Publisher Wants Title Change

Prevostprincess · Jul 18, 2007

Rather than the title in my signature below, they've suggested:

QUEEN OF THE ROAD
A True Tale of 49 States, 2 Cats, 1 Dog, a Husband, and a Bus with an Attitude

I would love to get opinions on which you all prefer. If anyone can think of a funnier one, that would be swell, too.

The book is being published in the quirky, funny, travel memoir imprint that Bill Bryson, Under the Tuscan Sun, Sex Lives of Cannibals is in, just to give you an idea of tone.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Bo Sullivan · Jul 18, 2007

Hi!

I like the publisher's title better.

veinglory · Jul 18, 2007

I think their suggestion is snappier.

blacbird · Jul 18, 2007

The key word in your thread title is "Publisher". I never get to put that one in any of my thread titles. I'd recommend doing whatever they want.

caw

Prevostprincess · Jul 18, 2007

That's a good point and believe me, not a day goes by that I don't wake up and think how lucky I am to get to write this book!

They are saying either title is OK. I'm a little hesitant about giving myself a promotion to "queen" as in the book, I refer to myself as a "Princess from the Island of Long."

But, does either title make you laugh or make you want to pick up the book to see what it's about?

johnrobison · Jul 18, 2007

I like Queen of the Road better

nancy02664 · Jul 18, 2007

I agree about the publisher's title being snappier.

aka eraser · Jul 18, 2007

I like Queen of the Road too. It's got a familiar ring but the gender switch arouses curiousity.

dolores haze · Jul 18, 2007

Agree with the publisher on this one.

MajorDrums · Jul 18, 2007

Queen of the Road sounds to me like you're the boss of the whole trip, including leaving (assigning?

) the driving to your husband. Because your memoir is meant to be humorous, it makes me wonder just how in control you may or may not be throughout the journey!

Susan B · Jul 18, 2007

I like the publisher's title, too.

Susan

Prevostprincess · Jul 18, 2007

MajorDrums,

Considering that I develop a bus phobia (not a good thing when you're living on a bus), turns out I wasn't too in control, even though I left the driving to him! (Actually, my husband was thrilled I didn't want to drive the thing. He's seen me behind the wheel.)

Anyone for Road Princess? (I'm just really loathe to give myself that promotion... )

MajorDrums · Jul 18, 2007

With having to deal with a bus phobia during your trip, I think you deserve a promotion! I still prefer Queen of the Road, but it doesn't seem like you want to force something you're not really feeling. Go with your gut and good luck!

sgunelius · Jul 18, 2007

I like the publisher's title and subtitle better. I'd be more apt to pick up a book with that title vs. the original title.

simplycottage · Jul 18, 2007

Queen of the Road

It stirs interest.
You ARE the queen- this is YOUR throne.
Congrats!

JamieFord · Jul 18, 2007

I like Queen too.

Lauri B · Jul 19, 2007

I like Queen of the Road much better than Road Princess or the original title. And as soon as you see it, you'll start whistling that song. . .

Saint Fool · Jul 19, 2007

Queen per all of the above. Princess makes me think of Diana.

Lavinia · Jul 19, 2007

I like Queen of the Road. If I saw it in a bookstore, here are some of the thoughts it provokes;

*This is about a woman achieving a dream.
*This is about a woman going against the norm and taking a cool trip.
*This is about an adventure.
*And ultimately, for me personally, I would think, "Hey, I want to step out of the expected too. I wonder what this book has to offer me?"

I think you can rest assured that no one will think you are truly a queen. I mean, we've all heard the expression, king of the road. It's a take on that, so I wouldn't worry about promoting yourself to queen. It is, of course tongue-in-cheek. From a marketing standpoint it is fabulous. I mean, think about it, you could use a tilted-crown logo, where it looks like the crown is falling off of your head. There are hundreds of possiblities. (I've been studying marketing lately) Sounds like you have a wise publisher. Contrats!

Leave the Driving to Him, immediately evokes thoughts of a submissive woman relenting and letting her husband take control. This is not what you want, believe me. Even though he did end up doing the driving, it does not sound like that is the point. Think about your audience. What will make them want to read your book?

It all sounds so wonderful. Go ahead-bask in your queendom!

Lavinia

Prevostprincess · Jul 19, 2007

Thanks so much to all

Thanks everyone for your time and thoughtful, so very helpful replies.

Queen of the Road, it is.

Particular thanks to MajorDrums: Your comment that I deserve a promotion made me realize that's exactly what I'll do in the final chpt. The first chpt is called, "Dethroned" (what else could it be when a princess finds her kingdom has shrunk to 340 square feet?). I'll now name the final chpt, "Coronation," since at the end of the previous one, my bus phobia implodes and resolves in a way that completely takes me by surprise and makes me learn some things about myself. So, you're right; I do deserve a promotion.

And, to Lavinia: I hadn't realized that Leave the Driving to Him makes me sound submissive, so is quite a turn off to readers. You're right, of course.
I'll start basking right away.

Again, a big MWAH! to you all. I feel so good about the new title and have you all to thank.

catephoenix · Jul 19, 2007

'Leave the Driving to Him' to me sounds like a learn how to drive manual, sorry, and not one I would pick up.

'Queen of the Road', however, is a title I would not only glance twice at and pick up, I would probably by it too...

Good luck.

kimmer · Jul 26, 2007

publisher's is snappier

I'd go with their suggestion. I love the books from that publisher, too.

kimmer
www.scholarshipstreet.com

Horseshoes · Jul 31, 2007

Run with them, Doreen.
And congratulations. I'll be looking for the book. (What, couldn't find the exit for that highway to Hawai'i?)

wee · Aug 4, 2007

Prevostprincess said:
But, does either title make you laugh or make you want to pick up the book to see what it's about?

Either one! I am intrigued & will be looking for this book on the shelves of my local store soon ...

And Queen of the Road makes me want to get out my Roger Miller CDs...

Lyra Jean · Aug 4, 2007

So when does it come out? Sounds interesting and I'm not one for reading lots of NF.

Publisher Wants Title Change

Prevostprincess

Bo Sullivan

veinglory

volitare nequeo

blacbird

Prevostprincess

johnrobison

A Free Range Aspergian

nancy02664

Baby Name Maniac

aka eraser

Fish Whisperer

dolores haze

international guttersnipe

MajorDrums

Kidnapper

Susan B

Accordion Dreams

Prevostprincess

MajorDrums

Kidnapper

sgunelius

10 Books & Counting

simplycottage

JamieFord

giving resonant directions

Lauri B

I Heart Mac

Saint Fool

Lavinia

Prevostprincess

catephoenix

kimmer

Horseshoes

lisapreston.com

wee

just a little

Lyra Jean

Two years old now.