Title Question

I had selected a title for my next book and thought it was perfect. I did searches and didn't find it anywhere. Now I've found a book with the exact main title. the book is in a totally different subject area but it is a recnt release.

Is it worth it to use the same title when this other book will come up in all searches on the title, etc?

There are two schools of thought on that, DT. Some say they don't want the same title as potential customers will have to wade through several pages of the other title, especially if it's popular, to reach theirs, and the other thought is their title will will show up more often.

I think it depends on how much you like the title. With my first novel, PA strongly suggested I change my title since someone else had a similar one, and I felt horrible about it. But I kept playing with words and came up with Ten Times Guilty, which I think is fantastic.

So I'd say pick some words that might apply to your book and play with them, arrange them one way then another and see which one makes you think, that's it.

I wouldn't want the same title if I knew a recent release also had it. But if your goal with this book is commercial publication, I also wouldn't worry about it, since the pub will ultimately decide that issue (as well as probably choose the title).

Is there any way to read part of the new release book so you would have some idea of the quality of the book? If it was not such a great book (I'm not sure who would determine that!), you may not want your book associated with the other book. On the other hand, if it is a fabulous book, having a similar name could lead people to your book.

I liked Brenda's suggestion of playing around with words to see if another title comes forth.

LC wrote:

I wouldn't want the same title if I knew a recent release also had it. But if your goal with this book is commercial publication, I also wouldn't worry about it, since the pub will ultimately decide that issue (as well as probably choose the title).

So true, LC. A friend worked and worked on her title, and when she sold to a romance publisher, they promptly changed it.

I have heard it a hundred times...don't get too attached to your title.

It's hard, especially if you really like it!

But, I don't think I would want my book to have the exact title as another. Just my opinion....

I loved my title, Arirang: The Bamboo Connection, and have had nothing but negative criticism of that title since published. No one can pronounce it; half the time it's called The Bamboo Connection; and in general a reprint with a different publisher would get a new title. I still LOVE the title as it is the title of the song from which the book theme is derived; but literally NO ONE likes it. No one, except me.

Thanks for the input. The duplicate title turned out to be a good thing. It forced me to think of a title that more closely fit the subject and with better marketing pop. It is also unique which should help with web visiblity.