Some authors come up with titles for their books without much trouble. Sometimes we have a title in mind even before we write the book—a title we are attached to for one reason or another. Other times, we struggle with a title up until the day the book finally goes to the printer—changing it, fretting over it, changing it back…
As time goes on and we promote the book, we learn whether or not we did right by our book title. Here are some tips for coming up with an appropriate title that will help to sell the nonfiction book it is attached to.
1: Your title should pique the interest of the audience. If it is designed for people who want to learn how to bake cupcakes, you’d better make that clear in the title. Using titles such as, “The Baker’s Way” or “Back Home Again,” or “Night Shade” or “Not for Breakfast” might have meaning for you—but if I’m looking for a book on how to bake and frost cupcakes, I’m probably not going to pursue these titles.
2: Your title should speak to the audience. Are they looking for a book to help them solve a problem, learn a technique, make a change, etc? Make sure that the reader knows at first glance that your book will meet their requirements and expectations. “Cupcake-Baking Tips for the Kitchen Klutz” or “Bake and Frost Your Cupcakes Expertly” might appeal to someone who has had cupcake failures or who just want to know more about making great cupcakes.
3: I advise authors to address their audience personally. Use titles such as “Become a Master Cupcake Baker” or “You, Too, Can Win the Cupcake Wars” in order to make your title resonate with your audience. You want the title to evoke emotion. You want the potential reader to say, “I can do this—with the help of this book, I can do this.” If the title is playful, the author who wants a light read with a little humor throughout will give this book a second look.
So take a look at your title for your nonfiction book today and determine whether it evokes emotion, speaks to your audience, tells immediately what the book is about. Or is it generic and mundane—one of those titles that would keep a book from being noticed?
Find many more tips and techniques for preparing your book in my book, Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author. It’s available at Amazon.com and most other online and downtown bookstores.
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http://www.patriciafry.com