[JulieM Posts: 945 Status: Offline WWW]

I'd like to know your hive-mind opinion on this:
I have been inspired by a PB title that came to my mind. It would make a great non-fiction PB topic. First step was to search the title on Amazon books and, alas, it has been used a few times over the years. The most similar book (in genre and time) was a fiction PB (same age group), released last year by a major publisher.
What do you think? Continue anyway because, while both are PBs, one is fiction and one is non-fiction? The time lag between writing this and finding a publisher (being optimistic) would be acceptable? Find a new title for my work? Work on another idea (there are many on my to do list)?
Just wondering.
Thanks!

[Cindyb Posts: 312 Status: Offline]

I'd go ahead with it. If a publisher likes the content, but not the title, then you can find a new one.

[carrots Posts: 551 Status: Offline]

This happened to me last year. Not long after finishing my PB ms, I found a new PB at the library with a similar concept and the very same title. Because I hadn't yet submitted it, I made the decision to change the title.

I do agree with Cindy, but - and this is just neurotic me - I was uncomfortable with the same name.

Best wishes on whatever you decide to do, Julie!

[Vijaya Posts: 7,381 Status: Offline Encourage WWW]

I agree with Cindy. I'm just glad that *your* imagined book isn't already on the shelves. Whew!!!

[217mom Posts: 1,250 Status: Offline "Keep the child in view"- Charles Dickens WWW]

Happened to me, also. I'd write it and if acquired the publisher will make a decision whether to change the title. It will be a marketing decision.
I wonder, if you feel queasy about this, why not change the title just a little?

[JulieM Posts: 945 Status: Offline WWW]

Thank you! I will go ahead and be open to changing the title in the future.  In this case, the title gave me the idea for the whole book so I'm quite attached to it, but I can brainstorm alternative titles later. First the writing! Thanks again.

[Eileen Kennedy-Moore Posts: 78 Status: Offline Award-winning books for kids and parents WWW]

I agree--this is not something you need to worry about. Titles aren't copyrighted, and your publisher will probably want to change the title, anyway.

[dinalapomy101 Posts: 1,894 Status: Offline Happy writing to all! WWW]

When querying, I would use the book that is already out as a comp, then change your own title to show that you have done market research and know that this book exists, imo.

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 6,945 Status: Offline Language is so cool! WWW]

When querying, I would use the book that is already out as a comp, then change your own title to show that you have done market research and know that this book exists, imo.

This is wise, assuming that book has had reasonable sales by then and is still within five years old. Keep in mind that your work may change as you write and revise too. The jumping off point for a story doesn't always end up as relevant as we'd think it would to the final product.

[JulieM Posts: 945 Status: Offline WWW]

Lots of wisdom here. Thanks very much for all your input!

[christopher-bickley Posts: 5 Status: Offline I finally found a creative outlet!]

Brilliant and appreciated info here. It hadn't even occurred to me to check my working titles against currently available titles. Thanks for that!