The Progeny of Cartographers
by Rachel Creager Ireland
Do they still put these decorative details on maps? Has cartography devolved from art to technical skill?
I’ve discovered that the title of the story I’m serializing is very similar to that of a book which is already out. The story is “The Cartographer’s Daughters,” while the book is The Cartographer’s Daughter. Technically it’s not an infringement, but it could be confusing to potential readers. I’m thinking about changing the title. One I had earlier thought of was “Black, White, and the Velvety Indigo Blue of Twilit Shadows.” (No, that is not too long, if it is the right title.)
So I thought I’d ask you readers. What do you think?
Hi Rachel,
How about ‘The Mapmaker’s Daughter’? …the other does seem too long and since I haven’t read the book I can’t comment on whether it works or not..
Well, yes, maybe it would be worthwhile to let everyone read the whole story before I ask them to comment on the title! ha. Mapmaker is a possibility, though I think I like the sound of the word cartographer better.
Mapping is a good way to go. mapmaker/mapping makes it distinct with the same idea
The Mapmaker’s Daughter is also a book. The good news is that titles aren’t copyrightable, so you don’t have to worry about that. As an aside, I can tell you that competing publishing houses often release similarly titled books or books with similar covers to draw in readers who can’t quite remember the author or will vaguely remember a cover but not the title.
A bazillion Twilight-saga-like covers came out a few years ago, and I remember multiple books called Gone coming out at about the same time, too.
On the bright side, you might get some new readers who discover you by accident.
Wow, if you’ve got a question, ask a librarian. Who knew titles aren’t copyrightable! So my first title was actually better anyway. Maybe I’ll stick with it. Though I’m sure nobody has already used “Black, White, and the Velvety Indigo Blue of Twilit Shadows,” and the fact that nobody seems to like it makes me want to go with it, just because I’m contrary that way. But then again “The Cartographer’s Daughters” says more about what the story will be about. I think. Thanks for your comments, all.