Would You Pick Up A Book With This Title?

Madisonwrites · Oct 4, 2008

OK, so I have titled my new story, The Untitled Story. My question is this: without knowing anything about the plot, would you pick up a book with this title to see what it was about?

Thanks!

FionnJameson · Oct 4, 2008

It sounds interesting...but on the other hand, it sounds like the writer did absolutely no work on the title and decided to go for the so-called "shock" factor.

Maybe shock isn't quite the right word...

Either way, I'd pick it up.

Danthia · Oct 4, 2008

It would depend on the cover. If the cover added extra context that suggested the type of book it was, it might get me to pick it up. But on its own, it doesn't make me go "Ooooo." Sorry

Angela_785 · Oct 4, 2008

I think with the right content and cover, this would be fine. But I would leave this decision in the hands of your editor to see if it would be effective as a selling tool or not.

I also would choose a differet title when querying, simply because caling it 'The Intitled Story' might be an instant turn off to the agent/editor reading it if they believe you simply wrote that in because you couldn't think of a 'real' title. Just MO.

scope · Oct 4, 2008

Ditto what Angela 785 said.

GLAZE_by_KyrstinMc · Oct 4, 2008

Depends on the cover, yea. So I'd find out if it was within my interests.

Maryn · Oct 4, 2008

I wouldn't pick up a book with that title.

Remember, at most bookstores, most books are shelved with only their spines showing. The featured ones placed flat so their covers show are not books by unknowns. So a great cover that intrigues isn't going to entice the potential buyer to pull the book from the shelf for a closer look. Only a good title will do that--and I regret to say, this isn't it.

Maryn, sorry for offering a negative opinion but assuming you want truth

Madisonwrites · Oct 4, 2008

Of course I want the truth! If I didn't I wouldn't have posted.

Trust me, the title makes sense when you read the story, because there's an untitled story inside and this story is the jest of the tale.

I know this title will turn off some people, and thanks Angela 785 for telling me to talk about it with someone in the biz. I'm just wanting to see how many people would pick it up with no cover and not knowing the plot. Wish I could take an actual poll.

Thanks all! Happy writing!

Maryn · Oct 4, 2008

Whew! I always fret about hurting someone's feelings.

Maryn, warm and fuzzy (but it's mold)

Madisonwrites · Oct 5, 2008

Maryn, where I'm concerned, you can be as brutal as you want!

And, yes, I mean that!

Michael Baker · Oct 7, 2008

Madisonwrites said:
OK, so I have titled my new story, The Untitled Story. My question is this: without knowing anything about the plot, would you pick up a book with this title to see what it was about?

Thanks!

It worked for Michael Ende with "The Neverending Story"

LizPage · Oct 7, 2008

Untitled

I like it, I think it's catchy and would pique my interest because I'm curious and would simply have to know why it was untitled.

LaurieD · Oct 7, 2008

Michael Baker said:
It worked for Michael Ende with "The Neverending Story"

Which is exactly what I was thinking.

Ray Veen · Oct 7, 2008

Hey Madison. Did you know that publishers decide on the final title? No matter what you decide, I've got a feeling this is one they'll want to change.

How about calling it 'The Story with the Really Catchy Title'?

Jen_D · Oct 7, 2008

I like it. I'd pick it up. I'm flippin' 28 years old and still read YA, and this would get my attention no problem.

Would You Pick Up A Book With This Title?

Madisonwrites

The Unicorn Writer

FionnJameson

Fionn: 0/Year: 24

Danthia

Angela_785

scope

Commonsensical Maverick

GLAZE_by_KyrstinMc

Maryn

I Tried

Madisonwrites

The Unicorn Writer

Maryn

I Tried

Madisonwrites

The Unicorn Writer

Michael Baker

LizPage

I'm wide awake, it's morning

LaurieD

aka Skwirrel

Ray Veen

MECHANIZED

Jen_D