Changing Titles

[virtue_summer]

Up to this point I've been calling my horror/supernatural thriller novel Still Life. I got the title from a song of the same name that helped inspire the book but at this point I'm not sure it's a good title. I'm considering alternatives. The novel involves a man who finds that his wife and son have been taken by a satanic coven to be sacrificed in order to save the lives of the coven members' loved ones. Here are my alternative titles:

1) Bartered Lives
2) Sacrifice
3) Your Lives for Theirs

Okay, I'm not the best at titles. So far I'm leaning toward number 1 because it hasn't been used before. Number 2 has been used quite a bit in other variations. I'm not sure number 3 sounds right. What do you think?

[David I]

Is your book done? Sometimes the title is hiding in the book (or in the epigraph).

[job]

I don't much care for #3. It sounds both complicated and distancing. #2, as you say, has been used often.

If those are your choices, I'd go with #1 as a working title. You can always change it. (g)

[DeleyanLee]

Just out of curiosity--why do you feel you have to change the title?

[jannawrites]

I'm with you, virtue; I like #1. It just resonates.

I just changed my working title, as well. It feels better. Seems to suit the mood of the book better.

[ZannaPerry]

I heard this song the other day on the radio and it's called "The Story" and I thought just to call my book that. THE STORY. Where can you go wrong with that?

I like "Sacrifice." One worded titles, I think, draws more attention and mean the most.

[virtue_summer]

I want to change the title because I want something that seems to relate to the story in some way and that sounds halfway interesting and I don't think Still Life really does that. More than one person when told the title thought it was a book about art. By the way, if anyone has another suggestion for the title, I'm open to hearing it.

The rough draft of the book is basically done. I finished revising the first three chapters (the first one's posted on SYW). I'm working my way through the rest.

[takkunelwood]

I'm liking "Bartered Lives".

[ishtar'sgate]

Don't sweat the title. Just write the story. It's a great procrastination device and you can work on the title with your editor once you've sold the manuscript.:D
Linnea

[DeleyanLee]

I agree with ishtar--concentrate on the story. Titles will come and go and you'll find the right one by the time you're ready to submit if you're open to it.

As the saying goes "don't sweat the small stuff."

[cletus]

If I was in a horror buying mood #1 would not catch my interest.
#2 is good, but, as pointed out, has been used.
I don't like #3 at all.

I agree with ishtar'sgate. Worrying about the title is a great procrastination device to keep you from the more important task of writing.

If you're that worried about it, keep your eyes open when revising the novel for any phrases that might make a good title.

Or you can always dig through your CD collection looking to see if another song title fits better.

[seun]

I agree with ishtar'sgate. Worrying about the title is a great procrastination device to keep you from the more important task of writing.


There is truth to this although I think it can be taken too far. The chances are the title will be changed along the way, but you still need a good one to start with.

[astonwest]

Heck, I changed the title of my first book AFTER it was "published"...now that it's coming out through a new publisher.

:)

[Shadow_Ferret]

As the others have said, don't sweat the title until you're done. I went through 5 or 6 titles until the right one finally hit me -- after I'd done my 8th revision.

How about I was Satan's Bride? :)

[tammieofmi]

Yes I've changed mine from Obit to The Perfect Obit as parts have gone thru changes. I agree sometimes it comes once you knocked out the first draft but many times agent/editor will ask to change it anyway.

Love The Story to. I found a widget that let me put the lyrics on my blog as I felt it fit my main character.

And yep - its a distraction that takes from getting the wip done.

[heyjude]

I so love Still Life as a title. Think about the wonderful cover someone will come up with as a contrast.

[David I]

I so love Still Life as a title. Think about the wonderful cover someone will come up with as a contrast.

Yeah. Still Life: A Book About Moonshine.

Titles change all the time. Check out this sampling of famous and working titles (http://davidisaak.blogspot.com/2007/02/regardless-of-its-scent-how-would-rose.html) over on my blog.

My advice: Don't sweat it.