Hi all,
I absolutely hate choosing titles for my work as I never know what works. So I've come here for more amazing advice. My recently completed piece is about a domestic abuse relationship involving a female who is a successful businesse woman having an affair with a mixed race male. There is because of the storyline a lot of rape and quite a few deaths. I initially thought of the title 'What he doesn't know can't hurt me' but since he hurts her anyway I don't feel it works. I then thought 'Does he know?' is this a good title idea or cab you think of better? Thanks in advance!
Kind regards Vicky
Choosing a title is tricky. Ideally it will be memorable and intriguing enough to want the reader pick it up and check out the blurb, and will also 'fit' with the story and genre. (There's no point calling a book 'Pride and Prejudice Part Two' if its actually a non-fiction text about biochemistry.)
Can I suggest you write your synopsis before you settle on a title? Even sit yourself down to write a one paragraph version, and then a one sentence synopsis. If you can boil down what is best about your book in one sentence, maybe the words of a title will jump out at you.
Another tip I've read is to check out the titles of other books in the same genre. Pinching one person's idea might not be acceptable, but if you borrow from twenty or thirty and blend it all together, it'll be your own idea that comes out of the mix.
Hope that helps and good luck.
Vicky,
The shorter the better! You have to consider that you are trying to grab the potential reader's attention and buy your book instead of someone else's. It needs to be intriguing and give a hint of what the story is about. I think your original title is a little on the long side.
How about, Living on the edge? All work and no play? Dangerous game? Do as I say? Love relief?
Not sure any of these are appropriate, but may help spark something for you.