The saying goes, ‘don’t judge a book by it cover’ yet we all do. Equally as important, is the books title. It needs to be compelling, intriguing and in a few short words pinpoint what your novel entails.
Many writers develop a ‘working title’ which is a rough draft of the title. A temporary idea, while the work is still in progress. Sometimes after writing the book, the title becomes clearer.
My first WIP changed titles numerous times, and may even change again before publication. That’s ok, just as we revise our manuscripts over and over again, we’re free to alter the Logline and Synopsis, especially when we are trying to Hook an Agent.
Research is a vital, integral part of this process. Look at novels within your genre to see what catches your eye, what pulls you in and even what makes you think… yes, that’s precisely what the books about.
A successful novel begs the reader to ask questions: Who is Harry Potter? Why is the Court full of Thorns and Roses, what could that possibly mean? What happens in the Hunger Games?
Some novels use the name of the protagonist – Percy Jackson. Others use a phrase from the book, or a word – Twilight. As a pose to the character’s name, perhaps use a word to describe them, highlighting their differences, for instance Pride & Prejudice. Don’t forget to consider the location: Through the Looking Glass. Or mix some of those ideas: Alice in Wonderland.
Be sure to write down any ideas that come to your head, even if they’re ridiculous. Brainstorm what links the theme, plot, characters and locations of the novel. Then get feedback. Ask readers, friends and family what title stands out for them. Which one hints at the novel beyond the pages or evokes intrigue or mystery.
Lastly be original. Your book’s title has to compete with many similar novels. Having a title that stands out from the crowd is vital. So, check to see if the titles already taken, you don’t want to compete with an identical title, in the same genre. This is your time to stand out from the crowd.
So my wonderful, loyal readers, what do you think of my title? My first novel is YA fantasy/romance called:
Knights of Shadow and Lies.
Harbouring secrets caused a rift between Sander and Fae princess Alysia. For he is a Shadow Knight, masquerading as one of her kind. When truthfully, he’s a fairy-tale hybrid, feared by the pure-bloods for the potential of his unprecedented powers. Catastrophic events force their lives to collide once more, when his brother, a nefarious Magician, seizes the kingdom in search of Alysia’s telepathic powers. To save the Enchanted Realms, they must risk everything and sacrifice all, to protect the ones they love.
Please give me your feedback. Or share your working title. Let me offer you some feedback. As always, thanks for reading and have a fantasic day.
Pinterest Instagram Twitter Facebook
LinkedIn Tumblr
© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2018.
I understand what you mean. My book’s title when through a few changes too, but I struck gold in terms of originality: when googling “Mystical Greenwood” my book is the first result.
You have an excellent title too, and the blurb is intriguing. Can’t wait to hear more about it!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I love your novels title, it’s beautiful and intriguing.
Thank you for your kind words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, and you’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I like the title of your novel, sounds catchy 😎👍☀️
LikeLiked by 3 people
😊 Thank you, I really appreciate your feedback.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Last year at Felixstowe Book Festival I attended a talk by Alwyn Hamilton and she told us the many titles they discussed for Rebel of the Sands. It was really interesting. My book was called Drift for a long time but I kept getting interest from racing driving fans where it’s a term for taking a corner. I changed it recently to Jewel of the Sea which I think screams mermaid (plus it’s the meaning of the MCs name, Mariah).
LikeLiked by 4 people
Love that name. It does sound like a mermaid story. I want to know! 💙
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like it, and I think the book sounds interesting and well fit with the title. However, I would make all three nouns plural to make it parallel and roll off the tongue a little smoother. Knights of Shadows and Lies.
I’m not even a writer. I’m on the other side with editing, but I really enjoyed your post. I love reading about how people think and how they approach the writing process. It helps me understand things better on my end.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Great input, I’ve played around with that idea myself. But since you’ve pointed it out, it makes a lot of sense. Thanks
LikeLike
Coming up with a title is one of my favourite parts of writing! It’s just so exciting and…I don’t know…hopeful. I’ve always shied away from the idea of using a working title, though logically I think it makes a heap of sense, especially if you haven’t yet fleshed out all your ideas. I think my hesitation comes from using a working name for a MC in one of my earlier writing projects, and then being unable to change it because I’d become too attached and accustomed to it! Ah the joys and troubles of being a writer…
LikeLiked by 3 people
Haha, I know what you mean. Except I’m the opposite, I’ve just started novel 3 and I’m using a minor character from the first two books and turned him into a MC. I decided he needed a new name. Perks of not yet being published. Lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it certainly has its advantages…especially when it comes to working on series!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Titles are the thing I struggle with when writing. Not the first paragraph, or the ending, but the title. I never feel like they are strong or catchy enough. ❤
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, this is what I worry about. The title has to encompass all, that’s a lot of pressure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great title 🙂
I think mine’s going to be ‘Second Chance at Destiny,’ but I worry it’s too long!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Not at all, sounds great and builds a great picture of the story ahead. Love it! 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great to hear 😀 I always struggle with titles!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good article! I needed this because I truly suck at choosing titles!
LikeLiked by 3 people
No you don’t, your series have great names. They fit your genre and your stories. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
My secret, I had an awesome publisher! 🤷🏻♂️🙊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha, never underestimate the help of a great team.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ooooh, love the title! That’s got me intrigued, and it’s not normally a genre I read.
My working titles are usually the hero and heroines names. Strange, but works for me.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Not strange at all, it’s worked for many great novels. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your title!
Titles are my least favorite part about writing — I just always struggle to come up with them! Everything I write is untitled until the last possible minute, and I’m very rarely confident in my titles. Maybe it’ll come with practice, though!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I hear you Mary, I think everything we write and create comes with practice. The hardest part for me is blurbs. 😰😱
LikeLike
Oh gosh, I find blurbs difficult too! It’s so hard to get them right
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great post as always Lorraine! 🙂 I think your title is great, having beta-read your story, I think it works really well to capture the essence of the plot.
(One) of my novels, the first is a series is called Dark Hart. 🙂 It was the WIP name of the whole series but actually works well for the first novel 😀
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Ari, I love Dark Hart, it’s indicative of your genre and very catchy. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww yay! Thanks Lorraine, I really appreciate that. I’ve always been weird with names of my novels but it definitely feels right.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Maybe just use “The Shadow Knight” since the story seems to revolve around one knight in particular. Sounds like you are a Sara J Maas fan. So am I! I’m impressed that you’ve written a novel. Good job!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you for your feedback back. You make an excellent point, however my antagonist and protagonist are both Shadow Knights. I’ve also named my collection of novels: ‘The Shadow Knight Series.’
I’m a huge Sarah J Maas fan. 😍
LikeLike
Pingback: 1st Line Thursday: First lines written, an awesome boat, and the Fullmetal Alchemist Live Action film. | The Dragonspire
If the title continues to come back to me I’ll give it some serious thought. If it makes me feel good I’ll look at it. Finding a title can really mess with your head. At the same time it can be the easiest thing in the world. I know…..confusing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, I wrestled with my first novel’s title, but the second novel’s title came before I even started writing it. 🤷♀️
LikeLike
Coming up with a title for a book is always a hard task for me. I didn’t find it easy for the short exam tests in high school.
My titles are a bit weak and not as catchy
LikeLiked by 2 people
We all think that about our own work. I’m sure you’re titles are fantastic. 😀
LikeLike
Well, not as captivating sometimes
LikeLiked by 2 people
Out of all the aspects of writing– typing alone for hours, revising numerous times, killing darlings –the title is by far the most difficult part for me 😭 Though I’ve been mostly writing for school, I tend to use placeholder titles that are… meh.
I’ll have to take your advice and just brainstorm like crazy 😁
Btw one of the most memorable titles I’ve seen was “The Wife Between Us.” Is that eyebrow-raising or what! 😮
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ohh great title. It raises so many questions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Creating a Catchy Novel Title – Alison Aldridge
Thanks 😊😊
LikeLike
Pingback: Creating a Catchy Novel Title – Alison Aldridge
Thanks for sharing 💕💕
LikeLike