yes, many books [and movies] do have the same title, so it's not that major an issue... i'd advise using whatever you want for now and do a title search on amazon and google for the ones you like best, to see if they're too over-used, before you pick one for your completed ms and start querying...
I know of two Twilights. One horrible, infamous one by SMeyer. One horrible, obscure one by William Gay. One of my few favourite novels is called Company. There's bound to be a few by that name. Of course, there's also the massive range of novels named after proverbs, lines from Shakespeare and other old fictions, song lyrics and so on, so forth. There's no one way to name stuff. You just have to find something that embodies the feeling you get when you think of it, I think.
There is nothing wrong with writing with a 'working title.' Most writers seem to do this. The title may change by the time you finish the novel or, if you submit it to a publisher and it's accepted, working with the publisher, the 'working title' may be kept, altered or even changed. There would be a lot of factors that go into this, including marketing as well as just trying to get the best title for the work. Most publishers will work with the author on this, and often the author's choice is the most appropriate--but not always. Of course, if you self-publish, whatever you decide upon will go.
For awhile now I have been developing a "grandiose" sci-fi/fantasy adventure in my spare time and would like to start putting it down into a cohesive story form. I have always loved when an author creates a series of books set in a world with it's own rules, locales, histories, and mythologies. While some stories are compiled after-the-fact to form a series, others are essentially continuations that follow one overarching storyline, I am interested in creating a series that is more like an umbrella. When I was in middle school I was a big fan of R. L. Stine's "Goosebumps" series (which was the name under which all the books were entered) and while none of the books are connected plot-wise, I always imagined that they took place within the same universe (the same city, state, time period), even simultaneously. I am also more of a short-story writer and would like to be able to "just drop in" on the world that I create with installments and episodes rather than novels. I have thought about taking the Goosebump's model but interweaving the stories through location, characters, and plotlines, thereby adding a layer of connection but without an endgame or overarching storyline like in the Harry Potter series. What is be the best way to begin introducing the setting, time, and characters? How should set up the framework for my intended audience? Cheers, dangerboy450
Your primary goal is to develop a story. This means characters that both affect, and are affected by, plot. Setting (time is setting) is the place in which the story takes place. Setting is important, but it is best as a supporting role for the story.
I agree with this. I did it the otherway round and developed the world as I wrote the story. Develop the characters, write the story and that will tell you what needs to be included and when.
Slip in the details about settings, races, any magic that may or may not exist, etc. naturally, in very small doses. A little bit goes a long way when it comes to creating a big picture, and even a few small info-bits placed in the right spots will fill in the readers good enough. What you should NOT do is go on huge infodumps describing the settings, history, etc. in great detail for paragraphs upon paragraphs. I'm not saying you would do this, but I have seen a lot of writers do this when creating their own universes, and it's not great writing. Just something to watch out for. Also, make sure that the first book (and EVERY book, but esp. the first) stands on its own, and does not have an incomplete feel. Even if each book is part of a collection or even a series, they should also stand independently as well. Good luck!
If you ever intend to publish any of this, forget about a series. Write a single stand alone novel. Even if you leave in hooks for sequels, it means you are leaving unresolved story elements. Yes, an experienced, established author can do that and still have a well-wrapped story, but most new writers will fail at it. And publishers won't stick their necks out to take a chance on a series.
If you have a fantasy, publishers now expect you to have at least a vague idea about further novels. They want to know it isn't a one hit wonder. Which is why HarperCollins sci-fi/fantasy imprint specifically wants intentions ie sequels/series information as part of the synopsis. The publishers that offered me a contract also asked me the question about sequels and wanted details of them. Most publishers give a two or three (in the case of fantasy) book contract. Yes the book should stand alone but if you haven't left room for a sequel, and have no idea where it is going you are less likely to be taken on. The published fantasy/sci-fi writers I know would suggest trying to have a second already drafted before submitting the first, because of the deadline for the second/third book. This information maybe specific to the UK publishers, but I am aware of US authors who struggled with the pressure to get the second book out. JK Rowlling mentioned getting writer's block in the process of writing Chamber of Secrets. I seem to remember the second book block has a specific term it is so common.
Publishers want to know if you have other ideas in development. They don't want to hear about series, and they most assuredly are not going to commit to a novel from an unknown writer that is incomplete without the sequels. A publisher will be far more impressed that you have independent works in development. That is much more marketable than sequels to a first novel that may get a tepid response. An author stuck on a single series is about one hoof more than a one trick pony.
Children's and YA publishers are more likely to want series, because it is more marketable to that audience.
Cogito's right, it's that the publishers want to know you have other books. They don't want to waste money on someone who's only going to write one book. They're not impressed that you have an idea for a 15 book epic, but they like the idea that you're interested in being a professional author and have more than one idea up your sleeve.
Also fantasy, (the book in the OP being sci-fi/fantasy will be pitched to publishers who are interested in series), romance, cosy mystery/detective stories. I honestly don't know about any others. Literary Fiction, Chick Lit, Horror etc I should imagine are different. When I posted I wasn't talking about genres in general - just the one I've talked to publishers and agents about in the past six months. The OP also talked about Harry Potter/Goosebumps both junior fiction/YA.
I figure throughout my writing, my title may change a few times, but I am having one hell of a time just coming up with a working title! The basis of my story centers around these great beasts that people have to train to fight in arenas etc.. (without going into too much detail) It is a fantasy fiction novel.. I was thinking of going with the title "Familiar" but upon doing more research a familiar is a supernatural creature that assists the witches during the Salem witch trials etc. Even in other fantasy novels and such, familiars are more of a spirit than a physical creature. so I have no idea ... ugh I want to keep it short and catchy, yet reflect the entirety of the novel. I am at a total loss.
Unfamiliars? Is the book primarily about the beasts, or about the trainers? Without knowing more, it's difficult to come up with a title. Since you're just looking for a working title, i wouldn't worry too much. I'm sure as the book progresses, you will have a better feel for an appropriate title.
My working title is "Many". I don't think you can come up with anything more pointless and meaningless, but everybody knows what I mean when I say it. Equally, I have another story which I refer to as "the zombie story". It isn't about zombies. One of the characters possesses zombie-like characteristics, and I have sold it to people using this comparison - that is all! I woudl suggest you try to decribe it briefly and pick out a key word in that. Call it that for a couple of weeks, and if you feel awkward about it, change it.
Well, let's play around a little with your story idea... "The Trained" "The Tamed" "Beast Arena" "Beast Fight" "Beast Games" "Brute Arena" "Critter Fight" "Creature Day/Creature Night" "Circle of the Big Bouters" "Day of the Fighting Beasts" "Arena Days/Arena Nights" "Blow by Blow" "Big Stompers" "Big Bout(ers)" "Ring Fighters" "Creature Combat" and so on... I don't know if any of these make sense vis a vis your story. But at least I tried.
What are the beasts called? Even if they're just called Beasts, you can call the story Beasts. What happens to the humans? You can name it after a theme that comes up in the humans' relations, like Love Under Stress. You could also just call it To the Death, which would be rather bland, but if it's a working title you don't have to overthink it.
Don't think about it too much. You can always change it later, so pick the first thing that comes to mind.
Yeah, I'm with pea; don't be so hard on yourself. A working title is just a title to have on a story while writing it. Something to separate it from your other writings. I have a Sci-Fi titled "Alien" just so I can separate it on my computer from my mystery and adventures and what not. I usually find that I will find a truer title by chapter four and have one that I really like by chapter ten. A title should deffinitly not keep you from writing or take up any of your writing time because one is truly not needed until your final revision (that's when you should start freking out if you can't think of one, but even then an editor can help you with that decision). My suggestion would be to just to keep it "Familiars" or go the Prince route with the title "Story Formaly Known as Familiars". You will eventually realize your title as you write.
It's a working title. Call it Opus 23 if you don't have anything better. Or Arena Beasts. You know you will change it later. All you need is a handle to remind you which file to edit. If it annoys you, you will wake up some morning with a better title in your head. Other than that, just choose something -- anything -- and move on. You have much more important aspects to ponder.
ditto that! since it's only a working title, you don't even really need one... you could simply give it a number or a letter... or just call it 'beast novel'... why are you wasting valuable writing time agonizing over a title you 1. don't even need and 2. probably wouldn't be keeping anyway?
Again, I agree. The point of a working title is so you can get on with actually writing it. You will have a much better idea of what to call it when you are finished. Call it "Bum" if you want, it doesn't matter.
