A book title is extremely important, it’s the first thing that potential readers will notice about your book after all. Along with your book’s cover, the book title is the first impression that you make on your target market. It is the shortest answer to questions like ‘what’s this book about?’ but that’s not all. Your book title will also offer future readers a glimpse into who you (the writer) are. 

Many times, a good title is the main reason why a reader chooses to buy a book. Unique titles create an identity for the book, as well as set its tone. What’s more, a well-written title will spur emotions and intrigue potential readers to buy. 

Usually, book titles are informative. In fiction, great titles drop subtle hints of what a reader may find in the pages while also leaving a hint of mystery. With non-fiction books, book titles tend to be more straightforward. No matter the case, when someone reads a compelling title, it leaves a lasting impression on their mind, and even if the potential buyer doesn’t purchase the book the first time they see it, best believe that they’ll remember it, making it more likely that they will return to it later. 

The problem is, coming up with the perfect book title is a struggle for most authors, so if you find yourself in this boat you’re not alone. But, just how do you grab a potential reader’s attention with just a few simple words? Read on and find out.

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Characteristics of A Great Book Title

Great book titles are usually crisp and concise. Readers struggle to remember titles that are too long. So, if possible, try to keep your title between three to five words. If you think you cannot communicate the message within this limit, you can always add a subtitle. For both the book title and subtitle, be sure to appeal to the right target audience. Remember, your title must intrigue the same group of people you had in mind while writing. 

Include your subject in the book title. This is a no-brainer but many authors fail to do this. Writing a book on knitting techniques? Then include words like ‘knitting’ or ‘knit’ in the title. An author of such a book might name their book: ‘Knit-it!’, this is a fun and catchy title that immediately lets the reader know what to expect. Just as easily, it can have a subtitle such as: ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Great Knitting Quickly From Zero”. 

Good titles may comprise a list, a question, or even a command. Your title should offer a glimpse of the book without giving away too much. It can include the theme of the book, a quote from the book, the name of the main character, or even the location it is set in. No matter what you choose, it must be easy to remember. 

Most importantly, make sure your book title is unique and intriguing. Just like your content, the title needs to be original. It will compete with thousands of similar titles and the last thing you want your title to do is to remind the reader of another book. Think outside the box and write a title that stands out. 

How to Find Good Titles for Your Book

Now that you know what are some key characteristics of a good title, have a look at how you can come up with them. 

Note Title Ideas While You Write

Sometimes, title ideas come very naturally to writers, and other times, not so much. Sure, you will have a  temporary “working title” when you start writing, but you don’t have to settle for it. Instead of getting too attached to the working title, keep an eye out for any key phrases, or stand-out quotes, or ideas that seem like a great potential title. Once you start writing, creative juices will flow and title ideas will come to you quite naturally. Just keep adding ideas to a running list of titles. 

Read Your Book and Identify the Key Message

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When your book is complete, skim through the list. Don’t worry if you are not in love with any of the titles. That’s normal. It is now time to give your book a thorough read. While this is a good chance to proofread and edit, it also offers you the chance to scour for more title ideas. 

Your main task is to identify the book’s key message. Take notes while you read. Jot down images, descriptive phrases, or dialogues that capture the book’s theme perfectly. 

Some More Brainstorming

Next, brainstorm more titles related to the core message of your book. In this step, consider your emotions while writing the book, your inspiration to write the book, and how you felt after thoroughly reading the completed book. Think about the final takeaway for the readers and select titles that match the mood.

You may also seek help from some of your creative friends to help during brainstorming sessions. Sit together and have fun discussions about what works and what doesn’t. It is recommended that they read some chapters first. In case they do not have so much time, you can give them some context by summarizing the story for them. 

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Browse Existing Book Titles for Inspiration

Titles vary from one genre to another. You can get some ideas and inspiration by scouring through other book titles. Just looking at what other writers use as titles serves as great motivation. You never know what will spark an amazing idea. 

Read All the Title Ideas Out Loud

By now, you will have an extensive list of title ideas. So, it is time to narrow the selection by choosing the titles that best resonate with your book. One of the best ways to do so is by reading them out loud. In addition to how well a title describes the book’s message, choose based on the factors like how easy it is to pronounce or how well the words in it flow,  

Once you have a more concise list, focus on each one and assess. You may want to shorten phrases, change some words, or even combine two or more of them. A lot of trial and error goes behind identifying a strong title. Feel free to play around until you find the right one!

Use Book Title Generators

Not happy with titles on your list? Then, you might find title generator tools helpful. These online tools are brilliant ways to gather some high-impact book titles within a short time. Best of all, there are title generators for different book genres. Here’s a list of some notable generators for you: 

• Fiction: Adazing, Story Toolz, Writing Exercises 
• Nonfiction: Copywriting Course, Portent, Self-Publishing
• Fantasy & Science Fiction: Pulp Sci-Fi Title-o-Tron, UK Rifter, Fantasy Literature

Even though these tools are very useful, do not fully rely on them. Generate some titles as a short exercise. This will help you brainstorm better. The wide range of options will spark new inspiration. 

Conclusion

A great book title will give your book the best chance of getting read. If you follow the steps mentioned above, you too can generate amazing book titles and make a good first impression on potential readers, and of course, increase your book sales!

Happy Publishing!