Your book is full of hooks to engage the reader, and your book title is your front line. If you’re lucky enough to get your book shelved face out, then the cover art might be the first hook. However, most books are shelved with the spine out, and the title is what the readers use to decide if they pull the book out or leave it on the shelf.
Genre Patterns
The first thing to consider when titling your book is your genre. Each genre has its own rules and patterns, and even sub-genres vary. YA paranormal romances tend to be titled with just one word: Marked, Twilight, and Crave. While adult epic fantasies usually have the formulaic title “Something of the Something” with a reference to magic: The Elfstones of Shannara, The Lord of the Rings, and The Name of the Wind.
Run a quick search online or walk down the your genre’s aisle in a library or bookstore to see the pattern. Following these guidelines will ensure the right kind of reader is attracted to your book because they are trained subconsciously to recognize their genre’s book title pattern.
7 Key Components To Any Book Title
There are numerous ways to make a catchy title, but you need to make sure it reflects your story as well. These are seven ways to title your book with both meaning and allure.
1. Symbol
This is when your title is a repeated element in your story. It can be an object, person, place, or anything else story-specific. Brandon Sanderson does this with his books: Oathbringer (object), Mistborn (person), and Elantris (place). It’s also popular to use the main character’s name, especially in middle grade novels (Harry Potter and Artemis Fowl). A symbol title is most often used in the fantasy genre to give the reader an idea of the magical theme. If your story revolves around one thing, you may want to use this kind of title.
2. Premise
This type of title states the premise of the book. For example, A Tale of Two Cities or The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. It gives the reader an idea of what story to expect in the book. A premise title works best for books with unique ideas that make the reader wonder what it means. If you have a high concept novel, try using this type of title.
3. Theme
Another option for a title is to make it the theme of the book. Persuasion and Crime and Punishment are two examples. These books often are centered on a lesson, and the title promises the reader a thought-provoking story. If your goal of writing your book is to dive into a deep topic, you may want to use a theme title.
4. Conflict
Conflict titles promise opposition and hint at the main conflict in the story. Books like I am Not a Serial Killer, Gone Girl, or Misery are a few examples. These titles are popular in thrillers and suspense novels, but they can work in any genre. If your book revolves around constant danger, you should look at using a conflict title.
5. Imagery
This title is about evoking a scene in the reader’s mind that makes them want to learn more. It can be a silly thought like The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy or something more whimsical like A Midsummer Night’s Dream or Forest of a Thousand Lanterns. The title must make the reader want to see what the title depicts, or it won’t work. If your book is in a cool setting, then think about portraying that setting through the title in an intriguing way.
6. Contradiction
A contradiction in the title makes the reader pause and do a double take. It has to sound odd and make them want to figure out what it means. For instance, The Kind Worth Killing or The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe or The Wrong Side of Goodbye. These all make you stop and wonder what the author meant by such a crazy title. If you don’t feel like your book fits into any of the other title categories, brainstorm a title that makes them stop and say, “Wait, what?”
7. Alliteration
This type of title is one that can be paired with any of the above title types. Alliteration is the repetition of a similar sound close together, and it makes the words flow and sound eloquent. Examples are Sense and Sensibility, Black Beauty, and Peter Pan. Most people like things that sound pretty and are fun to say, and they may pick up the book just for the promise of the beautiful prose inside.
Final Thoughts
All of these title types can be used alone or in combination with each other, but at least one of these is found in every good book title. While it’s possible that your title will change if picked up by a traditional publisher, that isn’t always the case. If you can make a great title, the publisher won’t see a need to alter it. So, take your time naming your book. Don’t miss out on possible readers because you didn’t grab their attention with a catchy book title.
Thanks for reading!
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