Title Advice Please...

KTC · Oct 9, 2007

When I finished my novel...after almost 48 sleepless hours...I threw a title at the top and submitted it to the judges. Actually, I suppose it was two titles, but I saw it as one? I submitted it like this:

SEBASTIAN'S POET (OR SONGS FOR SEBBY)

After doing this...even if only to have a tentative title...I can't get past it?

Without knowing what the story is about, do either of these titles speak to anybody?

Now...a little backstory;

Sebastian is the narrator of this story that takes place in Toronto from 1970-1980. The poet is the man (a poet/folksinger) who comes in and saves him and his brother from their imploding family life.

Songs for Sebby is the title of one of the poet's albums.

Meerkat · Oct 9, 2007

"Sebastian's Poet" sounds slightly stuffy. I don't know why, but I get an image of Mr. Belvedere with that title!

"Songs for Sebby" is more engaging and makes me want to find out who Sebby is...

EITHER WAY--best of success with the submission, Kevin!

Merry · Oct 9, 2007

What's wrong with both? I seem to (vaguely) recall seeing other novels with subtitles in brackets, and with the two titles you've chosen I think it might work, too.

Novelhistorian · Oct 9, 2007

Dunno why, because I usually go for literary titles, but neither of these grab me. Maybe the title could reflect an action, so that the songs are doing something, not just hanging there.

Or, if you want to keep the basic idea, think of similarly titled books (Song of Solomon, The Executioner's Song, Songs of the Kings) and why they might strike a chord. One plays on a Biblical reference; the second mixes two unlikely elements, which is intriguing; and the third evokes ancient storytelling. Sebby, though an unusual nickname, doesn't exert the same kind of pull. There's nothing wrong with that, but the broader and more powerful an image you suggest, the more appealing your story.

JoNightshade · Oct 9, 2007

I definitely like Songs for Sebby.

CaroGirl · Oct 9, 2007

I like Sebastian's Poet. I think it sounds nice with just a hint of intrigue; as in, what does it mean? I don't like Sebby's Song at all. If you don't want the first title, my suggestion is to find another. Then again, I'm crap at titles anyway, especially my own.

Esopha · Oct 9, 2007

I like Songs for Sebby, but I think you have to make a decision based on the overall tone of the book. Songs for Sebby definitely gives a more playful, less literary feel than Sebasitan's Poet.

Could you do something like Sebastian's Song? Or is there a no-alliteration rule?

ccarver30 · Oct 9, 2007

My boyfriend's name is Sebastian and it is a strong name- girls swoon all the time over it, let me tell ya. I don't really like either title, but I think it should have Sebastian's full name in it!

maddythemad · Oct 9, 2007

I vote Sebastian's Poet. Good luck, KTC!

kristie911 · Oct 9, 2007

Of the two, I like Sebastian's Poet. But it's not a title that would grab me, and definitely not something that would make me pull the book off the shelf. (If I didn't know you!

)

PeeDee · Oct 9, 2007

Merry said:
What's wrong with both? I seem to (vaguely) recall seeing other novels with subtitles in brackets, and with the two titles you've chosen I think it might work, too.

There's some book called Moby Dick, or The Whale which a few people have read.

I'd do both. They're okay, I guess, by themselves, but I like them together.

kristie911 · Oct 9, 2007

Actually, I agree with Pete.* I like them both, rather than separate.

*What's up with that?

maestrowork · Oct 9, 2007

I like Sebastian's Poet better. Anything title with the word "song" in it gives me the willies.

Red-Green · Oct 9, 2007

Sebastian seems too stuffy, and Sebby seems too "fruity." Not quite the word I'm looking for, but what I mean is "not like a real name." Of course, you can't completely trust me, because I'm naturally averse to books whose titles feature "poet" or "song" in them. Not sure why...maybe I've encountered too many that were sappy?

jannawrites · Oct 9, 2007

I do really like Sebastian's Poet. The name grabs me; I love flowy, old-fashioned monikers. And that title is simplistic, yet intriguing.

Whatever you decide, good luck!

mscelina · Oct 9, 2007

I'd use them both, but get rid of the 'or' and the parentheses.

Sebastian's Poet
Songs for Sebby
I can visualize the first title in larger print and the second just below in smaller.

*shrug* but then I'm odd.

KTC · Oct 9, 2007

Thank you to all for your thoughts on this. You've really helped me out and given me much to think about.

Except for redzilla (-; Sebby and Sebastian are used throughout the novel...so it seems I have a stuffy fruit on my hands. Why am I now picturing a twelve year-old Frasier Crane? Thank you forever, Red!

KTC · Oct 9, 2007

Had I been thinking straight, I would have put both as an option?

maestrowork · Oct 9, 2007

Both would be too much, IMHO, Sebastian/Sebby Poet/Song... I need my Mucinex!

Scrawler · Oct 9, 2007

KTC said:
WWithout knowing what the story is about...

I voted something else.
Songs for Sebastian or
Sebastian's Song

a_sharp · Oct 9, 2007

"Sebastian's Poet" has an intriguing flavor. Can anyone actually own a poet? Like a pet dog? It's not the usual use of "poet" so I'm interested.

"Song" anywhere in a title doesn't do it for me, implies sappy, romantic, light. I know, many famous titles, yada-yada, but you asked. I vote no on the subtitle idea anyway.

KTC · Oct 9, 2007

I think I may let Songs for Sebby die. It seems many see it as sappy and are tired of the over-use. But it does come into play in the novel...the poet gifts Sebby an album that he titled for him...Songs for Sebby. Maybe even that is sappy...but I didn't overplay it really. Thanks again guys.

kristie911 · Oct 9, 2007

mscelina said:
I'd use them both, but get rid of the 'or' and the parentheses.

Sebastian's Poet
Songs for Sebby
I can visualize the first title in larger print and the second just below in smaller.

I like that. But I would add a : between the titles. But I can picture it on the front of the book...

Sebastian's Poet:
Songs For Sebby

Great, now I'm as weird as mscelina.

scarletpeaches · Oct 9, 2007

What about something with 'bard' in the title?

melaniehoo · Oct 9, 2007

I voted for Song's for Sebby - I'd be curious about a charcter named Sebby, more so than Sebastian, and it'd make me read the back of the book.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

Title Advice Please...

Which title do you like better?

Sebastian's Poet

Songs for Sebby

Find something else...

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Claims the loan was a gift

has finally arrived

Living the dream

bam pow zap.

Nicole Castro

Happy to be here

Where's my tea, please...?

Happy to be here

Fear the Death Ray

KoalaKoalaKoala!

no, really

Teh doommobile, drivin' rite by you

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Fear the Death Ray

Bored fanatic

Somebody give me an A

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Happy to be here

And thus we begin the edits