April 19, 2012A Book by Any Other NameHow important is the title of a book when sending a proposal? Very important and not at all. Sometimes a title can be so bad the editor can't get past it and rejects the project before ever looking at the proposal seriously. A proposed title can also be so good that it sets expectations sky high. But often the title doesn't help or hinder, so the editor has to engage the proposal to make a determination.
Rarely do titles come so easily or spontaneously. Rachelle Gardner is a literary agent who offers a good process for developing titles. (A coworker recently pointed this out to me here.) Gardner's advice is well worth following. And it is very true when she advises authors, "Think of it this way: the better your title is, the better your chance that the publisher will decide to use it, rather than changing it." That has certainly been our experience at IVP. Some other tips to keep in mind when titling can be found here. But also remember: Titling takes work. It's one of the hardest parts of writing, editing and publishing. But it is worth the effort. Sorry, Bill, but a book by any other name may not smell as sweet. Posted by Andy Le Peau
at April 19, 2012 8:47 AM
|
Get to Know IVP
|
Comments are closed for this entry.