04 Jul Titles & Taglines: A Guide to Naming Your Book
Yesterday, while I was lounging on my favourite armchair, Sonali, a brilliant writer whose manuscript had me utterly captivated, walked in visibly a bit distressed — question marks popping from her head like devil’s horns, and her face clouded with doubts. She was facing that familiar challenge every author knows too well — finding the perfect Title and Tagline for their book!
“I’m completely stuck,” she confessed, clutching her coffee like a lifeline. “I need a Title that’s catchy yet meaningful. Something that transforms browsers into buyers instantly.”
I love brainstorming sessions with our writers so much!
The Heart of Your Story Matters Most
“Let’s start with the fundamentals,” I nudged Sonali. “What’s the emotional core of your book?”
She leaned forward eagerly. “It’s about a woman discovering her grandmother’s hidden letters. Secrets, shame, and strength weave together.” After a brief pause, she added, “Weave together, beautifully!”
“Perfect,” I replied. “Now forget the plot summary. Instead, focus on the feeling your story evokes.”
Most authors make this crucial mistake. They describe events rather than emotions. Consequently, their titles sound like academic papers instead of compelling invitations.
“Does your story whisper mystery?” I asked. “Or does it offer nostalgic warmth?”
“Both, actually,” Sonali smiled. “It’s mysterious yet warm. Like a slow-burning revelation.”
“Wow ‘slow-burning revelation’, she does have a way with words,” I thought to myself. Exactly what we needed to hear.
Rule One: Theme Trumps Plot Every Time
Your title should capture the soul of your story. Moreover, it should hint at the emotional journey readers will experience.
“Think of bestsellers,” I proposed to Sonali. “Consider ‘Gone Girl’ or ‘The Girl on the Train’. Neither title explains the plot completely. Instead, they create intrigue whilst suggesting the story’s essence.”
Sonali nodded enthusiastically. “So I shouldn’t call it ‘The Intriguing Multigenerational Exploration of Family Truths’?”
“Absolutely not!” I exclaimed laughingly. “Save that for your Phd. We’re creating book titles, not academic abstracts.”
The Sweet Spot: Short and Sharp
Publishers know this secret well. Furthermore, bookshops prove it daily. The most successful titles typically contain one to three words.
“Short titles stick in readers’ minds,” I shared with Sonali. “They’re easier to remember, recommend, and search online.”
She pondered this advice carefully. “What about ‘Echoes in the Attic’?”
“Now that’s brilliant,” I said immediately. “It creates atmosphere whilst raising questions. I’d definitely pick up that book.”
This title worked because it combined multiple elements perfectly. First, it suggested mystery through ‘echoes’. Second, it implied family history with ‘attic’. Finally, it created visual imagery readers could connect with emotionally.
Taglines: Your Title’s Best Friend
“What about the tagline?” Sonali asked next.
Taglines serve as your title’s supporting actor. Additionally, they provide clarity, drama, or curiosity when used effectively.
“For ‘Echoes in the Attic’, consider something like: ‘Some secrets never go quiet’,” I suggested.
“That gives me chills,” she exclaimed.
“Precisely the reaction we want,” I confirmed.
Great taglines work because they complement rather than compete with your title. They add emotional depth whilst maintaining brevity.
The Testing Phase: Your Title’s Trial by Fire
“Before you commit to any title,” I went on, “test it thoroughly.”
Here’s my proven testing process:
- Google Search Test: Search your potential title online. Check if similar books already exist. Ensure your title won’t get lost in search results.
- Vocal Test: Say it aloud repeatedly. Does it flow naturally? Can people pronounce it easily? Will it work in conversations?
- Honest Friend Test: Share it with someone who’ll tell you the truth. Their immediate reaction often reveals whether your title truly works.
- Gut Check: Trust your instincts. When the right title emerges, you’ll feel it instantly.
Real-World Title Evolution: A Case Study
Let me share an example from our publishing house. Recently, we worked with a group of writers who are from the same profession. Their anthology’s initial title was ‘Interesting Stories from Seafarers Sailing Worldwide’.
Too long. Too generic. Too boring.
The initial tagline was ‘Stories of Real Men, Who Have Been There, Done That!’.
Again… Too long. Too abstract. Too cocky.
Through our collaborative process, we evolved it to ‘The Salt In Our Veins’. The tagline became ‘Stories from the Sea — Bold, Bizarre and Brave’.
The result? Pre-orders sold the initial print-run.
Common Title Mistakes to Avoid
As publishers, we’ve seen these recurring errors:
- Generic Titles: Avoid overused words like ‘journey’, ‘path’, or ‘quest’. They blend into the background noise.
- Overly Complex Titles: If you need to explain your title, it’s too complicated. Simplicity wins every time.
- Trend-Chasing: Don’t copy current bestseller formats. By publication time, trends often shift dramatically.
- Literal Descriptions: Your title isn’t a contents page. Create intrigue instead of explaining everything.
The Commercial Reality Check
“Remember,” I told Sonali, “titles help sell books. They’re marketing tools disguised as creative expressions.”
Your title appears on covers, websites, and advertisements. Therefore, it must work across all platforms effectively.
Consider these practical questions: Would this title work on social media? Does it photograph well for Instagram? Can people search for it easily?
Your Title and Tagline Success Strategy
- Start with emotion, not plot. Keep it short and memorable. Test it thoroughly before committing.
- Remember, your title is readers’ first impression. Make it count.
- Do the commercial reality check – for social media, instagram, google and amazon!
- Most importantly, trust the process. Great titles emerge through patience, experimentation, and honest feedback.
Your bestseller title is waiting. Let’s find it together… because TWAGAA… Together We Are Great, Amazing & Awesome :).
Until next time!
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