General beta question - Titles - off-limits?

jmlee · Oct 17, 2011

I've read a couple beta manuscripts now and one of the main things that stuck out to me was the title. It just wasn't grabbing me, or it didn't apply to the story, or it seemed cliche.

But that doesn't have anything to do with the actual writing itself, right? Ehhhh.

What do you think? Is the title of a project off-limits during beta discussion, or should I keep it to myself?

eward · Oct 17, 2011

I think it's fair bait. If you're worried, you could add some kind of disclaimer like, 'You can totally ignore me, but. . .' or 'I know this doesn't have anything to do with the writing, but. . .'

As a writer who struggles with titles, I welcome input on my tentative ones.

L M Ashton · Oct 17, 2011

Yeah, titles are fair game as far as I'm concerned, too. Most writers I've discussed this with have a difficult time with titles.

Polenth · Oct 17, 2011

Titles are something people ought to critique more. It might change for a novel when it sells, but that's no reason not to pick the best title possible for submission. For shorts, it'll probably keep the title no matter how bad, so you definately need to say something.

Smish · Oct 17, 2011

I'd want my betas to tell me if the title sucks.

Stijn Hommes · Oct 18, 2011

Yep, you should comment on it. Especially when you can offer an alternative.

jmlee · Oct 18, 2011

Great, thanks guys. I will use this leverage to offset any hearts I might break

General beta question - Titles - off-limits?

jmlee

MIA

eward

L M Ashton

crazy spec fic writer

Polenth

Mushroom

Smish

Reads more than she writes.

Stijn Hommes

Know what you write...

jmlee

MIA