What was the working title of the first Harry Potter novel before publication?

The first Harry Potter novel was published as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and that was also the title used for the British edition rather than a separate working title. The commonly reported early title difference concerns the American edition, which became Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Before publication, Rowling developed the story over several years, including the structure of the Hogwarts school year and the broader seven-book plan. The manuscript was rejected by several publishers before Bloomsbury accepted it.

The American title change is a frequent source of confusion. Scholastic altered “Philosopher’s” to “Sorcerer’s” for the United States, while changing some related wording in the text. In most other English-language markets, the original title was retained.

The Philosopher’s Stone is a legendary substance associated with alchemy. In the novel, it can produce the Elixir of Life and is protected at Hogwarts. The object’s name links the fantasy plot to a real historical tradition.