Some writers start their books because they think of a fabulous, wonderful, awe-inspiring title that stimulates their minds. Some writers get this gem of a title idea–and they can create entire books just from the whispers of their titles.

I am not such a writer. In fact, when it comes to titles, I blank.

Titles are hard for me. Really hard. I have a particularly hard time coming up with novel titles. Now, for some reason, novella titles come easier to me–please don’t ask why. That “some reason” I mentioned–I don’t know what it is. And, of the eight novellas that I have sold (two will be released later this year), I’ve been able to keep all of the original titles for those stories. Notice that I’m talking about novella titles–not the anthology titles. The editors generally come up with those. I think that perhaps, since the editors do create the overall anthology name, authors are given a bit more freedom in selecting the titles for their novellas. (That’s my theory and I’m sticking to it!)

But names for single-title books…ah, those do cause me to stress. Because titles–they’re so dang important. So many times, I’ve been in a book store and I pick up a book because the title amuses me or intrigues me. Sure, the covers are VERY important to me, but I’m a sucker for a title. I think the title is one of the absolute most important means of marketing a book.

I’ve seen some wonderful titles in my time. And some not-so-wonderful ones. I absolutely LOVE Kim Harrison’s titles: For a Few Demons More, The Outlaw Demon Wails, Dead Witch Walking–I think these are brilliant! The first time I saw one of these in the store, I froze–then immediately snagged up the book. Great titles.

What’s the best book title you’ve come across? Come on, share–the title might make me go and purchase the book!

(And, yay–I’m feeling better today!!)

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008 at 2:35 pm and is filed under Romance. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.