Into the Fire

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Titles of Novels

March 6, 2012

Titles rate high in my book, pun intended. A clever title says a lot about an author. Or does it?

The publishing machine often changes the titles authors give to their novels. Unless we have inside knowledge of a particular work, we don't know if the book dons its original title. I like my titles, and I'm sure other authors favor their own selections. Sometimes I see the title before the story or sometimes it works its way to the surface through the words of the story as it develops, fairly quickly. However, the story I'm working on now is halfway finished and it has no title. Shocking. For me.

How do you feel about titles? Do you get yours before, during, or after you've written your story? How would you feel about someone wanting to change it?

Father, you have many titles. All noble, powerful, indicative of superlatives and perfection and ultimate beauty in the purest form. Titles are important to you as well. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

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10 responses to “Titles of Novels”

BK Jackson

March 7, 2012

Personally, I think choosing a title is just as difficult as the actual writing of the book. Likewise, just as you have to read through a lot of books to find ones that are really awesome, you have to go through a lot to find a good title because most, like the content, are just average.
On Amazon recently I noticed a spate of “too clever” (over the top) titles on their Top 100 list. But there’s no doubt that when you hit on a great title, it does much to enhance the book.
But personally, I HATE choosing titles. HATE IT. And seldom come up with one I’m happy with. My current WIP is tentatively titled simply as the lead character’s name. I always put off choosing titles as long as I can.
My one completed manuscript has a title I like, and it took me ages to settle on it (I think because it reminds me of the simpler flair of books by Zane Grey though I would never compare my work to his!). I also have a title that popped into my head for a story that doesn’t exist yet. LOL!
While I’ve heard of some of the arguments authors have with publishers over title, I’d be glad to receive their input. Maybe title-picking comes easier to them than it does to me.
I’m sure I must have made book purchase decisions based on title. It along with cover are the things that entice you first. But on the flip side, as I sit here and try to think of a book title that has always stuck with me as memorable in its own right, I’m having trouble thinking of any (other than Zane Grey of course).

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BK Jackson

March 7, 2012

P.S. Ironically, the latest issue of Randy Ingermanson’s Advanced Fiction Writing E-Zine discusses a book he read that has a horrible title (and he’s right–the book did have a horrible title–didn’t do anything to tell a potential buyer what the book is about. But it was non-fiction).

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Brenda Anderson

March 7, 2012

When it comes to choosing books to read, title is probably at the bottom of my list. Don’t know if I’ve every chosen a book because of its title. Probably have, I just can’t remember it.
As far as choosing titles for my books, I’m with Brenda J. – it is difficult. Most of my books have gone through multiple title changes trying to find one that fits. Now, I really like most of my titles, but am not wed to them.

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Nicole

March 7, 2012

I can remember a few titles that did no justice to the story inside. And I remember a few covers which did the same. Poorly done.
If someone who gets me/my story comes up with a title that works, I’d be game to use it too.
Some came easy for me, absolute. Others like the present one not so much. I’m waiting for this title, listening for it.
Thanks for your thoughts, ladies.

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dayle

March 7, 2012

Sometimes the story tells you what the title is, but unfortunately, sometimes not.

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Nicole

March 7, 2012

True, Dayle. When the title is just right, it adds so much to the depth of the story.

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Jason Joyner

March 7, 2012

I’m not great with titles whether for my WIP or my newspaper editorials. I rely on help for the latter – and they’re going to do what they want anyway.
I’m on my third title for my WIP, and I’m not sure it’s the one yet. Argh.

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Nicole

March 7, 2012

I’ve been satisfied with most of my titles. I’m hoping for the “right” one for the WIP.
Titles have always been important to me so I have “a thing” about them.
For those who don’t find the title they want or like, it’s good that someone else will.
(Always good to have you stop by, Jason.)

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BK Jackson

March 7, 2012

When I first started writing I’d torment myself for eons trying to come up with titles. But since I’m not working to any deadlines but my own, I gave up on that and decided to let the title evolve.
But waiting for the title to evolve is a bit like road construction–you drive by two years later and it looks like the construction hasn’t proceeded an inch. 😎

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Nicole

March 8, 2012

You’re funny, Brenda. I’m having to let the title evolve on this current project, but I understand how difficult it can be – and how stagnant it can seem. I can also understand when titles aren’t a person’s “thing”, and like Jason said if you go the conventional route, it might get changed anyway.

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