Apr 23, 2011

T is for Titles

What's in a name? Can the title of your novel really decide how successful it is?

There's lots of things to consider when choosing a title.I've been doing some research and here are some tips I've unearthed from people in the know.

A novel title should:

  • Express the genre. A Shallow Grave would suit a thriller or horror story, but I don't think it would be a great title for a pet memoir.
  • Be Concise. Convoluted titles will only bore the reader. The Night We All Went into the Woods after Sarah Jane went Missing and Came Across a Scary Psychopath with an Axe might cover all the aspects of your story, but your book browser will probably put it down before getting halfway through the title.
  • Be Original. Calling your book Silence of the Lambs might get you a few accidental purchases, but it won't win you long time readers. You can however rip off cliche's and quotes as titles.
  • Be Funny. Humour is a great way to attract a reader (but only if your novel promises more humour within the narrative). Read this post by McSweeney to see why you must include the word Alchemist in your title.
Of course for every rule, there are plenty that break them, such as The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Paranormalcy (good read, but I find it so hard to say) and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

Thinking about genre, I thought I'd try and express Dog Show Detective in different genres (you know, for the fun).
Tail of Love Lost
Dognapped!
In Space No One Hears You Bark
Beware the Dognapper's Fangs

Okay, I suck at impromptu titles!

Check out this cool Internet Show on book titles:

http://www.getpublishedtv.com/best-book-titles-come-up-with-a-compelling-book-title-episode-038/

19 comments:

  1. mooderinoApril 23, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    For the Love of Mr Pooch (romance)

    The Canine Conundrum (thriller)

    Puppy Love (chick lit)

    Dead Dog Walkies (zombie!)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Charmaine ClancyApril 23, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    Moody, love the zombie book! lol.

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  3. Lou BelcherApril 23, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    Yes, titles really make a difference. And it's important to give chapters meaningful titles... It gives the shopper a clue about the contents of the book...

    Lou

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  4. the writing padApril 23, 2011 at 10:34 PM

    Enjoyed your titles post - and your snappy titles :-)
    Thanks for visiting me, too
    All best
    Karla

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  5. UnknownApril 23, 2011 at 11:28 PM

    What a cool series! Love the post.

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  6. Luanne G. SmithApril 23, 2011 at 11:41 PM

    I have title deficiency syndrome. All of mine are lame. I think I need a title doctor.

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  7. BotanistApril 24, 2011 at 1:58 AM

    On top of all of those "rules", I think a title should pique my interest in some way. That's kinda related to "be original", but not quite the same thing.

    I have to work hard at titles, and often go with a working title until something better clicks.

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousApril 24, 2011 at 2:13 AM

    Great post. Notes on a Scandal sounded like a book I wouldn't like, but when I saw the film I wanted to read the book. I ran a few titles past friends to gauge which grabbed them best. :O)

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  9. Maria PapadopoulouApril 24, 2011 at 2:14 AM

    It is true that a proper title attracts customers...good tips!

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  10. AnonymousApril 24, 2011 at 3:00 AM

    Titles are so important. Thanks for the reminder.

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  11. brandileigh2003April 24, 2011 at 3:21 AM

    Titles are so hard, but so much fun at the same time.
    Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

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  12. ShelliApril 24, 2011 at 4:34 AM

    I'm terrible at titles. I should spend some time brainstorming and coming up with silly ones. That would take the pressure off.

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  13. Beverly DiehlApril 24, 2011 at 9:34 AM

    Fun Post! I like Dog Show Detective - it tells us that mystery and dogs are involved.

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  14. erica and christyApril 24, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    I'm soooo bad at titles. If I ever see an agent interview that says "I don't care too much about the title, it's definitely changeable" I'm querying them NOW.
    erica

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  15. Halli GomezApril 24, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    I have to admit that if I don't know anything about the author, I will choose a book based only on the title. It might be incredible but if the title doesn't get me, well, you know.

    I stink at titles too (mine are not catchy) so I may have to sweet talk my creative hubby into some ideas.

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  16. Alleged AuthorApril 25, 2011 at 2:20 AM

    I do like the title Tail of Lost Love. Titles definitely make a reader stop and take notice. Great post!

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  17. Tara TylerApril 25, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    great advice =)
    titles are tough!
    happy t day and happy easter!

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  18. AnonymousApril 25, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    Title are neat but I confess I choose a book by its cover. Happy Easter. :)

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  19. Bluestocking MumApril 26, 2011 at 12:39 AM

    I try not to sweat too much about a title as if I find an agent, they'll no doubt change it anyway ;)

    Great to meet you through the A-Z challenge.

    Look forward to following your posts and writing.

    warm wishes
    Debbie
    x

    ReplyDelete

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