I'm starting to write a novel and have a problem with the title.?

Question

I'm attempting to start a novel series. I plan on calling it The Chosen and having a subtitle on each novel. (i.e. The Chosen: The Assassin's Blade) yet there is a 1960s book called The Chosen. Would I be infringing on copyright issues to call my series The Chosen, or is it legally fine.

Answer 1

Titles are not copyrighted. However in this case, The Chosen by Chiam Potok is a highly successful book and I would avoid that exact title. It is ok, if the book isn't a huge best seller, but I wouldn't use the title of a best seller. Change it slightly. The Chosen Ones? The Chosen idea has kind of been used a lot - starting with the Bible.

Secondly, don't dwell on titles. Do your homework. Work on your character studies and a strong outline.

I will be honest with you. Of the four novels I wrote and two children's books I ghostwrote, none of them had a title until I was done. The truth is if you sell it, the publisher has the right to change the title without your consent and most publishers would change The Chosen just because the Potok is a well known classic. The book I am working on now is the first book I ever named up front. I won't give you the title but it comes from a line of an Emily Dickenson poem.

The problem with novice writers is they focus on cute character names and book titles. That isn't what is important. I also changed the name of a lead character in a book after it was totally done once. A publisher can do that too.

A very famous NY Times Bestselling author once told me he had a huge fight with his editor over the title of one of his books. All his books were two word titles - which his publisher preferred. The publisher felt two word titles fit better when the book gets to paperback. This author always used two word titles. Then he wrote a book he gave a five word title to. The publisher wanted it changed. The author dug in his heels and he is a big enough literary superstar to get his way. The five word title stuck. If it was a lesser author, it would have been changed.

My late uncle was a well known author in a particular non-fiction genre. He once wrote a book with a two word title and a 7 word subtitle. His publisher let it stand, but when it was released in paperback, the subtitle disappeared. Man, was he ticked off !!! It changed the whole meaning of the title. He lost the battle - the title is different on his hardcover and paperback editions.

Personally while I am working on a book I usually use WIP for Work in Progress. When the book is ready to, it names itself. Same for the characters. Wait and see. Just work for now.

Focus on your homework. Do your research, your outlines, your character studies. Let names and titles fall into place when they are ready. Pax - C

Answer 2

You could change the name of the series. It could be The Chosen One or ones. It could also be The Selected or another word that means the same a chosen.

Answer 3

I am not positive, but I think that titles (and entire book texts) don't become public domain unless they are pre-1935 or around there. However, if you plan to submit your books to a regular publishing house you won't have to worry about it - their legal people will take care of that. You only need to take care if you will self-publish. In that case, be sure to get an ISBN number and that might turn up any conflicts. Good luck with your series!
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Answer 4

Don't quote me on this, but a lot of books have the same title. It shouldn't a problem!! It's the work that counts for copyright infringement. As long as you don't copy someone's book, you're good. =)

Answer 5

Many authors don't even bother with trying to come up with a title until the project is complete. Concentrate on the story and characters and the title will present itself when you least expect it.