Changing Titles

virtue_summer · Nov 11, 2007

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 · Nov 11, 2007

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

job · Nov 11, 2007

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 · Nov 11, 2007

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

jannawrites · Nov 11, 2007

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 · Nov 11, 2007

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 · Nov 11, 2007

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 · Nov 11, 2007

I'm liking "Bartered Lives".

ishtar'sgate · Nov 11, 2007

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.

Linnea

DeleyanLee · Nov 11, 2007

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 · Nov 12, 2007

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 · Nov 12, 2007

cletus said:
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 · Nov 12, 2007

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 · Nov 12, 2007

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 · Nov 12, 2007

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 · Nov 12, 2007

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

David I · Nov 12, 2007

heyjude said:
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 over on my blog.

My advice: Don't sweat it.

Changing Titles

virtue_summer

Always learning

David I

job

In the end, it's just you and the manuscript

DeleyanLee

Writing Anarchist

jannawrites

no, really

ZannaPerry

^ Just Me & a Sharpie

virtue_summer

Always learning

takkunelwood

ishtar'sgate

living in the past

DeleyanLee

Writing Anarchist

cletus

I'm a king bee

seun

Horror Man

astonwest

2 WIP? A glutton for punishment

Shadow_Ferret

Court Jester

tammieofmi

heyjude

Making my own sunshine

David I