Thinking through your book title

Crafting the perfect book title can be challenging, regardless of one’s experience as an author or publisher. Recently, we encountered such a challenge when an author requested a less alliterative title for one of our published books. As a result, we had to put our collective minds together to generate an alternative that carried the same weight as the original.

Alliteration is a literary device in which words or sounds are closely repeated at the beginning of closely placed words. It is a technique commonly used by authors in book titles, alongside other approaches such as action-packed titles like Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl,” ominous ones like Hunter S. Thompson’s “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” and descriptive ones like David Guterson’s “Snow Falling on Cedars.”

If you’re having difficulty choosing a title for your book, here are some pointers to consider. Firstly, consider the book’s theme. What is the manuscript about? Is it about animals, the environment, business, money, lifestyle, or something else? Once you’ve identified the theme, you can delve deeper to identify specific topics. For example, if your book concerns money, are you teaching readers how to save, budget, or spend wisely? Are you discussing protecting endangered species or freeing captive animals if it’s about animals? Most of the time, the message you want to convey is already evident as you write, which can help you narrow down your title.

Secondly, consider the book’s setting. Does the story occur near emerald waters, a frozen lake, the peak of a mountain, a bustling city, barracks, an office, or a coffee shop? For example, for a book set on a mountaintop, consider using words like “cliff,” “terrain,” or “climb” in your title.

Thirdly, it is essential to note down all the potential book titles that come to mind while exploring your creativity. By documenting these titles over several weeks, you can identify the top ten and then the top five options. Afterwards, you can analyze them carefully to determine the most suitable title for your book.

Fourthly, employing emotional trigger words or power words can profoundly impact your book’s marketing. These words can stimulate emotions in potential buyers and motivate them to purchase your book. Additionally, differentiating your book from others by emphasizing its originality can help generate unique ideas for its title.

We are delighted to announce that we reached a mutually agreeable title that meets both parties’ expectations! Finally, consider the protagonist’s goal or your intention as the author. Can a potential reader discern the book’s purpose by glancing at the title on a bookstore shelf or website? Following these tips, you can create a compelling and meaningful title that accurately represents your book’s content.