To create a great title for your book is neither difficult nor time consuming; you just need to know a few basics that will capture a prospective reader’s attention.
No matter what type of book you have written, a how-to, inspirational, thriller, romance novel, fiction or non-fiction, it is necessary for the title of your book to capture a reader’s initial attention. At the very least you want the person who is browsing through the myriad of books looking for answers to a burning question, or just looking for that next great read, to pick your book out, notice your book from amongst the hundreds of other titles, to pick it up and read the back cover (what’s on the back cover, enticing the person to look inside is the subject of another article).
Following are a few short, easy tips to help you create that captivating title
- Keep it short – under 10 words; preferably 6
- Make it provocative
- Easy to remember
- Capture what is distinct about your book (necessary for how-to and self help)
- Offer benefits (how-to and self help)
Some books may require titles that are longer than the recommended 10 words. This is where the use of subtitles can come in, as well as what publishers call a “shopping list”, or bulleted list of what readers can expect to find in your book.
Words to Capture a Reader’s Attention
People who are versed in marketing techniques know that there are certain words that will elicit particular responses in the reader. So, along with a title that intrigues and/or gives some indication of what your book is about, here is a selection of words you may find useful.
The following are examples of what marketers call “Automatic response words”
- Attention grabbers – free, secrets of, frustrated, imagine
- Power boosters – crucial, unforgettable, compelling, remarkable
- Call to action – it’s up to you, don’t miss, immediately
- Result getters – dramatically, profit making, like magic, proven
- Auto-endorsers
Of course there’s always room for intrigue and sometimes a play on words can really capture a reader’s full attention. Just don’t be so off topic, or far out to left field as the saying goes, and disappoint a reader. That may only result in them never picking up another book from said author.
You don’t need a marketing degree to create a great title for your book; just take some time using these simple tips and capture the attention your book deserves.
!
Wendy Getchell - I am a retired Registered Nurse writing articles on health as well as many other areas of interest. I have taken the life of a freelance ...
Join the Conversation