Comments on: Sock Patterns and Office Chairs

By: Siri Kirpal Kaur Khalsa

Siri Kirpal Kaur Khalsa — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 01:40:28 +0000

Oh, titles! The title of my first book changed when the publisher explained that eight words is too long. He came up with a three word title. For the second book, I came up with a snazzy three word title. After no takers, an independent editor explained that non-fiction requires nice practical titles that really tell you something about the subject. I changed my snazzy title to a plain and simple three word title; the book sold. So, no, I don’t have the awesome saleable title when I start a book.

By: Matthew MacNish

Matthew MacNish — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:55:52 +0000

I’m terrible at titles. I usually just slap something on there as a working title and then get on with it. Like characters who should make the name, not the other way around, I’ve always found story to be more important than title.

By: Julia Pierce

Julia Pierce — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 23:51:59 +0000

I’ve never thought about it this way before, but I actually think my answer is similar to what Silver James said above. I usually have my title, if not before I start, then very soon thereafter. I’m drawn to short titles that sum up a main theme, often just one word.

Now whether or not they are GOOD titles or even salable titles… well that is another thing entirely. Though I think if I used the word “Pennine” I might have something that would at least attract some attention…

By: Silver James

Silver James — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 23:20:42 +0000

Wait…

7) A Century of Sand Dredging in the Bristol Channel: Volume Two by Peter Gosson (Amberley)

VOLUME TWO?!? I can’t fathom the reason for a volume ONE!!!!

As to your question, I usually have a title in mind before I start a WIP, mainly because that’s the way my Muse works. She grabs a phrase or idea and then spins a tale from there. Occasionally, though, it works the other way, especially when I’m dealing with a trilogy/series. I’ll have the first title and plot, plots for additional books, and then I have to scramble to find fitting titles.