Hook ’Em with Your Title
The best title for your book is most likely not the first one you come up with, or even the title you use for your manuscript as you take it through the editorial process. That’s called a “working title.” For most of three years, I called my manuscript The Jovian Line. As time went by, I became pretty invested in that title, so it took some self-convincing (and courage) to set it aside and search for a better one.
Why didn’t I just use the title if I liked it so much? Because it lacks intrigue. It’s more of a label than a title. The Jovian Line. The Yellow Cat. The Painting on the Wall. Not that a “thing” can’t be intriguing, because it can if it’s described in a particular way (The House with the Blood Red Door). But in this case, “Jovian” is vague, neutral. There’s no verb in the phrase, no action, no question posed. No fear or danger hinted at nor possibility of romance or mystery (in other words, genre). A title must hint at one of these things. It must create intrigue.
Because I want readers to know that there’s an element of danger in my book, I had to come up with a title that sounded ominous. They Will Be Coming for Us hints at vulnerability and menace. I chose this title for other reasons as well, but you’ll have to read the book to find out what they are! (You’ll have a chance to get an advanced reader copy in the months ahead.)
Most of all, you want the title to draw attention. When a shopper enters a brick-and-mortar bookstore or browses online, a world of books is at their fingertips. You want them to notice yours, to stop and take a look. In particular, you want to attract readers of your genre. So, once again, study the titles in your genre and take your cues from them.
A successful title will check the following three boxes:
It’s Unique. One way to stand out is to be different. But not too different. You want readers to know you write in their genre, so try to fit in while standing out. I realize that sounds like a puzzle, but it is possible. I came across this cozy mystery title the other day: And Then There Were Crumbs. That stopped me and made me not only smile but wonder what that novel is about, which proves the title is doing its job.
It’s Memorable. A good title is easy to remember. If friends can’t remember the title of your book, that’s a sign it’s not the right fit. Try to include an alliterative phrase (Murder in the Manner) or even just a unique word (A Visit from the Goon Squad). Something catchy, something that makes a person linger. Little Fires Everywhere, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Big Little Lies. Some interesting nonfiction titles include Wishful Drinking, Big Magic, It’s Not About You, The Fact of a Body.
It Goes Deeper in Some Way. The title should be meaningful. It should reflect what happens in the story in some way and maybe even sum up the theme. At some point the reader should be clear on why the author chose his title. The Secret History, The House of the Spirits.
How does one come up with this unforgettable, appropriate title? Brainstorm. You can start by considering who, what, when, and where as it applies to your story. Here are some examples: Jane Eyre (who), Atonement (what), When We Believed in Mermaids (when), Where the Crawdads Sing (where). Using these questions, come up with as many possibilities as you can. Don’t edit yourself, and don’t stop until you have fifty. Take break and then aim for fifty more. Now put the list aside for a few days or a week. When you come back, it should be easy to cross off the titles you don’t like at all and circle those that have possibility. Spend some time considering those with possibility. Picture how each one will look on the cover. Imagine yourself telling people it’s the name of the book. Hopefully one of these titles will cause you to say, “That’s it.” If not, do it all again.
Most of all, don’t expect the perfect title to come to you immediately. It may take its sweet time rising from the depths of your subconscious. And that makes sense. Because that’s where the unique, memorable, deep material dwells.
Next week, I’ll talk about designing the interior pages of your book.
Kim Catanzarite is a writer, editor, and instructor for Writer’s Digest University. She has worked as a developmental and copy editor since 1994. Her book They Will Be Coming for Us will be published in June 2021.
