How do I know it's not already been done?

[a2ndchapter]

Ok so I've got no publishing experience and only limited paid writing experience so this might be seen as a brainless newbie post but I'll take that chance.

I have 5 products written (just need to sort out the formatting and art) and was curious how people determine if an idea has already been used.

Specifically 2 of the products are magic related (spells and items) and it occurred to me that given I don't own every single product relating to new spells or new magic items (shame on me I know) that someone might have already published a product with similar if not identical content.

Ignoring the OGC side of it for a moment I'd like to understand how others work this one out. Or is it just a case of publish it anyway and hope for the best?

Cheers,

David

 

[Roudi]

Typically, a quick browse of RPGNow or DTRPG should be sufficient. Or, you could make a post in ENWorld's general forum in search of recommendations of products along certain themes.

It is, of course, easier to answer this question with a better idea of exactly what you have written.

 

[Urizen]

Hiya, David.

While I seriously doubt you have "Identical" content (Even with the glut of Magic Items, spells and such, putting out something exactly like someone else's product is tough to accomplish), you may very well find that you have similar products with other publishers.

The only REAL way to know for sure is to get your hands dirty, so to speak, and research your intended product category. Buy pdfs (not every single PDF on the market, though I suspect your fellow publishers would love you if you did ) that fit the category you are needing more information on, and find out.

Good luck.

 

[a2ndchapter]

Typically, a quick browse of RPGNow or DTRPG should be sufficient. Or, you could make a post in ENWorld's general forum in search of recommendations of products along certain themes.
It is, of course, easier to answer this question with a better idea of exactly what you have written.

Hi Roudi, I did a quick search of both to check out other similar products and nothing really gave me a reason of concern, but I thought it was worth asking the question.

The products in question are -
a series of enemy NPCs with a sliding scale CR and appropriate Campaign/Scenario hooks.
a series of friendly NPCs in a similar vein to the above.
a range of magical items with Campaign/Scenarios hooks with each PDF focussing on a separate collection.
a range of magical weapons in a similar vein to the above.
a series of spells focussing on one school/domain at a time, specifically looking at cross Arcane/Divine spells.

Each of the products are linked but not so much that they need each other.

Hiya, David.
While I seriously doubt you have "Identical" content (Even with the glut of Magic Items, spells and such, putting out something exactly like someone else's product is tough to accomplish), you may very well find that you have similar products with other publishers.
The only REAL way to know for sure is to get your hands dirty, so to speak, and research your intended product category. Buy pdfs (not every single PDF on the market, though I suspect your fellow publishers would love you if you did ) that fit the category you are needing more information on, and find out.
Good luck.

Hi Urizen, I have picked up a few titles along similar lines in part to check out the 'competition' and also to compare content, nothing strikes me as being too close for comfort but like I said felt it was worth asking nonetheless.

Thanks for your input folks.

Cheers,

David

 

[Roudi]

Based on your descriptions, I can see that similar products have been done, but it does not seem possible for you to have "duplicated" existing products in those areas.

Looking forward to seeing what you have to offer.

 

[Nellisir]

It's unlikely you'll do anything identical to what someone else has done. Similar, yes -- but no matter how many monster books there are, people still love new monsters. Including me.

 

[eyebeams]

If you can't find a popular treatment easily (by looking around here or finding Silver+ listers that cover the material), it's likely that nobody's provided a product capable of taking the lead yet. You just have to work that much harder to rise above previous attempts.

 

[pawsplay]

All ideas have already been done. Just make sure your version is good.

 

[Moon-Lancer]

while this isn't exactly true, its good advice to assume so.

 

[Dr Simon]

The products in question are -
a series of enemy NPCs with a sliding scale CR and appropriate Campaign/Scenario hooks.
a series of friendly NPCs in a similar vein to the above.
a range of magical items with Campaign/Scenarios hooks with each PDF focussing on a separate collection.
a range of magical weapons in a similar vein to the above.
a series of spells focussing on one school/domain at a time, specifically looking at cross Arcane/Divine spells.

A lot of those sound *similar* to existing products, but as others have pointed out, it comes down to style, price, usability, range and originality.

Since you say you already have the writing done, you don't lose much by jumping into the pool of PDF publishing.