May 9, 2008
TITLES
“…The primary function of a title is to lure unsuspecting readers into having a go at your story.” ~~ Sinclair Lewis
“A good title is the title of a book that’s successful.” ~~ Somerset Maugham
While looking for something else in a stack of my books, I came across an interesting chapter in one of them about TITLES.
The book was called “Learning to Write Fiction from the Masters” by Barnaby Conrad, and I’d picked it up many years ago just for the variety of great prose between its covers.
What fascinated me about this chapter were the examples of titles chosen by famous authors for infamous books BEFORE publication:
Trimalchio in West Egg (THE GREAT GATSBY)
Blanche’s Chair in the Moon (A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE)
They Don’t Build Statues to Businessmen (VALLEY OF THE DOLLS)
Four and a Half Years of Struggle Against Lies, Stupidity, and Cowardice (MEIN KAMPF)
The Mute (THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER)
Private Fleming, His Various Battles (THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE)
Something That Happened (OF MICE AND MEN)
The Man That Was a Thing (UNCLE TOM’S CABIN)
Bar-B-Que (THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE)
How important is the title of a book to you?
What are some of your favorites, old or new?
I never thought much about it (as a reader) until you pointed those examples out… wow, those are…ick!
as a writer, I tend to need it by the end of creating chapter one, something tangible for me, dunno… but a very intersting question!
Titles are not important to me. To be honest what catches me first is the cover. I went to DC last weekend and was looking for something to read, I check out the covers and go from there. Even the big named writers don’t intrigue me as much as covers. Don’t get me wrong some of the titles catch my attention but all in all a big stud cowboy on the cover is going to make me check out the book first.
Few titles other than my own worry me.
I have one title, book not submitted, that I want to keep regardless, in other words - lol - I love the title of my 1st full length mainstream mystery and would absolutely HOWL if the publisher wanted it changed. Stupid, huh? But other writers’ titles, no biggie. I buy on the strength of the blurb, word of mouth, or the 1st page or two if I’m lucky enough to snag that in the book store before the purchase.
Oh, my title? Lethal Lasagna. Now tell me you wouldn’t wanna keep that, too - lol.
Have a good day, Raine - great post. Had no idea about a few of those titles - egad. Trimalchio in West Egg? And…The Man That Was a Thing ? How undercutting for such a great story.
‘The Thirteenth Warrior’ movie was based on a book by Michael Crichton originally published with the title ‘Eaters of the Dead’. I notice the book is now sold under the movie title name. :)
Those examples are . Eeek! to say the least. Now if we only had the Harlequinize versions…. lol. I love titles, I’ll always check out something with an intriguing title. Contrarily, I’m not that attached to any of the titles I’ve picked for my own work. I’d probably bawl if the editor changed it to something I personally thought sucked, but otherwise, I’d live if they said we want you to change it.
Titles are IMPORTANT.
The writer’s first hook, imho.
Wouldn’t have touched those books under the original titles.
Titles are hard for me to choose for my own books because I know how important they are to catch a reader. Mainly, I’m the type to pick up a book because it has a great title. May be why whenever I pick up a Harlequin I usually go for the ones without the cliche title.
Titles that I love:
To Catch a Cheat
Tell Me Lies
The Three Fates
Faking It
Milk in my Coffee
Along Came Trouble
Lastly, my all time favorite Overworked and Underlaid.
>>Something That Happened
WTF If I wrote that in a book ALL of my CP’s would take turns slapping me–repeatedly! Let alone as a title. I agree w/Bernita. I think a good title is SO Important. As important as a good cover even.
Favorites…
The Men’s Guides to Women’s Bathrooms
Babyville
Last of the Honkytonk Angles (because it gives great visual)
Are You There Vodka, It’s me, Chelsea (yes that’s a real title)
I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell
Also Kim Harrison and Katie MacAlister have some great titles!
as a writer, I tend to need it by the end of creating chapter one
I’m with you, Dennie. I usually have a title by the time I write the first word–and I’ve only changed the title once while in the process.
some of the titles catch my attention but all in all a big stud cowboy on the cover is going to make me check out the book first.
That’s interesting, Hollie. I think an interesting title will attract me as much, if not more, than a cover sometimes–especially since you can’t always SEE the covers while strolling through a bookstore.
Oh, my title? Lethal Lasagna. Now tell me you wouldn’t wanna keep that, too - lol.
I’d definitely give it a look-see, Sunny, lol!.
I notice the book is now sold under the movie title name. :)
Those people know their promo, Bernard.
Now if we only had the Harlequinize versions…. lol
The writer’s first hook, imho.
Excellent way to look at it, Bernita!
Overworked and Underlaid.
I love that one too, Mel!
If I wrote that in a book ALL of my CP’s would take turns slapping me–repeatedly!
True dat, lol!
My favorite title so far?
SCREWED, by Amie Stuart. Though NAILED runs a close second. LOL
The girl keeps it short and sweet, ya know?
LOL Tanya thank you–and you have to admit that SCREWED FITS!