WHAT’S IN A TITLE…EVERYTHING!

I’M often asked how I as an author (Daniel S. Janik aka Raymond Gaynor/Gary Martine) and publisher (Savant Books and Publications at https://www.savantbooksandpublication...) how I come up with titles for books, and if the title is really that important. My opin: It’s second only to a book’s cover image. Think of the cover image as a “first look” at someone you’ve never met before, and the title as that person’s name. First, it has to be memorable. Second, it has to be just uncommon enough to distinguish it from other works of a similar name. Third, each word in the title should be carefully considered for what it indirectly conveys. Fourth, it should be short; a good name, be it person or book title, should lend itself to a great nickname. Fifth, it should be sufficient in and of itself to convey the gist of the book. Sixth, whatever it does indirectly convey about the book will wholly prejudice the read. Finally, it should be concise. Always remember the three C’s of good writing: Clear, Complete, Concise (and, for those new to writing, grammatically and syntactically “Correct”).

It took me more than two months of discussion and consideration before THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020) by Raymond Gaynor — https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999693859 — was finally titled, and the title is everything I mentioned above. It was as long, complex and careful a choice as going on an adventurous hike, drive, bus trip, train ride, cruise or orbital trip, and the “hunt” was as, if not more rewarding than it’s final inception. That is, the research was as thrilling and rewarding as the “ah-ha” moment! Which is exactly what’s going on with the sequel to THE EDGE OF MADNESS, tentatively entitled, “Prophecy.” Right now, I’m meditating on that. Om Mani Padme Hum…

As an aside, as many of you know, I’m also an actor. I’ve recently been asked now that The STATIC Movie has premiered, what my next acting project will be. For those of you wondering, I’m considering one of two roles in an upcoming K. Simmons Productions’ project called “Finding Kate,” (https://kspllc.media/finding-kate) based on multi-award-winning author A. G. Hayes’ book of the same name. One role is that of a power-hungry corporate magnate. The other is the father of the leading character, Kate Keenan. And I have to admit to wanting to be present in formal attire with my competition dance partner, Setsuko Tsuchiya, in a posh cast-party dance scene. What fun to have choices, and even more fun to play in another K. Simmons Production.

Video Book Preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je6CC...