When you are close to finishing a new piece of work, have you ever discovered that some plot element / twist to your story has appeared in a bestseller elsewhere. Have you ploughed on regardless or done some reworking? I am probably asking for a friend!

Eve Smith Hi Bob
Firstly, apologies for answering this rather late!
So this is an ongoing fear that many writers have, that some unique element of their story will appear elsewhere right before your book is published. (I have been through this, too!)
Whilst we may wish to think what we write is totally unique, the reality is that most plotlines have been used multiple times in other books or films before. It is more about the way you use these plot elements, the distinctiveness of your characters' voice and your setting, and the overall tone of the novel: that's what engages readers.
So, unless this plot element truly is unusual, I would not worry.
And even if it is, as you are only just finishing writing your book, by the time it has been edited and then published you'll probably be at least a year on, and it won't matter! I hope this is useful.

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