@S H Hi! I completely understand why you’re torn, especially when you’ve found a name you genuinely love. Your concern about UK distribution through KDP and IngramSpark is definitely worth considering before you make the final decision. Personally, I wouldn’t make the decision based only on whether the name appears to be available in the US. Since you’re planning to distribute internationally, including the UK, I would also look into the existing UK publisher, how long they’ve been using the name, whether the name is registered as a trademark, and whether they have a presence in the same or related publishing markets. The fact that they publish novels while you plan to publish children’s books may reduce the likelihood of direct confusion, but it doesn’t automatically mean there would be no issue. There could also be practical considerations around discoverability, branding, and how the imprint appears when readers, bookstores, libraries, or distributors search for it. If the second name is completely clear but you don't love it, I’d take a little more time before settling. You may be able to find a variation of your preferred name that still has the identity you love while being more distinctive and easier to protect internationally. Before committing, I’d also consider doing a proper trademark/name search in the US and UK and, if the imprint is important to your long-term publishing plans, getting professional legal advice on the name. It’s much easier to change the name now than after publishing several books under it. Have you already checked whether your preferred name is trademarked in the US or UK, rather than just checking whether another publisher is using it? And have you considered creating a slightly modified version of the name that keeps the same feel but gives you more separation from the UK publisher?

@Danielle Marietta I’m currently using Amazon KDP as my primary publishing platform because it provides a straightforward way to publish and distribute books globally while giving authors control over their publishing process. I also value the access to Amazon’s large customer base and the tools available for managing book listings, pricing, royalties, and promotions. Depending on the book’s goals and target audience, I’m also open to exploring other platforms that can expand distribution to bookstores, libraries, and international markets. What publishing platform are you currently using, and how has your experience been with it so far?

@Sophia Holloway Hi, that’s great to hear. I’m glad your experience with Amazon KDP has been positive so far. I also appreciate the control KDP gives authors and the opportunity to reach readers globally. To be honest, I haven’t personally tried any other publishing platforms yet. My main focus has been promoting the book I’ve already published rather than spreading my efforts across multiple platforms. So far, that approach has worked really well for me, and I’ve been very pleased with the results I’ve been getting, particularly in terms of visibility and sales. I’m still open to exploring other platforms in the future, especially if they can help expand my reach without taking away from what is already working. Which other platforms are you considering exploring? And are you mainly looking for additional distribution opportunities, or are you also interested in platforms that can help with book promotion and discoverability?

@Adam Erhart That’s an interesting comparison. My guess would be that the difference came down to what happened after the launch. A successful launch can create an initial spike, but consistent readers usually come from having a strategy that keeps the book visible and discoverable long after launch week. Things like ongoing audience engagement, discoverability, and consistently putting the book in front of the right readers can make a huge difference. Sometimes the gap isn’t about how good the book is, it’s about whether there’s a system in place to keep readers finding it. I’d definitely be interested to hear what you discovered. Was it something along those lines, or was the real reason completely different?

@Ashley Muñoz I completely agree with you. Building long-term marketing assets like an email list, partnerships, and networking can create more sustainable results over time than relying on social media alone. If I had to choose one, I'd probably focus on building an email list because it gives you a direct connection with your readers. What kind of book are you marketing, and which of those strategies are you planning to prioritize first?

@Ashley Muñoz I really like your approach. Focusing on long-term strategies like building an email list, improving your metadata, and networking with other authors creates a much stronger foundation than chasing short-term results. It sounds like you're setting yourself up for sustainable growth. Which of these strategies has given you the best results so far?

@Adrian Hanks Welcome! It sounds like you’ve already built a great start with three self-published books, and moving back to Australia sounds like the perfect opportunity to focus more on your writing journey. Wishing you a smooth transition back and lots of inspiration ahead. What type of books have you published so far?

@Aj Love Welcome! That sounds like an exciting new chapter, and congratulations on already publishing three books. Wishing you a smooth move back to Australia and plenty of inspiration as you dedicate more time to writing. What genre do you enjoy writing the most?