Which Title?

Travis J. Smith · Jun 17, 2009

For the first two drafts of my novel it was titled Everyman's Memory. But now, for my third draft, a honest to goodness rewrite, a title sprung to mind while trying to fall asleep last night: Autumn and The Fall. Generally, I am pleased with things that spring to mind as I am on my way to sleep, and this is no exception.

However, I am still not certain which way I want to go with the title, though I am leaning toward Autumn and The Fall. I've been casually thinking of potential titles to replace Everyman's Memory since I started this rewrite, but couldn't find one that I was at all happy with until last night.

I would post the plot to make your decision easier, but, because of where I stand on the two titles, I would rather just get a poll based on which title would interest you more. Catch your eye.

alleycat · Jun 17, 2009

Do you have a character named Autumn? If not, you might also consider The Autumn and the Fall.

In any event, I think Autumn and the Fall would intrique me slightly more, and maybe cause me to pick the book up if I were in a bookstore. Everyman's Memory is okay, but it also sounds a bit pedestrian.

CaroGirl · Jun 17, 2009

I love the whole concept of Autumn and the Fall. It feels like it has so many possibilities of layered meaning. I'd definitely look twice at a title like this one. I don't like your other choice at all.

Lisa Cox · Jun 17, 2009

As long as you can back up the meaning of Autumn and the Fall in the novel, then go for that one (which, obviously, you can -- or it wouldn't be a contender at all!). It's intriguing.

sheadakota · Jun 17, 2009

I like Autumn and the Fall as well- But I like The Fall of Autumn better.

Don't like the second choice at all.

RJK · Jun 17, 2009

Looks like Autumn and the Fall is the overwhelming favorite - good pick.

dpaterso · Jun 17, 2009

What with Fall and Autumn being two different names for the same season, my literal brain thought there was some political reference going on during Autumn, like Fall of the Roman Empire. D'oh. :e2smack:

-Derek

Travis J. Smith · Jun 17, 2009

The title was inspired by the rewrite's opening line. This is it in a rather unedited form, as I just started, but it should make the point well enough: [FONT=&quot]With the autumnal equinox came not one, but two falls.[/FONT]

Lavern08 · Jun 17, 2009

CaroGirl said:
I love the whole concept of Autumn and the Fall. It feels like it has so many possibilities of layered meaning. I'd definitely look twice at a title like this one

Me too

DavidZahir · Jun 17, 2009

Between the two, I'm more interested in the Autumn and the Fall as a title, knowing nothing else.

Kinsley's Mom · Jun 17, 2009

My vote is also for Autumn and The Fall. I think it works well with your opening line.

The Rav · Jun 17, 2009

Considering you were looking to replace your working title anyway, go with the new one. Autumn and the Fall, as everyone else has mentioned, is an intriguing title. If it turns out you find an even better one down the road, you're not stuck with it. Heck, from what I understand, if you go through a traditional publisher, there's a chance it could be changed again anyway.

Kurtz · Jun 17, 2009

I prefer Everyman's Memory. Autumn and the Fall is a name that doesn't get any real reaction from me, in fact I think I've heard it used as a title before. The layered meanings in it come on a little thick, quite unsubtle. Everyman's Memory immediatley brings to mind sociology and group think, perhaps it's just me but it has more of an impact, I also prefer the deeper meanings to this.

NeuroFizz · Jun 17, 2009

Have you had the story read by Betas? If so ask them. Picking a title without having read the story is not a good idea, in my mind. So much of title selection is dependent on the context of the story. If you haven't had Betas involved, and you plan to do so, give them the two titles and ask for their input.

Also, choice of title is an option for the publisher, so their editors may have some strong feelings on the matter. I woudn't agonize about it too much at this point since the first order of business is get the book out there to agents and editors. And once the book is sold to a publisher, their people ultimately may exercise their say on the title.

Kurtz · Jun 17, 2009

NeuroFizz said:
Have you had the story read by Betas? If so ask them. Picking a title without having read the story is not a good idea, in my mind. So much of title selection is dependent on the context of the story. If you haven't had Betas involved, and you plan to do so, give them the two titles and ask for their input.

Umberto Eco famously decided on the title of the Name of the Rose by giving a list of potential titles to his friends, and letting them pick their favorite. It was his attempt to find a 'perfectly neutral title'. Although there are other stories into how he found the title. Some say he was forced out of his initial title of 'Adso of Melk' by his publisher for it being, well, really boring.

Travis J. Smith · Jun 17, 2009

NeuroFizz said:
Have you had the story read by Betas?

Actually, there really is no story yet to read. I am only about 1,000 words into a chapter that bears only a passing resemblance here and there to the story as it was in the previous two drafts.

Since the title change I've taken to referring to the previous two drafts as drafts of Everyman's Memory, not Autumn and The Fall because of the widening gap between the two. New genre, new point of view, new(ish) plot, etc. All that remains relatively untouched from the Everyman's Memory phase is what was the first chapter and now is the prologue. I'm letting the prologue sit without me touching it until I finish this draft and then I will edit accordingly.

I have not yet reached a stage where I am comfortable with sending out anything to betas. From time to time I may post my progress on SYW and approach successive editing/rewriting based on the response I get, but anything more than that is in the distant future.

Although, when I was still a bit naive, I did send out an early draft of the novel. The guy I met on another writing message board knocked some sense into me with his critique, though, and my teacher, as well as everyone else, if I recall correctly, luckily was too busy to get around to reading it, so I dodged a bullet there. :tongue

NeuroFizz said:
I woudn't agonize about it too much at this point since . . . once the book is sold to a publisher, their people ultimately may exercise their say on the title.

No agonizing on my part. Everyman's Memory was a title I slapped on the novel simply because I had to call it something, and I was never all that fond of it, and Autumn and The Fall struck me out of the blue when I was about to doze off for the night. I am not one to agaonize over something as tertiary as this and more often than not I'm not so attached to a title that I am in the least bit worried about the title being changed if I ever fashion the story into something publishable. I's all good.

NeuroFizz · Jun 17, 2009

Publishing contracts may contain a phrase like this one (from one of mine):

Publisher may change the title of Work.

The important thing is to get the story done. In the process of writing, another potential title (or titles) may surface. Horse before the cart. Particularly since this is one aspect of the work that could be changed by the publisher. It should not only be "catchy" but also have something to do with the story, and it will have to pass review of the publisher's editors and marketing people.

Good luck with the story. Knock our socks off.

Matera the Mad · Jun 17, 2009

Natheless, having a comfortable working title can make work go more smoothly. I like the new one.

ccv707 · Jun 21, 2009

Awesome title! Probably my favorite part of starting a new ms is coming up with the title, although sometimes it takes until after it's written to think the right one up. Feels good when you get the one that fits just right.

I think part of my liking of Autumn and the Fall comes from the similar "The Blank and the Blank" titles, which for some reason I love (don't quite know why...), such as The Sound and the Fury, The Power and the Glory, and The Living and the Dead.

EDIT: How thoughtless of me...GOOD LUCK WITH THE WIP! Sounds like you have a real passion for your writing. Keep it up! You can never have too much.

Sean D. Schaffer · Jun 21, 2009

I chose Autumn And The Fall for two reasons: 1) It sounds a lot better to me, and 2) you were leaning more toward it. I think that the best gauge of your title's worth is how you yourself feel about it. Both titles, IMO, sound good, but I think Autumn And The Fall sounds best.

Have a good day, and I hope you get this sorted out soon.

bettielee · Jun 21, 2009

whoa... I usually do good at these polls.. but I didn't quite get Autumn and the Fall, I liked Everyman's Memory.

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