Whats in a name?

Status
Not open for further replies.

justpat

QueryTracker
Super Member
Registered
Joined
May 15, 2007
Messages
354
Reaction score
51
Location
Location: Location:
Website
www.querytracker.net
Whats your opinion? Do agents pay a lot of attention to the name of a manuscript when you query? I've heard some writes say it doesn't matter, if the publisher or agent doesn't like it, they'll just change it. But I think a poor name will bias the reader into thinking you lack imagination.

I search my titles on amazon and google, if it turns up too much or anything similar, then it outa there.
 

ChaosTitan

Around
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Dec 8, 2005
Messages
15,463
Reaction score
2,886
Location
The not-so-distant future
Website
kellymeding.com
One of the agent blogs I read regularly has mentioned that titles can be changed, but a manuscript that has a cliched or overused title makes them wonder if the author has any clue about their market.

Yes, titles can be (and often are) changed before publication. However, there are enough strikes against an unpubbed author, so you always want to put your best foot forward.
 

job

In the end, it's just you and the manuscript
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Jun 27, 2005
Messages
3,459
Reaction score
653
Website
www.joannabourne.com
My gut feeling is that it doesn't matter a hill of beans.

If you're unsure that calling the ms 'Murder and Rapine on the Ferris Wheel' is such a good idea,
call it 'Working Title: Murder and Rapine on the Ferris Wheel'
when you send it to the agent.
 

jvc

Fearsome Dragon Mod
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Jul 2, 2006
Messages
14,639
Reaction score
4,616
Location
Hiding from a teeny tiny spider
The name may make a difference sometimes, although it's probably small. Remember, it is the writing and the story the agent is going to look at, so get that right and the name won't mean the slightest little thing. The agent, if they take you on, may suggest a name change, and the publisher may also suggest a name change which is different to both yours and the agents. Although it doesn't hurt to have a snappy title for your novel :) .
 
Status
Not open for further replies.