Title Development

You are the author of a manuscript that will soon become a book. Don't be surprised if we suggest that you change the title or subtitle. If your book does not have a subtitle, we might suggest that you develop one. A strong title and subtitle are essential in selling copies of your book.

Here are some situations where we suggested title changes:

1. An author wrote a book originally titled "Devotions For Athletes." It had no subtitle. After reviewing the chapter titles in the table of contents, we suggested the new book title "Getting Fired Up," which he accepted. We then changed his original title to the subtitle.

2. An author wrote a book originally titled "Sermons From the Military Pulpit." After reviewing the chapter titles in the table of contents, we suggested the new book title "His Truth Keeps Marching On," which he accepted. We then changed his original title to the subtitle.

In both of these examples (there are countless others), the new title lends itself to a much better book cover design. It enables the book to have a clearer subtitle. All of this, in turn, makes the book more attractive to the potential purchaser.

How do you develop a new book title? Here are some ideas:

1. Take the name of one of your chapter titles.

2. Read over your introduction, preface, or foreword. Is there a descriptive phrase in it that lends itself to a good title?

3. Is there a popular phrase that you might use as a title?


Do you need a new subtitle? Here are some ideas:

1. Use your original title, or rework it.

2. Make certain that the subtitle clearly identifies what kind of book yours is. Is it poetry, object lessons, history, sermons, songs? How many are there? Is it for children or a special audience?

If you are having trouble clearly identifying one good title, then you should offer two or three to use. We will help you narrow your choices at that point.