When I wrote my first novel, I wanted the main character to be, like me, and Italian American. There are many Italian-sounding first names I could have gone with, Tony, Johnny, Carmine, etc. I decided to go with Frank. Frank is a name that is common among Italians, but it also gave me the opportunity to be clever with the title. I went with Frankly Speaking. There were other books with this title, but none in the genre in which I was writing. It was a good title in that it seemed to work and not adversely affect sales.
Then came the sequel. For the sequel, I decided to use ‘Frank’ in the title. To try something different, I actually ran a contest and the person with the winning title had their name used as a character in the book. It was gimmicky, but it worked and I landed on Let Me Be Frank as the title. I adapted the story by having Frank use an alias for part of his investigation.
The second book was well received and I had several readers clamoring for more ‘Frank’. The story arc across the books had led to a loved one of Frank’s being in danger and him using drastic measures to capture her. I was inspired and went with Frank Incensed. I released the book right before participating in the Indie Bookfest in Orlando. I participated on a panel and the subject of book titles came up. I mentioned my series and my hope that I wouldn’t run out of titles before I ran out of story ideas. After the panel discussion, a gentleman came up and presented me with a list of about 25 ‘Frank’ titles. Some were usable. Some were PG-13 to R rated.
I started thinking about other authors that have done this with titles. James Patterson comes to mind with his Alex Cross books that mostly use the word ‘cross’ in the title. Sue Grafton is another with her ‘A’ Is For Alibi, ‘B’ Is For Burglar, ‘C’ Is For Corpse, etc. series. She painted herself into a 26 book series. Janet Evanovich and her One For The Money Stephanie Plum series seems to have infinite possibilities for titles.
If you are working on a series, is it smart to tie them together with a gimmicky title? Some authors avoid this. I am a fan of the Jonathan Kellerman Alex Delaware series of books. They all have unique, unrelated titles with the subtitle, ‘An Alex Delaware Novel’.
I’m curious about your thinking on this. What experiences have you had? How do you choose a book title?
Your thoughts and comments are welcome.
Book titles are difficult. Often, after you’ve picked and published one, you wish you could change it. I’m very impressed with the titles of your “Frank” series, though. Thoughtful and clever.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the kind words. The next one, due out in April, will be ‘Frankly My Dear’.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like it very much. Worthy title.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I write stand alone books. I’ve never need to tie the titles together, but it sounds like a great thought for series writers. My titles usually come to me while I’m writing the first draft.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ugh. When people ask me what the title of my book was I would just scoff and say, “I don’t know, I haven’t even finished writing it yet.” But those future readers were hitting on something critical: Book titles, as you have just outlined, are critical. People judge books by the titles! As I’m writing my novel, I know that my title is JUST as important and requires JUST as much insight, workshopping and revision as the novel itself.
Thank you for adding to the body of “Title Writing” articles.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLike
Solid information…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
Book titles can be so critical. Good post. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. They can be critical. I’ve been lucky so far although my last book, which centers on a terrorist attack on a college basketball game, was going to be called Final Four, but an author/attorney friend of mine told me I would probably get a cease and desist from the NCAA.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Is that true? How interesting.
LikeLike
Apparently it is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing. Thanks for sharing that. Have a good evening.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too.
LikeLiked by 1 person