Epigraph Generator
A quote to open your book or chapter
An epigraph is the short quote at the start of a book or chapter that hints at the theme and sets a mood before the story begins. In fantasy and sci-fi, authors often invent in-world excerpts, songs, laws or histories. Describe your book and get epigraph ideas, including original ones you can use freely.
What is an epigraph?
An epigraph is a short quotation or excerpt placed at the beginning of a book or chapter to suggest its theme or set its tone. It can be a real quote, a line of poetry, or, especially in speculative fiction, an invented fragment from within the story's world, such as an excerpt from a fictional history or a line of a song.
Can I use a real quote as an epigraph?
Sometimes, but copyright applies. Very old works in the public domain are safe, and short quotes may fall under fair use, but modern song lyrics and poetry are frequently protected and can require permission or a fee. Inventing your own in-world epigraph sidesteps the issue entirely and often serves the story better.
Why use invented epigraphs?
In-world epigraphs deepen a fictional world cheaply and elegantly. A fragment of a fictional prophecy, law, or folk song at each chapter head builds the sense of a real, layered world, plants clues, and lets you comment on the theme in a voice that is not the narrator's. They are also entirely yours to publish.
Frequently asked questions
What is an epigraph?
A short quote or excerpt at the start of a book or chapter that suggests its theme and sets the tone.
Can I use song lyrics as an epigraph?
Usually not without permission. Modern lyrics are copyrighted. Public-domain quotes or invented in-world epigraphs are safe.
Why invent my own epigraphs?
They deepen your fictional world, plant clues, and are entirely yours to publish without copyright worries.
Is this free?
Yes, with a daily limit for guests.