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Post by Nathaniel Phillips on Aug 9, 2012 8:23:42 GMT -8
I just recently started writing for publication. Before I chose a pen name, I searched various names on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and other book/ebook sites. I finally selected the name Nathaniel Phillips because a) I liked it and b) I found no other authors using that name in any of my searches.
So, I chose that name, published under it, filed copyright papers under it, and promoted it.
I have been searching these same sites for my pen name to see when my books turn up. Son-of-a-gun yesterday I ran the search on one site (I think it was B&N) and my books were there for the first time. Unfortunately, another book came up with the author name Nathaniel Phillips that never turned up before.
I realized that names will be duplicated sooner or later. Should I be concerned about possible confusion between my works and this other author's work(s)?
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Post by Ted on Aug 9, 2012 10:56:57 GMT -8
I find two by Nathaniel Phillips on B&N, and they are the same two published on Smashwords.
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Post by Nathaniel Phillips on Aug 9, 2012 11:43:22 GMT -8
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Post by Ted on Aug 10, 2012 2:10:23 GMT -8
I didn't include the print book because only the Forward is by Nathaniel Phillips in the print book.
I Googled "Nathaniel Phillips" and found about 205,000 results. You are not alone with that name. One is a Bassist, one is studying Graphic Design, one is a M.D., and yet another is an Organizational Development Specialist. Those were on the first page.
I don't think you have to worry about confusing your work with any other Nathaniel Phillips, but I'm no lawyer.
With that many Nathaniel Phillips I'd start a once-a-year get-together with anyone named Nathaniel Phillips. It would confuse the heck out of the hotel desk clerks.
I
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Post by Nathaniel Phillips on Aug 10, 2012 5:28:18 GMT -8
Thanks Ted. I am, of course, not worried about all of the other Nathaniel Phillips' out there, just the one writing under that name :-)
I did not realize that he had only written the Forward to that book. That is good to know.
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anita
Full Member
Posts: 134
Joined: Jun 6, 2012 8:57:42 GMT -8
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Post by anita on Aug 10, 2012 7:42:38 GMT -8
Not Barnes & Noble specific, but... Since I write erotica, I don't share my real name here. However, I also write under my real name. When googled, my real name pulls up a law professor, a nutritionist and links relating to me. One great thing about the internet is that you can do a few manipulations to make sure that things relating to you are the first to come up in a search through search optimization. I worked hard to make sure that my real name and variations are the first ones found in an internet search to ensure that people are able to find me...the real one, that is!
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Post by Julie Harris on Aug 10, 2012 12:58:17 GMT -8
I share my writing name with a famous actress, Julie Harris. Mainly because when I was first published in 1992 it was my actual name. Goodreads listed me as having 'written' the Bible amongst other things - how to books on selling your house... I drove them crazy trying to separate my books from a gigantic list of the other JH material. We'd get it so that only my books showed on my page, and a few days later, bingo, they were back.
I just make it clear I'm an Australian author wherever I can. I gave up trying to separate the actor from the author ages ago! Now I look at it with amusement. Don't get hung up on names Nathaniel. Targeting your reader and then engaging them in the story is all that matters. If you can do that, you'll soon generate your own following. It all takes time and lots of work. If it's work you love and have a passion for, the journey can be enjoyable.
Julie.
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