What should a good title include?
First and foremost, I think any book should have a title catchy enough to entice a reader/agent/editor to pick it up. However, would you say that its important for the title to reflect the genre of the novel? And/or hint at a plot point/main character?
The reason I ask is because I've thought of a few catchy titles, but they're pretty wide reaching and they don't really pin down the genre/story (YA contemporary fantasy) - they play more on pop culture references that would provoke a potential reader's curiosity. I know that there's a chance it'll be changed anyhow, but I'd still like to think up the best title I can for when I start submitting.
So, do you think having a 'loose' title that can be interpreted in many different ways is a good thing? Part of me thinks it is, as it is therefore likely to attract a wider variety of readers. But then another part of me thinks that I could be neglecting my core audience by not choosing a title that has direct appeal to the intended audience.
I suppose I should also mention that the story will be a series if I get my way, so I guess that gives me room for a series title that more accurately reflects the genre/overall plot.
Thanks in advance!
First and foremost, I think any book should have a title catchy enough to entice a reader/agent/editor to pick it up. However, would you say that its important for the title to reflect the genre of the novel? And/or hint at a plot point/main character?
The reason I ask is because I've thought of a few catchy titles, but they're pretty wide reaching and they don't really pin down the genre/story (YA contemporary fantasy) - they play more on pop culture references that would provoke a potential reader's curiosity. I know that there's a chance it'll be changed anyhow, but I'd still like to think up the best title I can for when I start submitting.
So, do you think having a 'loose' title that can be interpreted in many different ways is a good thing? Part of me thinks it is, as it is therefore likely to attract a wider variety of readers. But then another part of me thinks that I could be neglecting my core audience by not choosing a title that has direct appeal to the intended audience.
I suppose I should also mention that the story will be a series if I get my way, so I guess that gives me room for a series title that more accurately reflects the genre/overall plot.
Thanks in advance!
