A Publisher's Conversation with Authors: Titling a Book

  

This week, we look at look at one of the most difficult tasks an author has, yet one that they belief is easy. Probably most authors know what they want to call their book before they even write it. Often, when an author approaches us with a book title, we feel compelled to discuss other options with the author. Here are some of the reasons (problems).

Title Duplicative

The title already exists. This is quite problematic when one of the books is better known. The new book will likely be overlooked. It is just a copy cat.

It is very problematic when there are multiple books by the same title. One proposed title that had this problem was the book now called One Simple Text... The original proposal was for From Tragedy to Triumph. Take a gander for that title in Amazon -- many titles. How would the first-time author's book stand out among them? It likely would not. And if someone were looking for the author's book, that person would have to parse through a number of books with the same title. One never wants to make it difficult to find a book. Some potential readers just give up!

A duplicate title is not a problem for copyright. Titles and ideas cannot be copyrighted. Only text and graphics can be copyrighted. But that is not a good enough reason to insist on using it.

Title Too Long

Long titles are problematic. They are hard to remember. They don't always fit into title lists for libraries and bookstore. They create complications for book trailers and press releases. Remember the principle: Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS). Easier all around.

Real Information in Subtitle

Readers need to know what is in the book. If there is hype as a title, with the real content revealed in the subtitle, the book will encounter a couple of barriers. Take for example, a title such as Wonders of the World: A Visit to Petra (made up title). Wonders of the world can be anything in a rather broad category. Petra is the real content. The problem with this proposed title is that someone looking for information on Petra will not google words like wonders of the world. Similarly, libraries often remove subtitles when cataloging books--and the content of the book becomes lost. Often, a subtitle is the best title for the book. Often, a title without a subtitle is much stronger--and, for sure, it is easier to remember.

Another example is a book we published a few years ago, One Simple Text... The original proposal, From Tragedy to Triumph, too overused, was much weaker and less intriguing than One Simple Text (what happened as a result of that text?). Though intriguing, the reader does know this is going to be about texting that likely had some kind of dramatic effect. As such, it is more specific than the proposed title and one that is likely to be viewed as its potential audience as something they want to read.

Title Is Hype, Not Informative

Titles that are hype are not helpful as titles. Use them as slogans for press releases. Examples of this are the Wonders of the World proposal, or the Tragedy to Triumph proposal. What wonder? What tragedy? What kind of triumph? Anything mysterious in a title should draw the reader in, not leave the reader scratching his/her head.

Other Reasons

There are other reasons for changing a title.

Perhaps it is not compelling. For example, the proposed title for Achieving ILR 4 Proficiency sounds like a list of things to do and relies on readers knowing the ILR testing system. The final title was much better: Developing Professional-Level Foreign Language Proficiency. Clear and concise!

Perhaps it is too sensitive, or too suggestive, or off-putting for another reason. I give credit to two MSI Press authors who have done a remarkable job of coming up with appropriate titles for difficult topics: Healing from Incest: Intimate Discussions with My Therapist (Henderson & Emerton) and He's a Porn Addict...Now What? (Overbay and Shea).

Perhaps it does not reflect the tone, style, or content of your book. Readers should not be surprised when they open the first page and begin reading. We once had a book proposed (actually contracted for) with a pretty good title and a pretty good description of the book contents -- and the same chapter looked fine. However, when the author turned in the final manuscript, it was filled with cursing and a tone that is not consistent with our standards. (Obviously, we canceled the contract.) Imagine how a reader would have felt upon reading the first page! Misleading titles are not helpful in the long run.

The title may not resonate with readers. We have a couple of books where that has happened, IMHO. It helps for authors to test out potential titles with potential readers.

And there are other reasons why a book title might not work for your book. This is, indeed, a conversation for a publisher with an author!

Dave Chesson at Kindlepreneur has a checklist that might help: How to Title a Book [2022] - NYT's Bestselling book title creation process. It is a little hype-y, but it is helpful. All he asks is to add you to his mailing list. Otherwise, it is free. Recommendation: Get it.

Reedsy also has a column on the topic that provides some useful tips. Check it out: How to Title a Book in 4 Simple Steps.

Bottom line: Going with your gut in selecting a book title may be the first step, but it should not be the last. You need a title that will market the book.

See more Publisher Conversations with Authors HERE.

 Learn more about publishing from an acquisitions editor -- how to get your book proposal accepted, why proposals are turned down/accepted, and how to find the right publisher for your book. On special sale for $5 while inventory lasts at MSI Press webstore. Also available as an e-book and an audiobook.

The Tuesday talks reflect real discussions between the management of MSI Press LLC and our own authors or those would-be authors who come through our doors but don't make the cut--yet. If you have a topic that you would like addressed, leave the question in the comment section. Chances are, in our 18 years of publishing first-time and experiences authors, we have had a conversation with one of our authors that we can share with you.

                             

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