A few weeks ago, I picked up a library book I had placed on
reserve. Our library has a self-serve system that shelves the books in order by
the first two letters of the patron’s last name, followed by the first two
letters of the first name, and then the title.
When I picked it up, I couldn’t help but notice the title of
the book NEXT to mine. “The Drunk Diet. How I lost 40 lbs. … Wasted” by Luc Carl.
I actually laughed out loud. Of course, I reserved it as soon as I got home.
Former literary journal editor Teddy Norris told my writers
group that titles are the first place you market your piece. “Make it something
interesting,” she said. “Titles have to do something quickly for the reader.” She
told us that in some poetry collection competitions, judges begin with the
table of contents. If the titles are interesting, they read it. If nothing
catches their eye, they move on.
A great title can mean the difference between someone
selecting your book off the shelf, or the one next to it. A title that sums up
the topic and is clever or intriguing will bring readers to your work.
Oh, and the name of the first book I placed on reserve? I can’t
remember.
Write soon,
Mary
