Novel I hate my book's title. Help me think of a better one to propose to my publisher

It's ok, I do too.

 

Of course not to say that you shouldn't actively be looking for a title, but the best titles seem to come along at the most unsuspecting times--in the shower, daydreaming, imaging a scene from a book/poem.

 

Please do this @Laurin Kelly

 

I generally suck at coming up with titles. How about: "Passion Killer"

 

You really know how to sell your idea!

 

I'm British. Self-deprecation is basically our default position.

 

Two males?

Homme Fatale

Though I don't particulary find anything wrong in your original title, but it seems you'll most likely go with what your editor thinks regardless. Best of luck.

 

Maybe take title from Franz Ferdinand indie hit 'Take Me Out'

 

Or going on the sniper them, 'Love in my sights'

 

Or something not offensive to your target audiences.

If it ended in marriage I'd suggest "Bite the Bullet."

"The Wrong Mark," with one of your characters named Mark. Sounds more con-artist than hitman, though.
"Contracted Feelings," or emotions, mmh...

Maybe just come up with a bunch of "pop" words and try different variations. Might find one you really like.

 

Crossed hearts and cross hairs

Star crossed hairs

 

Killing Me Softly

Let's see. Well, Fatal Kiss does fit the story quite well, it seems. I agree it sounds cheesy, but if it fits the overall feel of the story and the feel of the genre it's in (m/m romance, right?), then perhaps that's more important? Fatal Kiss isn't especially memorable, but it does the job. It's not a horrible title by any means. (yeah all right, I'm not thrilled by it... Can you tell I'm British!?)

Ooh ooh - Guns and Roses! I'm so clever!

Once Upon an Assassin?

Unexpected Encounters

Safe House

Love at Gun Point

Reluctant Lovers

Killing Love! (yes, it's getting worse)

I surrender (although, that could be a potential title, really) Surrender All!

 

I like the idea of combining death and romance in the title owing to the synopsis provided, either that or something to do with rebirth/transitioning from Winter to Spring.

From Blood to Roses?

 

Heart's Blood?

(May have already been suggested.)

 

I think this is my favorite suggestion so far, because it neatly encapsulates the journey of my MCs from cold-blooded killers to HEA expats.

 

I'm glad ^^ another one that popped into my head is Asian inspired, but it's not obvious.
Blossoms from Bones

 

I heard once that the most beautiful cherry blossoms, which denote Spring in Japan, have a body amongst the roots. I didn't think of that.

 

Fate
Skeletons in the Closet

Or an technique I usually employ:

Go through your manuscript and look for a phrase or one liner that is spoken to or about one of the MCs that is catchy and reflects the nature of their life and relationship. Reduce it down to a few words and there is your title.

For example: their first kiss might be when a slightly drunk MC 1 lays one on MC 2 in an outrageously impromptu gesture. MC 1 is worried this might break their friendship and says, "You might regret this later," to which his companion says, "Not as long as I live." Your title could become 'As Long As I Live', to reflect both the themes of love and death tied up into one.

 

Is it just me or do most of these sound like a dramatic medley of mills & boon and Louis L'Amour titles?

 

Just sent off the first round of revisions to my publisher, with a request to change the title from Fatal Kiss to From Blood to Roses. @S A Lee, I'll be thanking you in the book's dedication page assuming that the new title is approved!

 

From Blood to Roses has officially been approved by Less Than Three Press!

 

Congratulations Laurin, that's a pretty great title