Hi Writerly Rockstar!
It’s time to think about How to Pick a Book Title that SELLS. Yes, you can choose a title that speaks to you on an authorly level that is utter perfection… in your opinion. But what about choosing a title that increases your book’s chance of being found on a retailer’s site. I don’t expect you to select something that totally doesn’t apply, but we can always use a nudge when it comes to being discovered in search results, right? Let’s cover the basics and then we’ll dive into How to Pick a Book Title that Sells.
What is a book title? What purpose does it serve?
A book title is, at its core, the way you reference your book. (Seems obvious, right, but I want to start with the foundation and build up from there.) It will be used on your book cover, marketing materials, retailer sites, blog posts, interviews, agent submissions… everywhere in your author sphere. It is one of the most important aspects of your authorpreneur empire.
Your book title is the #1 selling and marketing tool. Paired with your book cover, it will be the one aspect of your book that will grab the reader’s attention and help them decide if they should click on your book at retailer sites. From there, it’s your blurb that will make them buy with one click.
You know what your book title is meant to do, now let’s focus one creating one that will get a reader’s attention and make them click on your book.
Make sure you download the FREE worksheet that goes along with this blog post!
What are some important items featured in your book?
A talisman of some sort? A magical blade or crystal ball? If there are any “special” artifacts or items in your book, be sure to list them on your worksheet.
What’s your Main Character’s identity?
Your story might feature an assassin, a doctor, or a school teacher. Whatever your character’s identity, you can use it as inspiration when brainstorming title ideas.
What are your concepts, themes, or metaphors?
You can explore your concept, themes, or any metaphors within your story and use those as inspiration as well.
Are there any descriptive words that might apply to your story or characters?
If you’ve written a shifter story, jotting down words such as “shift”, “fur”, “growl”, “roar”, or “hiss” can help jar your thoughts and get those creative juices flowing.
Other Tips
[icon name=”asterisk” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Don’t Settle Too Soon. Your title isn’t set in stone. Not even after you’ve hit publish on that book! You can have a little something in mind, but don’t settle on a title and be unwilling to change.
[icon name=”asterisk” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Keep it simple, short, and specific. {KISSS}
[icon name=”asterisk” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Puns! Feel free to use adorable puns in your titles.
[icon name=”asterisk” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Don’t reveal too much. You don’t want to give away the ending within your title.
[icon name=”asterisk” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Unique but easy to read/spell/pronounce. You don’t want a title that readers can’t easily spell or say when recommending your book to others.
[icon name=”asterisk” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Represents the book. You want a title that is intriguing and will sell but it should also fit the book itself. You don’t want to title a sweet romance “Revenge of the Bunny Zombie Body Snatchers.”
[icon name=”asterisk” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Make a list & set it aside. Don’t immediate make your choice, but take your time, make a list, and then set it aside to revisit later.
[icon name=”asterisk” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Get opinions. Get opinions from your friends and other authors and not just from people in your life who will immediately tell you that they love
[icon name=”asterisk” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Google & Search ‘Zon. Once you decide on a title, do a quick google and Amazon search to see if someone else is already using your choice. Titles can’t be copyrighted, so there isn’t anything legally holding you back, but I know I prefer to have titles that others haven’t already chosen.
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