What's in a name ?

[Shaun]

So, my question is basically this. How do you feel about using a title that isn't original.

The working title for the book I'm getting ready to publish is "Neighbors". A search here on Goodreads delivers one book already titled that. A quick search on the Library of Congress website gives 9 books titled that.

Obviously I chose the title as it fits with the book somehow. In addition it is short, concise, and will look decent on a cover. I can't help wondering if I might need to try to consider something which may be more original though.

Thoughts ?

[Michael]

By and large, there's no such thing as an original book title, and it's not worth over thinking something like this.

Whilst the title of a book is important to a certain degree, it's not that important.

[Ruth]

If any of the other ten books have been published recently then I'd suggest a re-think to avoid the danger of people getting confused between your book and another book with the same title. I agree that the title is a good one, but because there are so many books available I think it's wise to make sure that your book is as unique as possible. If you have beta readers perhaps you could brainstorm with them for an alternative title. This doesn't commit you to having to go with something different to your original choice, but gives you an opportunity to consider other titles. Hope this helps :)

[L]

Serafima wrote: "I do not think there are original or not original titles. There are titles that describe content of books. Good titles reflect the content and intention of an author. Bad titles do not... If you th..."

I have to agree completely with this comment. The title should reflect the content of your novel, and if this does then you know that it is the perfect title.
Try not to think too deeply on whether it is 'origonal' or not, for it should feel right to you.

[Justin]

This is a question I always think I'm the only person who thinks of something like this but I can see I'm not which is good!

To me it's always good if you can be unique and come up with a title that's never been thought of before but as most of us know that isn't always easy. Sometimes we find ourselves writing a great book only to realize that the title we have in mind has been used 12 other times.
I'm usually good at naming my poems although at one point I never named them at all. It's always good to be different a choose a different title but I mean its best to stay away from naming your book something thats been used over and over.

[Anonymous]

The title should reflect the core theme of the book. Pretty much all of your ideas and thoughts are products of your upbringing, culture, and experiences, so it is very likely that your book's central theme will be similar to other books on the shelves, which means the title is also likely to be the same or similar to other, already existing books. It's not a bad thing. I would try to endeavor to differentiate where possible.

The only way to get a truly unique title is to just make something up that has nothing to do with your book or to write a book on a very specific and obscure subject that no one else has had even the slightest interest in researching until you came along:

Zygotes and Silver Spoons: How Women's Rights Became Secondary to Anything Currently on Television

There are no such things as Pterodactyls and never were: Your Key to Financial Success

How to Rid Yourself of Thyroid Insecurity through the Attainment of Nirvana

Nazis Actually Weren't So Bad: Yes they were

How to Teach Your Cat to Type Appropriately: 271 Easy Steps

Feel free to use any of these titles. No need to thank me. You are most certainly welcome.

[Justin]

Agreed. The title has to be the element of what the books about or what all plots in the book circle around. It's always good to come up with two or maybe even three titles in mind in case one's been over done or one speaks more as the book than the other.

it's definitely good to combine strange words or words that would not normally be together, together so that you can create a really good original never thought of before.

[L.F.]

I think some people get too caught up in originality and lose sight of what the book is really about. As long as the title is memorable, not too wordy, and gets someone's attention while still giving some insight into the book's content, then you've got a winning title.

[Stan]

As a reader, I like to see titles longer than one word so I get a little hint of what the book is about. As a writer, I tend to use titles that suggest the genre of the book. I figure anyone can quickly guess in what genre is, Sarah's Spaceship Adventure.

[Sherri]

It's impossible to have a completely original title. Everything's already taken. Fortunately, titles aren't copyrighted, so pick what fits your book the best and go with it.