Title first??

[Nicole]

I usually think of my title first then somehow weave it into the book. I really never know what it means exactly until I write the book (I don't outline, I am a panster).

How about you?? Am I weird for doing it this way?

[Mark]

I was completely unable to come up with a title for mine, so I just wrote the darn thing. The title finally presented itself near the end of the book, literally just jumped out at me. It named itself.

[G.G.]

Book first. I had written the first book and almost finished the second one when I finally found my title.

[Elaine]

G.G. wrote: "Book first. I had written the first book and almost finished the second one when I finally found my title."

I have to agree, book first. I think it's fine if you want to start with a title, but I usually find that it's inappropriate by the time the story has ended. Because my characters tend to write their own stories, no matter how I plan it, so the original title becomes irrelevant pretty quickly. x

[Nicole]

Certainly not weird haha we each have our own ways.

I usually give my work a title just for the sake of giving it a title, and then I end up changing it later once everything is written out. Sometimes I keep the original title and sometimes I change it. Just depends on how it turned out, I s'pose.

[Ann]

I always get the title pop into my head while writing the third chapter. Its not something I think about it's just a coincidence! Although I had a different title for a Dance with Fury but my friend told me it sucked. And she was right it did :p

[Brian]

I agonize over titles while writing the story. It changes at least a few times while writing, and eventually I get to the point where I can't think of anything better.

[Claire]

I am lousy at titles. I've changed mine fifty times. I finally decided to write the whole thing and try brainstorming then. It'll probably come to me by then.

[Mark]

What are thoughts on allowing an untitled work to be read by a few people, and seeing if they, as readers, can present a catchy title ?

[Elaine]

Mark wrote: "What are thoughts on allowing an untitled work to be read by a few people, and seeing if they, as readers, can present a catchy title ?"

I think that's a great idea. I asked my FB page what to re-name one of my books. I wasn't happy with the current title - Contemplation - so I gave them the blurb and asked for suggestion. All their brainstorming gave me the idea to change it to - Courage in the Kiss. It worked better for the story and the readers agreed too.

[G.G.]

It's a great idea. I've tried it, well not an untitled one, it had a title but the reader and I discussed new ones. It helped as I removed one word from my series title. He didn't know there was a sequel and he couldn't understand the title. Back then I was calling it The Vampire Legacy. I thought he had a point so I went with The Legacy instead.
We also discussed the individual titles but I was set on Destiny, and none offered to replace Fate worked for me. Yet, I believe the change for the series was a must, so yes, I'll do it again, but maybe next time I'll follow your idea and go with a clean canvas.

[Nicole]

@Mark There's nothing wrong with that haha :)

[Ann]

I think when it comes to titles it can be a bit risky naming something in them. Like vampire, nowadays for some people it means Edward Cullen more than Selene. Which has both positive and negative aspects as well xP

[Jevon]

I write the book first and then come up with the title based on the main plot. But I've heard friends and alcohol can create a great title.

[Ann]

Dunno about create but at least you'll get an honest answer if it's crap (like I did ) :p

[Brian]

There's a positive to glittery vampires Bisky? ;)

[G.G.]

Well, it can have a positive if you happen to bring all their fans over to your book because they think it's in the same vein. :p (Instant stardom)

(But no, my vampires don't glitter)

[Jevon]

No, you shouldn't base your opinion of an entire book on a title. But, as a reader, you are entitled to an opinion. Writers have to remember that the title is as much of a hook as the cover, so it has to be a good one. One that intrigues a reader and stands out in the sea of other books out there.

[Samantha]

I am THE WORST at coming up with titles. I came up with one for my WIP, which I think is apropos, but then I said it out loud and was like, "That's a terrible title. Sigh." The title is THE EXORCIST'S ASSISTANT, which I think conveys what I want to about the story. But say it, and it's like that Dana Carvey skit where you can't say "the judicial system" without sounding drunk.

[G.G.]

I agree one should not disregard a book because of its title, but with so many books out there if a title doesn't spark my interest or worse,repulse me because I find it stupid or meaningless, I won't dismiss it, just won't pick it up. So yes, titles are as important as covers and blurbs.

Edited: I hate replying on IPAD...

[Kevin]

I name my project first, but it always changes by the end. I just want to have something to call it while I'm writing.

As for the importance of book titles, I don't think they matter all that much. Not unless they're genuinely terrible. I think cover art matters a lot more in catching someones eye. "Wool"? "Hunger Games"? "Carrie"? "Sycamore Row"? Let's be honest. Not the most interesting of titles. In fact, when you think about it, most popular titles are pretty drab. What sells a book is the cover art, followed by the description, followed by the reviews and word-of-mouth that are generated.

[Jevon]

I agree with your points about cover art, description, and reviews, Kevin. But I still don't think you should dismiss the importance of a great title just yet.

Carrie is an old novel written by an old pro. By now, Stephen King could probably name his latest novel The Book and it would probably sell. But for an unknown author like myself, all tools are worth investing in.

And I think Hunger Games is an awesome name.

[G.G.]

Well, Carrie and Huger Game definitely sound better than Harry Potter, which for some weird reasons always makes me think of potty training.

[Samantha]

I agree about Harry Potter. I thought maybe it had some kind of greater meaning / symbology, but I was never able to discern what that might be.

[J. David]

Nicole wrote: "I usually think of my title first then somehow weave it into the book. I really never know what it means exactly until I write the book (I don't outline, I am a panster).

How about you?? Am I wei..."

You're weird, but it's a good weird. ;) I almost always know my title first, usually I get a title and concept together, but sometimes just a title. Even if I know a concept first, I can't start writing it until I know my title, don't ask why, just can't. I've never written anything without knowing the title before I start.

[Eric]

From the jump I like to have a title and a rough idea of what I want for the cover art. It motivates me. I actually make a quick mock-up of the cover and insert it as the first page of my doc. That way it feels like I'm actually working on a book. But yeah, it often changes, both the title and the art concept.

[Patrick]

Titles are usually the last thing for me. I frequently write stories and poems not knowing where they're going, or even what the main theme is, then figure it all out later in the editing.

[Valerie]

I feel lucky when the title comes to me first, but normally it doesn't until after I've finished a story then I struggle to decide on a good one.

[Ann]

I like getting the title early but then I talk about it to people and that's not something I should do in case I change it :p

[[deleted user]]

I write the first draft, and usually hope that the title will show itself during the process. It worked for my first novel:)Good storytelling is more important than the superficial stuff. You can have the coolest title and cover in the world on the biggest pile of poop. I highly recommend putting all energy into the writing and editing.