Choosing the right title for your novel can feel like an overwhelming task, but it’s an essential step in making your book stand out. A great title doesn’t just capture the essence of the story—it entices potential readers and leaves a lasting impression. So, how can you find that perfect title ? Let’s see…
The importance of the title
This one is pretty obvious but the title of a book is all about first impressions. This is what will get your reader's attention ! You obviously want to catch your reader but the title can also contribute to the book’s marketing and branding efforts.
A title is often the first thing a reader will encounter. It's a powerful tool that can spark curiosity, evoke emotion, and provide insight into the story.
A well-chosen title can be the difference between a reader picking up your book or passing it by. It should be memorable, reflective of the themes or tone of your novel, and hint at what the story has to offer.
What is your story about ?
Before you start brainstorming title ideas, you need to reflect on the core of your story. What is the central theme ? Or the message you want to communicate ? Is your novel a mystery, a romance, or a deep exploration of human nature ?
Understanding the essence of your story will help you find a title that encapsulates its spirit. The title of your book should reflect the world you created. Your reader should be able to understand the genre they’re about to read.
Think about key moments, settings, or characters that play a major role in your narrative. Sometimes, the title can come directly from a memorable quote, an event or symbol that represents the heart of your book.
You can start by asking yourself three questions :
Who are your readers ?
Who did you write for ?Keep in mind the audience you're doing this for. Is your novel aimed at young adults, fantasy enthusiasts, or historical fiction lovers ? If you created a high fantasy novel, you should probably avoid the clichés of YA romance… The title should resonate with your target readers and give them a clue about what kind of book they’re about to read.
A title for a YA dystopian novel might look very different from one for a literary fiction book, so make sure it speaks to the expectations and interests of your readers.
You can find a good title by learning more about your readers :
Check the market trends
While you want your title to be unique, it can also help to know what titles are currently popular in your genre. Standing out is obviously important but trends are trendy for a reason : they appeal to readers !
Research bestselling books and see if there are patterns or trends that resonate with your audience. Checking out the market trends can give you some ideas for your title. You’ll always find common words or structure to help you.
Are short, punchy titles preferred ? Or is there a trend for more descriptive or poetic ones ? A few years ago, I noticed a book with a quite long and funny title (I bought it, obviously !), and now those long titles seem to be everywhere !
Anyway, keeping an eye on what is trendy can guide you toward something fresh, but still familiar enough to attract attention.
Symbolism and imagery
Titles that evoke strong imagery or use symbolic language can add depth to your book. Think about words or phrases that bring up vivid pictures in the reader’s mind.
Consider symbols from your story that might represent key themes, like a place, object, or feeling. A title full of imagery can evoke curiosity and intrigue, making readers eager to learn more about the story behind the words.
Avoid the clichés for your title
While certain types of titles may seem like easy go-tos, try to avoid those that feel overused or too generic. Titles that rely on clichés can come across as uninspired and fail to stand out in a crowded market. This advice probably sounds a bit counter intuitive after the “check the trends” part, but there’s probably balance to be found.
Before finalizing your title, research existing books in your genre to ensure that it doesn’t overlap with or mimic titles that are already in use.
To help you, think about how you can put a unique twist on familiar ideas, or steer clear of overly obvious phrases that don’t reflect the originality of your novel. It can be useful to research clichéd plot elements, character archetypes or thematic motifs.
Brainstorm !
Now that you’ve considered your story, audience, and trends, it’s time to get creative ! Set aside some time to brainstorm potential titles. Take all the time you need.
Write down as many title ideas as you can, even the ones that seem a little out there. Don’t worry about perfection yet, the goal is to get a variety of options to explore. Don’t censor yourself, let your ideas flow freely !
Once you’ve compiled a list, narrow it down by reflecting on which ones resonate most with your book’s core themes and tone. You can also try experimenting with combinations of words or playing with different languages and expressions to spark new ideas.
Seek feedback
Once you’ve narrowed your list down to a few options, it’s time to get feedback. Share your potential titles with trusted friends, family, or fellow writers to see how they respond. A beta reader can also be very helpful.
Does the title catch their attention ? Does it give them a clear sense of your book’s genre or themes ? Sometimes, an outside perspective can help you refine your choices or bring new insights you hadn’t considered. Get their thoughts on which titles resonate with them the most and why.
Choosing the perfect title for your novel is both an art and a process. By understanding your story, considering your readers, and allowing room for creativity, you’ll be well on your way !
Good luck with your title search!
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