Comments on: Giving Your Story a Title

By: annastan

annastan — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:45:08 +0000

I love Mackler’s book and the title is hilarious. We discussed it in a class I took and everyone kept referring to it as “The Earth, My Butt.” Finally the professor asked us to please just call it “the Mackler piece.”

By: Karen

Karen — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 03:51:18 +0000

Ha, *slightly* late with my comment. But I just wanted to say that I have to start with a title when I’m working on a project. Of course, that title always changes during revision. So another thing we have in common, book twin!

Like Laura, I love quirky/funny titles. One of my all-time favorites is THE EARTH, MY BUTT AND OTHER BIG ROUND THINGS by Carolyn Mackler.

By: annastan

annastan — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:54:49 +0000

Sherrie, that sounds like a good way to keep yourself on track as you’re writing.

Catherine, I often find that my titles change the more I work on the manuscript. I wouldn’t say this is a bad thing, though. It just means you’re story has evolved and has outgrown its original title.

Andrea, it sounds like you’ve found the approach that works for you in terms of names and titles. Titles really do make such a difference when we choose books, don’t they?

By: Andrea Vlahakis

Andrea Vlahakis — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 10:35:25 +0000

I don’t always start with a title. I need to have character names before anything. Then the title.

But as a reader, a book’s title (and jacket cover) can make a difference as to whether I pick up the book.

By: Catherine A. Winn

Catherine A. Winn — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:56:40 +0000

I start with a title but it usually changes midway through and then changes again a few more times. I wish I could pick one that is perfect from the start.

By: Sherrie Petersen

Sherrie Petersen — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:44:54 +0000

For some reason, I’ve always known the title when I start a book. I come up with the title and the premise, then figure it out from there.

By: annastan

annastan — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 22:52:42 +0000

Elle, that is very true. Not only does a title need to be memorable, but a bad title can erase a project’s appeal.

Laura, it seems we have similar tastes in titles. I agree that some just jump out at you, and those are the ones that I’m more likely to read.

Jamie, you are definitely not alone in your title frustrations! But I know a lot of people who don’t worry about titles until the manuscript is completely done, so at least you can delay the stress for a while. Good luck!

By: Jamie Grey

Jamie Grey — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:25:19 +0000

Ugh! I’m having title problems myself…I try to give my WIP’s working titles when I first start them, but they end up sticking and I can never think of something else.

By: Laura Pauling

Laura Pauling — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:20:34 +0000

I love long humorous titles and I like short titles that reflect multiple layers of the book. But some def. stick out more than other. A title is a huge reason why I chose or not chose to read a book.

By: Elle Strauss

Elle Strauss — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:23:32 +0000

I agree, we can’t underestimate the importance of a good title. Sometimes, it’s what get’s it picked up and sold in the first place.