I'm in the process of sending my book to agents and just did a search for my book title (I did a search a month or so ago, and nothing major came up) to discover a YA sci-fi novel is being launched in US called Shimmer (same title as my novel, same genre). It's only just been published, hence why it didn't come up in previous searches. It's being published by HarperCollins so not even like it's a 'small' book. *sigh*

What to do? Come up with a new name, make it clear in query letters it's a working title or just not worry as it's a US book and am approaching UK agents?

Nooooooooooooooooo!

I wouldn't worry about it, there are a lot of published novels out there with the same titles, and the publisher will change it anyway.


- NaomiM

as it's a US book and am approaching UK agents?

I agree with Naomi. If it's the right title from your point of view, and the rival one isn't being published with huge fanfares over here, it's certainlly okay to submit with it. The title thing can be sorted out later.

Emma

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But still, very, very annoying. Definitely worth a howl or two of rage.

Oh, I hate that! A few years back I was working on a superhero story called The Thief of Time. I thought it was such a clever little title - until to my horror I ran into a bookstand in WHSmith, promoting none other than Terry Pratchett's Thief of Time! Grrr. Needless to say, the story didn't see another word.

JB

Yes, Trixie, howl away.

Oh that Terry Pratchett, I hate him! So far he's pinched two of my MCs names, two book titles, several plot devices...I'm seriously considering searching my hard-drive for a worm-hole!

Oh don't worry about it.
a. they change your titles al the time anyway and b. loads of books have the same name and it doesn't seem to be a huge concern for anyone.
HB x

Sure. There are other books called Unrequited. But I almost sued for plagiarism when I realised they all have plots concerning unrequited love. The absolute gall of those people!

JB

That's a relief. I guess I won't need to change the title of my latest book then?

It's called Harry Potter and the Call of Cthullu. It's about a young boy who discovers that he's actually the son of a great line of pot planters, but accidentally unleashes the Great Old Ones back to Earth. Led by the villainous Cthullu, they make an evil plan to set up a call centre named "The Call of Cthullu", with the intention of draining the humans of their hard earned cash by forcing them, against their will, to take part in a multi choice survey about fish.

I think the words "law" and "suit" come to mind with that. Shame, really. Seemed like a good idea. lol



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On a serious note, I once self-published a novel that I found out had the same title as another book out there, so I understand your concern. But the others are right, there's only so many titles of books out there that one or two are bound to clash. So long as the stories don't clash, you should be fine.

Same thing happened to me. I fought to have the other people change their title but they said that 'The Bible' was too well established.

Very galling.

Oh no; I always fear that happening to me. I've come up with a couple of nearly the same titles but they're not the same.
So Sorry hun.

Hi,

My first novel is called; By The Time You read This... and I was so annoyed when I saw a book with the same name had already been published a couple of years back (plus this was my second attempt at a title!!). However Harper Collins were great about it and we used the title anyway. They didnt seem to worried, although the other book was in a totally different genre though... I wouldnt worry, as long as no one else has your idea... now THAT would be WORSE!!

BTW Publishers don't always go with the title you have suggested anyway. My soon to be published second novel was first called; 'Family in a Coma' by me - but was changed to 'While you were Dreaming...' (which I luv!)by my publishers.
Good luck with the writing!
L

I'll read your book if you read mine and if it's good i'll advertise it mine's coming out in 2013 though I'm going to call it RUINATION

How do you think I feel, mine shared a title with a Geri Halliwell record

was my second attempt at a title!

I didn't know title attempts came as low as that! I thought the minimum was twenty-seven?

You mean 'The Bible' has already been used? Drat! Another title idea down the drain.

I agree that you don't need to worry, what to speak of books, there are lots of song titles the same as well. It's the content that really counts and makes them different. But it must still be annoying that it's out at the same time!