As of yet, I've been unable to brainstorm a name adequately encapsulating my whole plot. This is despite me working on the title for a year and having over 50,000 words. How have other users gone about naming their books? Do you 'title drop'; i.e. name it after a quote a specific character says at one point? Do you reference a plot device in the narrative a la "The Golden Compass"? Also, if your story is part of an overarching series, how have you named said series in order to summarise each book?
My current work is simply one word covering the theme of the novel. But so many are named directly after the character (animal or human) e.g. Moby Dick, Hunter, Jane Eyre. Others relate to settings e.g. Treasure Island, Wuthering Heights. Then there's themes - Blood and Justice, 1984, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists. If you were to trawl online - Amazon, say - and compare book titles to the published synopsis, you're sure to find a range of ideas.
It was Title drop for me. At the beginning my protagonist says words to the effect of "I always thought I was too young to write my autobiography..." He then goes onto something quite mind-numbingly tedious, but the title just jumped out at me "My Autobiography".
The title of a book can be very important, that is for sure. It's one of the items that can catch a reader's attention. I normally use a working title for novels and stories, but sometimes I get the title right off (even though it's a working title) and it does help me keep focused, especially with a short story. You don't necessarily need to encapsulate the entire plot. It can be a line or phrase from within the novel. It can be a place or an action. There are so many options. While you do want a title that will catch a potential reader's attention (including agents and/or editors--if you're going the 'traditional route' instead of self-publishing) remember that a publisher may come up with a better title. Remember, a title is part of the 'advertising package' for a novel, or a series. If you're writing a series, you might consider having similar or similarly structured titles. Also, you'd need a name for the series itself. The best thing to do is to go to the library, bookstore, or online and check out what other authors/publishers have used. It should give you ideas. Also, take a look at the list of books that you've read and enjoyed. Note the relationship of the title (how it ties to the novel) with the storyline and characters. Also, if you have beta readers, they may be able to provide insight or ideas. With my fantasy series, the title of the first novel didn't happen until it 2/3 of the way finished. The two sequels, I knew the titles right off, as they were what the story centered on. With my SF novel, the first in the series, I knew right off as well. Maybe just luck, but also they give some of the essence of the storyline. With the title for the series? That didn't happen until I'd found a publisher, and the publisher helped me with that. Mostly I'd send a few ideas, the managing editor would counter...and we narrowed to what was believed was best. The titles and name of a series is a form of advertising and branding, so you're right in that it's important to consider and try to get right. Of course, my method and my experience will vary as much as methods of writing does between authors. Your title, may not come to fruition until the novel is in it's 2nd or third editing pass. Good luck as you move forward.
If you're planning to trade publish, don't spend TOO much time worrying about a title - it'll probably change, anyway! Well, that depends how big the publisher is, probably. Most of my books with small publishers stuck with the titles I gave them, although some were changed. But my books with Penguin got a different name when I sent them to my agent (she didn't like the original, we brainstormed, found a few we both liked, she got the other agents at her firm to vote on which one was best) and then was changed AGAIN at the publisher (not because there was anything wrong with the one we'd chosen, but it was too similar to another book they were going to be releasing at about the same time). Titles are about marketing. Accurately reflecting the book is only one aspect of that - so try to find a good title, but don't crazy about it. If you're self-publishing, that's a different story, obviously. Even there, though, I'd say you should approach it from the perspective of the marketplace rather than the perspective of the author.
So I have a story that is about politics and love. I am looking for some title suggestions since I can't seem to figure out what would be best to call this. Thank you in advanced. Here is a short summary of the story. He's the governor, running to become senator. She's just a woman who somehow managed to become his press secretary. Many of her views are the same except when it comes to family. He has the grand family, she has nothing. Allison must keep her personal life and professional life separte or else she could cost herself and Matthew more than just their hearts.
1. That summary is way to little to build a title upon. 2. Only you can come up with a title for your story. It's like coming up with a story idea, no one else can do it for you, since only you know what you want to write. So I suggest you brainstorm a little, just write down anything that comes to your mind, even if you think it sounds bad or pathetic. Then look through the list and play with the titles you've come up with. And maybe take a shower; taking a shower always helps with ideas. Still can't come up with something suitable? Then let the story lie for a few days or a week without touching it. Then read through it again and see what your mind tells you. 3. Is the story finished? If it isn't you shouldn't worry about the title yet. Finish the writing first. 4. Welcome to the forum.
What's the genre? A romance with this plot would differ from a psychological thriller with this plot.
Well, I'm a month early but it's the year of the goat. The year of the horse is ending, I'm not sure yet if I like this goat image, it came out a tad fuzzy.
Peruse these to give you ideas: http://novelistvmd.awardspace.com/RomanceTitleGenerator2.htm http://www.kitt.net/php/title-romance.php http://raindance.tv/romantic
"An Illicit Affair" or "The Senator's Secret" if you want some sort of cliché title. Something like "The Pecking of the Daws" if you want some sort of an obscure reference as the title.
I don't have any advice- only to commiserate because I have the damnedest time thinking of titles. Half the time I feel like titles don't have anything to do with the actual work- so I'm going with a quote from Stephen Foster for my novel... because he was my great-great- etc Uncle.
A lot of people get title inspiration from well-known literature. Shakespeare is a good source. Some people use the Bible. An internal phrase from any classic literature is more or less fair game. Another fine source is any traditional music that 'anonymous' in origin. I'd suggest getting hold of a book of famous quotes ...your library should have one. Or google 'famous quotes' and see what you get. You may find a phrase that suits your work to a T. My first book is a simple one-word title, which I started using as a working title, and it's now evolved into the 'real' title. However, I've also chosen the title for my second book, using part of a line from a traditional song that many people know. It will be called Going Over Home from the old song Poor Wayfaring Stranger. My book contains some of the themes in that particular song, and it struck me as 'just right' when I ran across the line.
Dance of the Paperclips The Politician's Breath A General Erection Naked Manifesto Administrator's Ambition
What about "Dancing in the dark" or "The only choice"? It's pretty hard to suggest, may be giving more information will be helpful
Hmm. I live in Washington DC and am kind of soaked in political stuff in my day job so I'll take a stab at plays on words using politico-speak. Is it more from the woman's point of view I'm assuming? "Special Interests" "'Personal Privilege" "Backroom Deals" "The Smoke-Filled Room" "Breach of Decorum" "Off the Record" (Oooh a press secretary pun!) "October Surprise" (this is a term for a scandal that upends a campaign at the last minute)
