Can I trademark a book title?

The law is clear that you cannot trademark individual book titles, but a title for a series of books can be trademarked since it serves the role of a brand.

How do you know if a book is copyrighted?

For books published after 1975, you can visit http://cocatalog.loc.gov. You enter an author or title and see the registration number and the year that the copyright was registered. For older works, you can contact the Library of Congress directly and either pay them to do a search for you or do the search for yourself.

Can I write a book about another book?

What you cannot ever do is copy the words of another author. The words are copyrighted. You must tell the story in your own words and in your own voice and style. The general rule is that ideas are not copyrighted, but the expression of those ideas is.

Is your name a novel?

Your Name (Japanese: 君の名は。, Hepburn: Kimi no Na wa.) is a Japanese light novel written by Makoto Shinkai. It is a novelization of the animated film of the same name, which was directed by Shinkai. It was published in Japan by Kadokawa on June 18, 2016, a month prior to the film premiere.

How can I publish a book?

Here’s the simple step-by-step process to publish a book:

  1. Choose a publishing route.
  2. Edit the draft.
  3. Get feedback from editors and critique circles.
  4. Title your manuscript.
  5. Format your book for publication.
  6. Design a book cover that converts readers.
  7. Write a ‘publisher-ready’ book description.
  8. Create a book launch plan.

What is a good title for a story?

In the publishing world, a good title is like a good opening paragraph: it should be interesting. It should attract the reader’s attention. At the very least, it should be appropriate to the rest of the piece. And remember this, too: the title will be what represents your work to the rest of the world, now and forever.



How do I name my novel?

Here’s how to come up with book title ideas:

  1. Use a book title generator tool.
  2. Write down the problem you’re solving.
  3. Create a subtitle to clarify.
  4. Make it memorable.
  5. Make sure it’s genre-appropriate.
  6. Create it to stir intrigue.
  7. Include your character in the title.
  8. Get feedback from your target audience.


What should I call my book?

How to come up with book title ideas

  • Start free writing to find keywords. …
  • Experiment with word patterns. …
  • Draw inspiration from your characters. …
  • Keep your setting in mind. …
  • Look for book title ideas in famous phrases. …
  • Analyze the book titles of other books. …
  • Don’t forget the subtitle.

How do you begin a novel?

How to Write a Good Hook & Start Your Novel with a Bang!

  1. Startle readers with the first line. …
  2. Begin at a life-changing moment. …
  3. Create intrigue about the characters. …
  4. Use a setting as the inciting incident. …
  5. Up the stakes within the first few pages. …
  6. Introduce something ominous right away. …
  7. Set the mood.

What makes a novel good?

Compelling characters: Most great works of literary fiction have one thing in common: rich, compelling characters. Good characters draw readers in, giving them someone to love, hate, or identify with.



How do you write a book in 7 days?


Biggest tip I can give you for your first book is to write a nonfiction book. Just write an hour fiction book because with nonfiction you don't have to worry. So much about narrative.

Is it hard to get a book published?

It can be hard to get a book published in the traditional way. In 2014, Digital Book World and Writer’s Digest Author Surveys found that only 23% of aspiring authors could find a publisher. That is 13.4% of the overall respondents, which included published writers.

Why do most writers fail?

Most writers fail due to a combination of factors, but mainly being too lazy to try, lacking persistence, too little planning, not being focused and unrealistic expectations. Writing takes more effort than most people think. It takes a lot more than just sitting down to pen a few sentences.

Who is the best publisher for first time authors?

15 (or so) Fabulous Publishers For Debut Authors

  1. Avon Impulse. Avon is looking for big, high concept historical and contemporary romances. …
  2. Baen Books. …
  3. Black & White Publishing. …
  4. Coffee House Press. …
  5. Chicago Review Press. …
  6. Chronicle Books. …
  7. DAW. …
  8. Entangled Publishing.