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Emanuel
Veteran Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 416
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 09:32 am: | 
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Even though it was just a working title, I got upset when I found out there are two books (one with rights in several countries) that have the title of the manuscript I'm working on: The Opposite of Love. I have a backup title I'm keeping on the DL but I was almost married to my original. I don't want my book to be confused with others. For example, check out how many books are called "Caught Up." Ridiculous. I'm using the public library database and Amazon for my title searches. Anyone else ever have a title they had their hearts set on but ended up having to go another way? |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 5760
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 11:35 am: |
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Happens all the time. You can't copyright a title but of course you want to avoid confusion,.
Just pick out a line or a phrase from your mss that is a good one or use the name of one of the characters.
Of course you might call it "Hate" (the opposite of love--) |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10709
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 01:08 pm: |
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I am very partial to lifting book titles from the verses of either a poem or a song, Emanuel. This can sometimes cut down on duplications. I wrote a novella once entitled "The Only One". I got the title from a Prince song:
"I wanna be your lover,
I wanna be The Only One
to make you come
running..."
And naturally this verse was printed at the beginning of the book. Rappers have a lot of couplets to steal from and some of the old love ballads are flush with potential titles, not to mentionl verses from poets like Langston Hughes, and Nikki Giovanni.
"You don't know what love is
Until you've learned the meaning
of the Blues
Until you loved a love
you had to lose,
You dont know
what love is."
That old song has a lot of possibilities. No?
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Urban_scribe
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Urban_scribe
Post Number: 574
Registered: 05-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 02:50 pm: |
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Yeah, my novel was originally entitled Shame the Devil, but my editor made me change it. She made some suggestions - I wasn't sold on any of them. Then I came up with a title I loved and she loved, and the rest is history - maybe...
But the sequel has the word 'devil' in it, and so far it looks like that title is a keeper. So far...
Over the years, one thing I've learned in commercial publishing is to never get your heart set on a title. Your editor/publisher can change that badboy without batting an eyelash. At times, the cynical side of me thinks there'll come a day when writers en masse will submit mss as "Untitled by [insert author's name]".
Of course for self-pubbing, you can use any damn title you want without anyone insisting it be changed.
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Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10714
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 03:20 pm: |
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The title and cover of your book are extremely clever and eye-catching, Urban Scribe. I loved them both. While I was trying to finish another book I was reading, my daughter took your book to read and she loved it. Now her friend has it. I guess I should tell any other people who want to read it to go buy it, huh? Anyway, I'm next in line for a book that belongs to me. 
Yes, folks, US sent me an autographed copy of her newly-released novel like she promised. |
Emanuel
Veteran Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 418
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 03:29 pm: |
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Chris,
It's interesting you say that because a couple of characters in the book have a discussion about what the opposite of love is and conclude it's not hate, it's indifference. Hate is a strong enough emotion to still show caring. An argument could be made about that thin line.
Cynique,
This is too funny. I was just thinking the same thing about checking out song lyrics from Prince, Marvin Gaye, and Luther.
Urban_Scribe,
Whatup with the review copy? You know I do my thang at Midwest Book Review. |
Urban_scribe
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Urban_scribe
Post Number: 575
Registered: 05-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 04:38 pm: |
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I already put a bug in my publicist's ear, Emanuel, to submit to you when you re-open for reviews in Jan '08. If you want a review copy sooner, just let me know. I'll let her know, and she'll send it right off to you w/ my press kit.
Madame Cynique, thanks for the compliment. I'm so glad your daughter enjoyed the book. You and my mom need to start a club cuz I gave my mom a copy of my book and, so far, three of my cousins have "borrowed" it from her, but my mom hasn't read it. Now my mom read the original ms, but much changed during rewrites and edits. So she wants to read it in its final version. That's IF she ever gets it back. The cousin who has it now is one of those family members that when her number pops up on caller ID, we say a prayer before answering. She's one of those relatives we don't discuss in polite company. I wouldn't be surprised if she sold my damn book and used the money to finance other "interests".
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Nom_de_plume
Regular Poster
Username: Nom_de_plume
Post Number: 74
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 06:19 pm: |
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LOL!
Well what's the name of the book or when is it do out? I wanna read it! Email the info to NomDePlume06@gmail.com if you don't wanna share here.... |
Urban_scribe
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Urban_scribe
Post Number: 576
Registered: 05-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 08:11 pm: |
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Hey, Nom de plume!
My novel has been out for over a month. It was scheduled to be released earlier this year, but the date was pushed back. Happens all the time. It can be purchased just about anywhere; perhaps even through AALBC. I see it listed on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target, Waldenbooks, Borders, my publisher's website, and a few other online stores. The BN in my neck of the woods has it in stock. I walked in to browse not too long ago and decided to take a look to see if they had my book - and there it was. I took a picture of myself with my cell phone, pointing at my book. That was a cool moment. I'm sure EVERY single BN does NOT have my book in stock, they have around 800 stores, but a few do.
I'll send you an email with the title. Yes, I do want to protect my identity but, of course, I want my book to sell, too. The book seems to be gaining popularity, which is a good thing. So far this month, the hits to my personal author site is double that of last month. I guess that's another good thing. But I'm finding it increasingly difficult to remain anonymous. As a wise man once said, "Nothing stays a secret forever."
I do use a "nom de plume" when I write, so that allows me to keep my personal and professional lives separate from my artistic life. Still, who knows how much longer that's gonna last...
Anyhowway, expect an email. The subject line will be the title of my book. You may have heard of it, but didn't know it was me. And thank you.
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Emanuel
Veteran Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 420
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 - 09:20 pm: |
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Yes, definitely have your publicist send it now. It'll be the first book I review for '08 (though I know I'll start it sooner).
Midwest Book Review
Emanuel Carpenter
P.O. Box 40184
Bay Village, OH 44140
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Libralind2
Veteran Poster
Username: Libralind2
Post Number: 977
Registered: 09-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 24, 2007 - 02:19 pm: |
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Hey Urban..please send me your title as well. its xmas time and Im sending books as gifts in a few bookclubs..hook a sistah up..
LiLi..who keeps a zip lip..ask Zane LOL Wellll..let me share what thats about. I took her pic befroe she was famous in New york at BEA not knowing she didnt want me to really and asked me not to share it...and I havent even to this day
LibraLind2@aol.com |
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