How can you find out if your book idea has already been written?

Question

I'm thinking about writing a book. I have an idea, and I have searched Amazon and do not find any book that is exactly like what I have in mind. But how can I be sure that a similar book does not exist out there? I do not want to write something that has already been written.

Answer 1

The chances are, your idea has been used. There are no more original ideas out there, only original writing. You may have an original combination of plot elements, but each of those elements has undoubtedly been utilized before.

That's why you should focus on writing the best story you can write. Editors and agents realize there are no new ideas. They are hungry for unique voices and new talent.

§♥♥♥§

Answer 2

There isn't an idea that hasn't been written about in one way or another. So what if a similar book does exist? That doesn't mean you cannot write your book. Your goal as a writer is create something unique and original.

Answer 3

I had that authentic concern whilst i began out my contemporary WIP, and unquestionably dedicated a honest volume of time to snooping around the information superhighway, attempting to work out if there replaced right into a e book with my plot. do not try this. in spite of if there's a e book like your theory, that would not be counted. Books are not related to the belief, they are related to the execution. No e book is carefully unique. somewhat, what share vampire books are available? Gushy love thoughts? conflict thoughts? Dystopian positioned up-apocalyptic the-government-controls-all books? There are infinite factors in all genres! My well-known writing quote says it incredibly lots unquestionably: "sure, each and everything has been written, yet additionally, the element you choose to place in writing, till now you wrote it, replaced into impossible to place in writing. otherwise, it might exist already. You writing it makes it achieveable." --Alexander Chee

Answer 4

To be honest, if you started boiling it down to plot keywords or phrases, then it'll sound like SOMETHING out there.

I've been dogged my entire life with telling people my story ideas and being told "That's just like X!" where X is something I'd never heard of before.

BUT, what you'll write is not something that's already been written unless you do that on purpose! It'll be your story, your viewpoint, your conglomeration of plot points and character studies. It will be YOURS and that's what matters, and if you write it well, and sell it well, it will find readers.

There are a lot of things out there that are very popular and are recylcing other plots. Like the show Heroes.

Answer 5

No. It is not at all possible. Only when you write and publish the book with the Idea someone will come to you, claiming that you have taken or stolen the idea from their book. You have to argue that it was your own book based on your inspiration. Additionally as soon as you are ready to publish the book you have to apply for copy-write of the same so that no one claim to be their idea. It is just like a caveat in Court Cases. -

Answer 6

Browse a library or bookstore's collection of books in the same genre you are thinking of writing. If you don't see anything there that is similar to your idea, chances are it hasn't been used.

Answer 7

Pretty much every idea is somewhat a copy of something else. I would try searching a couple of other places, like wikipedia, google, yahoo, etc. Also, think about your idea. Have you got it in your head? What movie or book have you seen/read that has something similar to or in your story? Is it too similar? etc.

Answer 8

Go to a website that sells book other than amazon. Try barnes and nobles or borders. If that does'nt work try to use www.ask.com.

Answer 9

There is a website called www.turnitin.com. Its used to find plagiarism. You could write in your idea and see if anything pops up.

Answer 10

Go to the bookstore and ask if they have a similar book.