Titles
- and Subtitles - Sell Books!
by: Ink
Tree Ltd.
Does a title really sell a book? The short answer is, yes.
You must be careful in choosing your book title because
if a book does not attract a reader initially, it will be
overlooked and not purchased. The book title is the element
that creates the initial attraction to the book.
Watch people who are browsing in a bookstore. A catchy title
grabs their interest and makes them reach for the book out
of curiosity. A great title makes browsers think, “Really?”
or “What does THAT mean?” or “That’s what I need”. Think
long and hard when choosing your book’s title. The title
must give some clues about the book’s contents in a snappy
“one-liner”.
Many authors struggle fiercely with the title choice, not
realizing that the title is there somewhere in the book’s
contents. They just haven’t recognized it because they are
too close to the project. Sometimes it helps to talk to
impartial, unbiased persons. Tell them what your book is
about, and then listen to their feedback.
Alternately, on the tongue-in-cheek advice of one publishing
professional, open a bottle of wine and start writing. Make
a list of everything that comes to mind about what you have
written in your book. Nothing is too silly, but do try to
strike on the central theme or message.
When your list is complete (and the wine is all gone), group
your notes into categories. Choose the snappiest, most intriguing
words that say something about your book without sounding
like a boring explanation.
Perhaps these titles will help you:
• Woman-Sense Rules!
• Fit to Cook
• Climb Your Stairway to Heaven
• Light the Fire
• Spell Success in Your Life
If you are planning on a series, your title should be your
“brand”. Then as you make your brand into a household word,
you ensure future sales. As each title in the series is
published, you know that people will buy the latest book
to complete the series. Think Harry Potter or Nancy Drew.
The subtitle of your book is a great way to increase sales.
The subtitle gets to the heart of the book and convinces
the reader of the book’s benefits. It lets people know that
the book is unique and that they really can’t live without
it. It makes the reader believe that he or she just can’t
live without it – and that is your objective.
Check the following subtitles:
• Woman-Sense Rules! – The Spiritual Woman’s Guide to Finding
Yourself When You Didn’t Know You Were Missing
• Fit to Cook – Why “Waist” Time in the Kitchen?
• Climb Your Stairway to Heaven – the 9 habits of maximum
happiness
• Light the Fire – Fiery Food with a Light New Attitude!
• Spell Success in Your Life - A road map for achieving
your goals and surviving success
In the title and in the subtitle, you can use humor or emotions
to sell your book, but avoid clichés and “corny” expressions,
or overly common sayings. They soon become stale and annoying.
Keep your title unique, catchy and relevant.
Before making the final decision on your book title, conduct
a title search (Click Here to see our course, Idea to Book…to
Success – the fast, easy, simple way! for instructions on
title searches). Although you cannot copyright a title,
duplicating titles only leads to confusion, and you want
people to buy your book, not a competitor’s book. Make your
book title (and subtitle) one that increases the likelihood
of increasing your book sales.
© Copyright 2004 Ink Tree Ltd.
Ink Tree Ltd. helps authors publish, market and sell books.
We have all the tools you need to succeed in book publishing.
Let us help you make your book a success. http://www.inktreemarketing.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ink Tree Ltd. is a book marketing firm that helps writers
publish, market and sell books. Learn everything you need
to guide you from Idea to Book... to Success - the fast,
easy, simple waywww.inktreemarketing.com
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