What’s the first thing you look at when you read a book? The title. The title either sparks your interest or your eyes glaze over and you move on.Unless of course the cover art is intriguing, then you might just turn it over and read the blurb.From what I have been reading your final title might end up different. Your agent might change it. Your publisher might change it. They know how to sell a book, so that’s okay, but still your initial title needs to catch the interest of the agent first.
But how do you come up with that cool title? Someone tell me, please. No, I haven’t finished writing my manuscript yet, but I’m tiring of calling it WIP or “that story I’m writing”.
Rambling and rant over.
I bet you thought I was going to tell you how to come up with a great title. HA!
I haven't got a clue! The same can be said for blogging… I am always attracted to a good title!
I am horrible with picking titles too. My mysteries though are titled with clues to the answers of the codes in my book. So, for my next book, it will be titled: Why Run Backwards You'll Vomit.
ann
E.D. you are so right about blog titles.
Ann I will say you have intrigue me with the title of your book.
How about something just straightfoward that tells the prospective reader what the book is? Ex- Twain's “The Aventures of Huckleberry Finn” or Kerouac's “On the Road”. The title succinctly tells what the book is about. Last year I read Kurlansky's “Salt: A World History” the title piqued my curiosity and when I read the blurb and found that it was literally a history of salt I became so curious about something so commonplace that I had to read it.
Or Decide what the theme or the story is and find a quote to describe it. For ex: “The Grapes of Wrath”, “No Country For Old Men” or maybe actually use a quote from your own book.
An intriguing metaphor can work well: Sinclair Lewis's book “The Jungle” was not really about a literal jungle, but the title is simple and eye-catching.
Finally, something cryptic or wacky sounding that relates to the story: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest”, “Catcher in the Rye”, or “The Lovely Bones”.
Just some thoughts. Hope it helps.
Lee
I love coming up with titles! But you're right–I try not to become too attached because I know they are usually the first things to be changed if or when the books make it to a publisher.
Good luck! I'm interested to see what you come up with on your WIP.
I'm terrible with titles. Mine has changed numerous times and might change again. I'm not totally attached to it, so if an agent suggested a change I'd take it.
I thought about a title for my blog, but then my husband said just use your name so I did, pretty boring.
i actually don't pay that much attention to book titles. Is that wierd? I'm drawn in by the cover art and then the info on the back cover. I've even read some great books that i still don't know the titles for…
SIt down and start making a list of different titles you'd like to use. They can be silly or serious or pretty, but just keep making the list without judgement. After awhile, you'll have tons of ideas to chose from.
Also, it helps to visualize the front cover. What kind of title would fit that picture and congeal the whole book?
What most interests you about your book? Why did you feel compelled to write it? I think you'll find your prospective readers will be drawn in by the same elements that drew you in. Can you distill those into a few words?
I love when a title clicks. Usually for me, that doesn't happen and I change it at least once.
Ah, the ever elusive title. For me, I usually go through several while writing the first draft. What I do after that: pick a word I want in the title and brainstorm possibilities. And then I whine to my friends for help.
Good luck!
Thanks for all your advice. I like the “whining to my friends” part.
I'm terrible at titles. I think it's a gift you either have or don't. I tend to stick with one-word titles. They're easier for me.
You're so right about the title being the first thing (usually) that either grabs you or it doesn't as far as picking the book up and seeing what it's about.
I'm pretty good with this kind of thing – I think that Anissa may be right. Maybe it's a gift, much in the same way the ability to write is a gift.
Maybe a little out in left field here, but it seems that it's a lot like naming a child or a pet. You may just be sitting one day and it will come to you. Or over time, several will, then you'll have to choose!
(Not much help am I?) LOL.
I have no idea…I am also HORRIBLE at titles. Even for my blog posts. It's sad, really.
Misery loves company, right?
Mine always wind up being a play on words, which is great except when it's not.
So, yeah, I'm of absolutely no help to you.
Love your blog! I'm a title failure. I had four different working titles for my first book. I kept the one I was using when I finished editing. The awesome thing is you CAN try on different titles until you find the one that feels right.
When you have a chance, I have a little something for you over on my blog.
http://vrbarkowski.blogspot.com/
Funny how we can write all these great words and then stumble on the few for the cover. My WIP title is not exciting or informative at all. I keep hoping one of my Beta readers will make a suggestion…
Ah, well. Good luck with the title search.
it will come to you….when it's ready!
have faith!
So much pressure on just a few words! Yikes! Isn't it amazing how important just a few words can be?