February 27, 2012

Do book titles matter?

I guess the short answer is, of course they do. But how much?

I’ve been trying to come up with a new one for my latest ‘baby’, which is a longer mainstream romantic novel. It’s a sexy rom com about how the past shapes you and whether you should escape it – or embrace it.

At the moment, it’s called Miranda which started out as a working title and stuck, but I know it needs a new name if it’s ever going to be launched out into the world.

But how do you choose something that captures the theme of the book, is catchy, witty, romantic – and appeals widely but isn’t too bland?

Do I go for a title that sums up the theme (wanting to change or stay the same/running away from your past)? Or riff on the setting (the sea, castles, heritage)? Or should it be funny and quirky (Miranda Pulls It Off, maybe?) Or universal (love/relationships/family)?

Three of my books had titles from the get-go: Just Say Yes, Fever Cure and It Should Have Been Me. Decent Exposure took a year to invent and Wish You Were Here was suggested by my publisher. Then, of course, my US publisher changed some of those titles.

But Miranda needs a name.

I did have a very funny quirky book title pic posted below but the blog is being naughty. Anyway it was called THIS.

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1. On February 27th, 2012 at 5:15 am
   Jo Carroll Says:
   

   You picture (if that’s what it is) didn’t show on my computer.

   I brainstormed my book title at my writing group. We all got very heated – it’s interesting how titles arouse such strong feelings. But I’m pleased with the end result (Over the Hill and Far Away – I went travelling when most people are worrying about their knees).

2. On February 27th, 2012 at 5:18 am
   ChrisCross53 Says:
   

   It’s obviously worse than writing headlines!

3. On February 27th, 2012 at 6:44 am
   Rachel Lyndhurst Says:
   

   Ha! Love that pic, just my sort of thing. I think you have to be brutal and get your marketing head on – give the publisher a head start on how they’re going to shelve and sell your book. Miranda’s a great name to include in the title IMO, because of the association with another certain Miranda – who is VERY funny. Miranda Pulls It Off would look great.I’d pick it up. :0) xx

4. On February 27th, 2012 at 7:03 am
   Phillipa Says:
   

   I named the heroine after The Miranda – the character’s nothing like her but I love Miranda Hart and the name.. and also serendipitously, there’s a touch of The Tempest about the book.

5. On February 27th, 2012 at 7:05 am
   Phillipa Says:
   

   Someone has suggested Miranda’s Last Stand – because she has a battle on her hands to save what she believes in from developers – and the hero!

6. On February 27th, 2012 at 9:19 am
   Liz Fenwick Says:
   

   Love your pic!

   Tough one…I always begin with a title. I like Miranda pulls it off

   Good luck
   lx

7. On February 27th, 2012 at 11:52 am
   Chanpreet Says:
   

   To be honest, the title or cover of a book is of the least importance to me. I am attracted more by the blurb on the back of the book or by who has written the book.

   Miranda Pulls It Off definitely sounds like a great title. It sounds very rom-com. Beyond that just go with your gut feeling and if in doubt listen to what your publisher has to say. But I am super excited to know there’s a new book on the way!

8. On February 28th, 2012 at 12:41 am
   agenoria Says:
   

   I always read the blurb, but when I’m in the library, and all I can see is the spines, it’s the title I go for. I started reading Elizabeth Buchan because of “Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman” and recently borrowed “Remind Me Again Why I Need a Man” by Claudia Carroll.

   One of my favourite books is inspired by “The Tempest” – “This Rough Magic” by Mary Stewart.

   BTW I think “Trimalchio in West Egg” (F. Scott Fitzgerald’s original title) doesn’t have the same ring as “The Great Gatsby”!

9. On February 28th, 2012 at 3:13 am
   Rosy Thornton Says:
   

   I always think if it as Miranda’s Mount – which sounds vaguely saucy! But I do like the idea of Miranda’s Last Stand.

   LOL at the Pussy book!!

   xx

10. On February 28th, 2012 at 7:32 am
    Phillipa Says:
    

    Thanks for all the ideas – It’s fascinating to hear all the different pespectives and I’ll definitely be brainstorming with a few writer friends who know the book and hopefully, with a publisher.

    Miranda’s Last Stand works well as the book is a bit of a romp, and she has a battle on her hands -my only worry is that the title’s not overtly romantic? Maybe that’s a good thing?

    Agenoria – This Rough Magic is a great title. It just sounds intriguing.

    Rosy – hellooo (waves)

11. On February 28th, 2012 at 7:34 am
    Phillipa Says:
    

    Chanpreet – readers’ views are probably the *most* important. Do you think Miranda’s Last Stand is too rom com.It is definitely a rom com – I loved writing it, probably more than any of my others – but it also has darker undercurrents.

12. On February 28th, 2012 at 5:05 pm
    Stevie Carroll Says:
    

    Titles are tough. Some of my short stories have very descriptive titles, but they fit with the title of the whole collection, so I think I’ll get away with it.

13. On February 28th, 2012 at 7:36 pm
    agenoria Says:
    

    There is a Miranda in “This Rough Magic” because of the Tempest theme, but she’s not the heroine. The hero, Max Gale is rather nice, particularly after helping to rescue a dolphin.

14. On February 28th, 2012 at 9:28 pm
    Chanpreet Says:
    

    Miranda’s Last Stand if definitely not too rom-com. I think it works perfectly with hinting at darker under currents as well as comedy. It sounds like it’s a good fit.

15. On February 29th, 2012 at 6:05 am
    Phillipa Says:
    

    Stevie – I found choosing a title for my short stories, very tricky, even harder than a novel.

    Agenoria – the name Max Gale sounds like a superhero, which is probably apt?

    Chanpreet – I think MLS is top of the list now, then!

16. On March 2nd, 2012 at 10:18 am
    agenoria Says:
    

    I hadn’t thought of Max Gale in terms of weather forecasts! He writes music as well as rescuing dolphins whilst on holiday in Corfu. I could say more but for possible spoilers…

    A couple of days ago I borrowed a book called “Miranda” from the library, but I’m not sure about saying much more because I’m finding the writing a bit stilted. I doubt I would have taken much notice if I hadn’t been curious after reading your blog. So yes, “Miranda… ”

    My son wanted a book by Jeremy Strong. So yesterday I phoned our local Waterstones and asked if they had a copy of “Batpants and the Vanishing Elephant”!

17. On March 2nd, 2012 at 10:36 am
    Phillipa Says:
    

    Batpants and the Vanishing Elephant? Now *that* is a title!

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