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View Full Version : Opinions on a title change, please

Greenwolf103
10-01-2008, 03:54 AM
I am thinking of changing the title of the writing book I'm working on. Currently, I'm using the title

Trimming the Fat: A Writer's Guide to Revision

But now I'm thinking of going with this one:

Been There, Done That: Advice From Writers for Revising Your Writing

I was thinking of using that title instead since the book heavily relies on things writers have learned when revising their stories, articles, poems, etc. It's the thing my editor often says when she and I swap stories. Haha. So I figured, why not? It's pretty much advice from writers who HAVE "been there, done that."

What do you think? Good? Bad?

When I find a publisher for this book, maybe h/she will have a better title idea. (I have YET to get the proposal finished up and I'm already on Chapter 20. Sigh!)
WrittenIn1981
10-01-2008, 07:07 AM
I like both titles. I don't think you could go wrong either way.
Billingsgate
10-01-2008, 08:27 AM
I prefer the original title. It's a more evocative image, and would attract me more as a writer to consider buying it. Of course, you could combine both and end up with a title that is both a good image and very specific about what's inside.

Trimming The Fat: Advice From Writers For Revising Your Writing

No matter what, the publisher will probably change any title you suggest. It'll probably end up being called Lean, Mean Prose Machine: The Writer's Low Adverb Diet
partmadman
10-02-2008, 08:06 AM
my vote is for the first title. trimming the fat tells your readers exactly what the book will be about. no confusion possible
K1P1
10-02-2008, 05:03 PM
...Of course, you could combine both and end up with a title that is both a good image and very specific about what's inside.

Trimming The Fat: Advice From Writers For Revising Your Writing

No matter what, the publisher will probably change any title you suggest. ...

This is exactly what I was going to suggest. "Trimming the Fat" is far more catchy, but the subtitle indicates it's based on experience. And the publisher really will change your title, so you don't need to worry about it too much.
Greenwolf103
10-02-2008, 08:19 PM
Thank you so much! I'll go with that suggestion, then. :D
Dude in Hammock
10-05-2008, 03:18 AM
I like the first. If I've been there and done that, why do I need your book?