I've hit a dead end when it comes to the title of my short story collection. I've been using the same title for a while, "Prosper," to describe a short story collection (novel, for all intents and purposes) that's really about crime, psychological warfare, and mental health rather than the stock markets or something, lol. Sounds weird, right? I want to describe my book better in just as snappy a way, but I don't know what to choose that'll stick just as well ("Prosper" has been my go-to since I was in high school--since I've had this account on the forums)! Summary: "Prosper" as it's called now is about a group of young adults who pickpocket, shoplift, and rob houses in Chicago for a living. But while that's happening, the overarching story being told actually falls within the relationships they have with each other. Each of the six characters I have has their own stories to tell, much of which has to do with the desperate measures they take to ensure that they can keep their own little "family" together. For example, one character lies to his friends about his backstory to gain their sympathy and care. A different character manipulates these same friends and guilts them to guarantee he'll never be alone. This same character has crippling mental health problems that he ultimately weaponizes against himself and his friends. And in the wake of all this, at least two of the other characters sets aside their own problems to tend to the others' problems--setting aside their own sense of self in service to the "family" or community, like the others are doing. They think they're stealing from citygoers, but really, I'd say these characters are robbing from each other and themselves. As a result, I wonder if a title like "Sleight of Hand and Tongue" would work, since it references stealing as well as psychological manipulation. However, that title is kind of taken from a song I like and is also kind of wordy--not as easy on the tongue as "Prosper." What do you guys think? Any and all suggestions is appreciated! Thanks for reading this far Comment below your titles, too, and I'll try to workshop them with you, too! Thanks again!
Stolen Tales from Chi Town (or thieves' cave)? The Heart of empty pocket? Long live the long fingers? The Rightful misconduct of Chicago's finest? Deliberate Distrust?
Are stories already written? Often a perfect title comes out of the story itself, but not until it's finished and all edited up. Also I think it's fairly common for a publisher or editor to come up with a title for a collection. As outsiders with a deep interest, who have read and are intimately familiar with your stories, as well as professionals who know the marketplace, they're perfectly positioned for it.
Thanks for the suggestions, guys! So far, I'm really intrigued by "Lifted" (I was confused at first, but realized it could refer to shoplifting and ironically what they should be doing for each other) and the empty heart/pockets thing. I've written a few but there should be around 24 in total. It's gonna be a mess, lol. But that's good to know. So the most important part for me, the author, is to name the short stories and see what the editor(s)/reader(s) make of it. Thanks! Still, though, I'd feel better if I could call the collection by some title in the meanttime.
How about My Awesome Playlist of Storeez? Sorry, no, that's how computer manufacturers seem to think we all want to name everything.
For titles I often look for relevant words in the description. With this, what stands out are: Desperate Measures Stealing from Citygoers Robbing from each other and themselves
