When you write a book, there is a difficult moment when the end is in sight…
You need to come up with a title [sigh].
The problem with creating a bestseller book title is that you, as the writer, are too close to your book to be able to choose a good title. In fact, you’re the worst person for creating a book title because you’ve ended up with tunnel vision.
You don’t believe me? Here’s proof:
Let me give you an example of a novice writer who struggled to find a title for his book (I’ll reveal the famous author’s name in a moment). First, he created two titles.
The author’s favorite title was: ‘Broadband and White Sand’. What do you think, could it become a bestseller?
Doubtful, right?
The author had a second choice: ‘Millionaire Chameleon’.
Meh – that’s even worse, don’t you think?
Then the novice author had a brainwave. He thought, “Why not ask my potential readers for a title?”
He asked, and someone came up with pure gold. They suggested: ‘The 4-Hour Workweek’. And this title carried author Tim Ferris to the heights of bestsellerdom!
I’m going to take a leaf out of Tim’s playbook.
My upcoming book is missing its title. Can you help, please?
Here a the summary of my upcoming book:
Are you afraid of aging? Most people in their fifties and sixties begin to dread getting older. They fear falling sick, becoming weaker, or even losing their mind. What if you could stop or even reverse the process of aging?
Read about thirteen youthful agers who have made their mature years the most exciting and productive time of their lives. Find out their secrets of getting the body back in shape, sharpening the mind, and getting the creative juices flowing. After reading this book, you’ll start to look forward to life past retirement as a time of freedom and joy.
Would you please help me with a title for my book? Please vote for the best title (or offer your own idea).
Thanks! I really appreciate your help.
How to Start Thinking About a Title for YOUR Book
I found some great resources for creating great titles of both nonfiction- and fiction books.
Creating a Book Title for Nonfiction
If you are looking for some awesome posts, check out Bryan Collins’ article: How to Pick a Bestselling Title. Bryan shares examples and stats of how small title tweaks made a huge difference to sales figures. And he explains how to do research for a good title, spells out what makes a great title, and suggests how to finally test your title.
Another excellent resource is Self Publishing School’s article on how to title books.
Self Publishing.com offer a totally free book title generator tool.
Another excellent post for those of you will write non-fiction is an article by Jane Friedman, Secrets to Developing the Best Title for Your Nonfiction Book.
Jane says: “The title and subtitle of your promotion-driven book must work together to entice readers to make a purchase. Titles are short, simple, visual, metaphorical, and resonant, creating an emotional response. Titles grab the gut. Titles sell.”
As an example, Jane quotes Guy Kawasaki’s story of how nobody at a private boys’ school signed up for a course called “Home Economics for Boys.” The class filled up immediately when the school changed the name of the course to “Bachelor Living.”
Creating a Book Title for Fiction
If you’re more interested in writing fiction, check out Joanna Penn’s article: On Changing Book Titles and Covers: My Own Experience And How You Can Do It Too.
This is a tell-all post where Joanna explains the mistakes she originally made when titling her books and how and why she later changed the titles.
I hope you find these resources useful.
If you have 2 minutes to spare, please do go and vote for a title for my book, okay?