What if you have the same name as another author?

You can’t be sued for using your own name. However, you could be liable if somehow you give readers the impression that your books were actually written by the other author with the same name. If you’re each writing in a different literary genre, there shouldn’t be a problem.

Can two fictional characters have the same name?

For characters, the answer is often yes, but with more exceptions. If you name your character the same as a famous fictional character, readers (and perhaps a judge) might think you’re attempting to cash in on the character name by creating confusion in the reader’s mind.

What makes a self insert?

Self-insertion is the literary device to have a fictional character represent the author of a work of fiction, either overtly or in disguise.

Can you create your own story using the same characters?

A: Characters are protected by copyright as long as they’re original and well-defined—the traits that probably make them desirable to use in your own work. Technically, it’s still copyright infringement. But some authors don’t mind this and, in fact, are flattered—especially if it’s not for profit.

Can you reuse a book title?

Titles cannot be copyrighted in the United States. Therefore, two or more books can have the same title. However, if you use a title that is the same or very similar to another book, it makes it hard for your title to stand out. Having an original book title helps your book stand out.

Can a fictional character have the same name as a real person?

Unless you use a completely made up name, there will be be real people with the same name as your character. One of the advantages of using a common name such as John Smith is that unless you make your character almost exactly like one of the John Smiths, it will be hard to link your character to any one real person.