Who knew naming your novel could be so difficult? Turns out, it can be harder than writing the darned thing. When I began writing, I thought the first title that came to mind would do. I’ve since learned that my idea of a book name that will attract readers is not necessarily the same as my readers’ idea – and they are the people who count! Here are four things to keep in mind when naming your novel.
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Be Humble.
Admit it, you may not be the best person to name your book. Seek help. Bryan Cohen, an author, podcaster, and coach, offers a course to help writers learn the art of copywriting. Cohen advises brainstorming fifteen ideas for your title, putting them into a poll, and sending the poll to some of your readers. Note, he doesn’t advise sending to your writer friends! I recently took his advice and was surprised to find that none of my favorites resonated with my readers. So, do as I did. Swallow your pride and ask.
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Be Distinctive.
Jacob M. Appel of Writer’s Digest says, “strong titles are distinctive, but not distracting.” So, how do we come up with distinctive titles? First, we understand that coming up with the title needs our time and attention. Don’t think you can stick any old title on the cover. Use your creative juices here. According to Dictionary.com, Distinctive is defined as having a special quality, style, attractiveness, etc.; notable. Use unique words that readers will remember. Don’t be a copycat. Come up with something new. If you’re not sure if you’re prospective title has been used, try looking it up on Amazon or use your favorite search engine to see if the name comes up when you type it into your browser.
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Use the Power of Attraction.
Note: Much has been said and written about book covers, and I’ll talk about that in another post.
But, unless I walk into a bookstore where books are presented with the full front cover, I won’t be attracted to the cover first. I’m usually browsing the aisles when visiting bookstores. All I have to go on there are the titles and author names. Make your title so attractive, someone will pull the book from the shelf to find out more.
The same thing happens when shopping for a book online. The covers are presented in tiny thumbnail pictures that I sometimes can’t make out, but the title, if done right, will scream, “Read me!” I’ll ignore a clumsy cover wherever I see one if the name intrigues me. I’m interested in the words, the story, after all.
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Be Memorable.
Make a lasting impression by keeping it simple. What have we all heard about first impressions? They last! You want your title to be so interesting that people will hear about your book and remember the name long enough to find it later online or at the bookstore. I’m thinking of a book that came out in 1969 by David Reuben, M.D. called “Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Sex.” How can you forget that title after you’ve heard it once? It’s concise, tells you what to expect, and stays in your head like a familiar song on the radio. Another title from more recent times that sticks is “Gone Girl.” Great name. It sets up questions in your mind immediately.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to come up with a good title. No slouching allowed in this area. The time you spend will be worth it, because a book’s name can make all the difference in your life as an author.
Have other ideas about naming books? Email me!
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Thanks! Happy Reading! Happy Writing!
Shirley Holder Platt
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash