I have started writing my first proper novel, and posted the first chapter on this site. However after reading the comments, which I am so glad I received them I decided to remove the chapter to re-write it. In doing so I have decided that I'm not happy with the title that I have picked, so my question is. How do you decide what title to use, and is it best to use something short and snappy, or something discriptive regarding the story your trying to tell. How do you Choose, do you put several in a hat and just pull one out, or do you let somebody pick a title for you. I'm not happy with my original title but unsure where to get the title I want for my novel.
I try to find a title before start the story simply because I find it easier to have something to focus on.
But another thought will come along during the writing, then maybe another. I jot them all down, so usually by the time I've finished I have at least three options and often more. My second story ended up with six alternatives, starting life as 'Children of Saul' and ending as 'Leopardkill'.
Publishers sometimes change titles, apparently, so it's possible to end up with something you don't really like. Personally, I might have chosen the wrong one for my first book, so maybe you can never win.
Hindsight's a wonderful thing ;)
Short titles are best. They are easier for people to remember. Make sure your title matches your story. For example, you could use the name of the protagonist, the setting, or the central theme of your novel.
Think of all the keywords that best describe your novel's content and central theme. Look them up in a dictionary. Make a list of all the meanings. Select the ones that best apply to your novel. Then try to think up some working titles.
Hi, Gordon. I first chose the title of what is now my (non-fiction) book's third chapter. I then chose my (Mind Body Spirit / Self-help / Practical & Motivational) book's title and subtitle, which I changed after a long time when I felt that Life, Coach, ACTION!: 10 Films and Exercises to Change Your Life isn't as good as May the Source Be with You: A Filmic Guide to Change Your Life. Each of my main chapters starts with the name of the film that it analyses followed by the main positive message contained within that film and chapter; for example, Chapter Three is entitled, Inception: The dream is real, as that chapter examines the nature and importance of beliefs, including believing in yourself, your aspirations, and so on, and so forth. In short, if you reflect for long enough, I believe you will know what's right for each of your chapters and, indeed, for your overall title. Keep well, Dawud.