For Authors: March 02, 2011 Issue [#4267] |
For Authors
This week: Title Tidbits Edited by: Cubby More Newsletters By This Editor
1. About this Newsletter 2. A Word from our Sponsor 3. Letter from the Editor 4. Editor's Picks 5. A Word from Writing.Com 6. Ask & Answer 7. Removal instructions
Hello, everyone! Welcome to this edition of the For Authors newsletter. This week's topic is focused on titles, but first off, I'd like to share a few quotes with you. Enjoy!
Quote:
"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug." ~ Mark Twain
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Title Tidbits
What should I name my story? I need a title for my book!
Sounds like a simple task in comparison to writing a story, but choosing a title should be taken very seriously. If you can't think of a good title at first, use a working title... one than will do until something better comes up.
The title of a book is the first thing a person reads, whether at the library, bookstore, or online. The cover of the jacket is important, too, of course, but the title should stand on its own.
Titles are not copyrighted so try not to use a title that's already been used more than once. I've searched for titles my patrons requested and sometimes came up with three or more exact titles written by various authors. You want your title to be unique, if possible. Try googling your title online; you may be surprised with the results... or not.
FYI
Martha Grimes names her English mysteries after actual English pubs.
John Steinbeck's title Grapes of Wrath was suggested by his wife. Its title is a reference to lyrics in Battle Hymn of Republic.
One of the titles considered for George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four was "Last Man in Europe."
When Stephenie Meyer's first sent out queries for Twilight, she had titled her book "Forks," after the town where the story takes place.
Margaret Mitchell orignally penned Gone with the Wind, "Pansy" (the original name for Scarlett O'Hara). Later considerations included "Tote the Weary Load" and "Tomorrow is Another Day."
Title Tips
Consider using alliteration in your title: "Buffalo Billy" or "Tell Me Twice"
A nonfiction title can be clever, but don't forget to include the topic of interest. For example, if you are looking for information on killing insects, a book titled "Don't Bug Me Anymore: How to Rid Your Home of Unwanted Insects" is both clever and tells you what the book is about.
Visit a library or bookstore to know your competition. What seems to be working?
Make a list of ten or more words that best describe your story or article. Example: (romance, hidden cave, rodeo, horses, career, anger, jealousy, letters, treasure, will) = "Lasso My Heart"
For a toddler book, consider rhyme and/or onomatopoeia: "OUCH! cried the Couch"
You also might consider an intriguing title, such as: "What Danny Doesn't Know"
Keep an open mind. Write down all the titles that you think might work. You'll know when the right one comes along.
And remember... You can always change it.
Now for some fun! Type your title into http://www.lulu.com/titlescorer/index.php If you'd like to share your results, send them to me through the Feedback window at the end of this newsletter and I will publish them next month!
May you have an inspiring week and an exceptionally inspiring winter!
Keep on Writing!
Cubby ") |
Featured Items
~by WDC Members
Submitted Items by Members
"Writer with a Golden Pen (Final Draft)" Sometimes, the thing you write about is yourself.
"Little Boxes" Thank you for your continued inspiration and encouragement. Your newsletters are great and I look forward to them. This is my first short story and I'm curious to know if the characters are developed well enough. There was a lot to get into the limited word requirement, and two stories going on at the same time, so...... If you care to take the time, I would sincerely appreciate your thoughts. Thanks again for your time and effort with the newsletter. Amanda
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