I am writing an epic fantasy so have sweeping subplots and context but the narrative is very much grounded in my protags' inner struggles. I find that a thematic title helps link these elements.
However my original idea, 5 years ago, was for a single book. Once the serious writing began after the creative/plotting/world building stage...this was simply unrealistic! So the original title "Of Bloody Reflections..." is now the series tiltle. My first book is complete and I am still undecided whether I shall keep my working title of "The Fall" or change to "A Song of Sorrow".
The first has multiple applications/implications, the second takes a slightly different approach and has that lovely alliteration that will enable potential readers to be drawn in and remember the title.
So-
Is the book more literary or plot driven?
Does it have a tight focus on one event/era/location?
Do you have a motif that can be used?
Is it character driven?
Do you wish to be subtle or grab attention?
Is there a USP that is vital to the story and would make a good title?
Is it a memorable title?
Does it fit with your writing style?
Are there other books with the same title? (In my eyes this is not good, specially if the author is established although I know quite a few self-pubbers use this tactic to ensure that their work will be seen when the other is searched for.)
Does your title to intrigue the reader/what implications?
All this aside, I have read in a quite a few places that titles are often something which are negotiated with agents/publishers if they feel it is necessary to do so.
IE. 'Master of the universe' is a terrible title, although in keeping given the criticism. "50 shades of Grey" is a very good title, it rolls off the tongue, intrigues, grabs attention by using numbers, and carries over implications about the story. I truly believe that this re-marketing has an awful lot to do with this books popularity.
I tend to have tiles that tie in thematically.
I am writing an epic fantasy so have sweeping subplots and context but the narrative is very much grounded in my protags' inner struggles. I find that a thematic title helps link these elements.
However my original idea, 5 years ago, was for a single book. Once the serious writing began after the creative/plotting/world building stage...this was simply unrealistic! So the original title "Of Bloody Reflections..." is now the series tiltle. My first book is complete and I am still undecided whether I shall keep my working title of "The Fall" or change to "A Song of Sorrow".
The first has multiple applications/implications, the second takes a slightly different approach and has that lovely alliteration that will enable potential readers to be drawn in and remember the title.
So-
Is the book more literary or plot driven?
Does it have a tight focus on one event/era/location?
Do you have a motif that can be used?
Is it character driven?
Do you wish to be subtle or grab attention?
Is there a USP that is vital to the story and would make a good title?
Is it a memorable title?
Does it fit with your writing style?
Are there other books with the same title? (In my eyes this is not good, specially if the author is established although I know quite a few self-pubbers use this tactic to ensure that their work will be seen when the other is searched for.)
Does your title to intrigue the reader/what implications?
All this aside, I have read in a quite a few places that titles are often something which are negotiated with agents/publishers if they feel it is necessary to do so.
IE. 'Master of the universe' is a terrible title, although in keeping given the criticism. "50 shades of Grey" is a very good title, it rolls off the tongue, intrigues, grabs attention by using numbers, and carries over implications about the story. I truly believe that this re-marketing has an awful lot to do with this books popularity.
Well l usually choose it from,(at least for my current projects) the protagonist's name, it seems to fit and work out for me.
As I mentioned before, take a look at
Artemis Fowl- the first book
Eragon
or you could also name the book over the one of the main incidents or crucial elements and things like that. Many famous books are named that way
Strombreaker, Scorpia - Alex Rider
The Hunger Games
The Return of the King, Fellowship of the ring- Lord of the rings
or you do it both together
Harry Potter and the ... etc
Percy Jackson and the... etc
Hope it helped!