@S H I think your concern is very valid, especially since you’re planning to distribute internationally through KDP and IngramSpark. Even though the UK publisher is in a different genre, I’d be a little cautious about choosing the name simply because it’s available in the US. I’d first look beyond whether another publisher is using the name and check whether they have a registered trademark, how established their brand is, and whether they are actively selling/distributing in markets where you plan to sell. The fact that they publish novels and you publish children’s books certainly reduces the possibility of confusion, but it doesn’t automatically eliminate it. I also wouldn’t choose the second name solely because it’s “safer” if you genuinely dislike it. Your imprint is something you may want to build for years, so I think it’s worth doing a proper clearance search on your favorite name first. If there are no significant conflicts, you may decide the name is worth keeping; if there are, you’ll at least know before investing heavily in the brand. Have you already checked the favorite name against UK and US trademark databases, or have you only searched for other publishers using the name?

@S H I completely understand what you mean. It sounds like the second name is still a good option for you, and you can see the positive qualities it has, but you’ve simply become more attached to your first choice. I think it makes sense to double check the UK trademark database before making a final decision, so you can feel confident about whichever name you choose rather than wondering later if you should have kept your first choice. Take your time with it, especially since the name is something you’ll be using for the book and potentially building the brand around. Do you want to wait until you’ve checked the UK trademark database before deciding between the two names?

@Beth Macy I agree with you. I think a great book is the foundation, but it’s not necessarily enough on its own. There are so many good books out there that can easily stay invisible simply because the right readers never discover them. At the same time, I don’t think marketing has to mean constantly running ads or chasing algorithms. Sometimes it’s about finding the right communities, starting genuine conversations, and making it easier for the people who would actually love the book to find it. I think the real challenge is not only writing a great book, but learning how to connect that book with the right readers. What do you think is the biggest challenge for authors right now getting discovered, building trust, or turning first-time readers into a real readership?

@Beth Macy Honestly, I enjoy the creative side of writing and designing the book more. That part feels very natural and enjoyable to me. Marketing is a different story I’m learning to enjoy it, but I’m still figuring out how to reach the right people without feeling like I’m constantly “selling.” I’m actually trying to learn more about organic marketing and how to build genuine connections with readers, so I’d definitely be open to learning from people who have more experience with that side of publishing. What about you do you enjoy the marketing side, or is that something you’ve had to learn along the way?

@Rebecca Phillips That was a really smart and careful thing to do. I’m glad you took the time to verify everything directly with Barnes & Noble rather than relying on what the scammer was telling you. It’s always better to be cautious in situations like this. What did Barnes & Noble tell you when you contacted them?

@Sophia Holloway Thank you! I completely agree it’s always better to verify things directly, especially when it involves our books and money. I contacted Barnes & Noble, and they clarified the situation for me, so I feel much more comfortable now. I’m glad I took the time to check rather than just assume everything was legitimate. I really appreciate your concern, too. Have you ever come across anything similar with your own books, or is there anything you’re currently trying to figure out with publishing or promotion that I might be able to help with?

@Beth Macy Thank you for sharing these tips I especially agree with the point about persistence and not letting bad reviews discourage us. I think every review, even a negative one, can teach us something about the reader and help us improve the next book. I also like what you said about burnout. Sometimes we focus so much on publishing and marketing that we forget that this is a long term journey, not something that happens overnight. I’m curious what part of your KDP journey are you focusing on right now: writing, marketing, getting more reviews, or increasing book sales? Maybe we can share ideas and help each other along the way.