Titles (and Subtitles) Sell Books!

Does a title really sell a book? The short answer is, yes. If a book does not attract a reader initially, it will be overlooked and not purchased. The book title is the element that creates the initial attraction to the book.

Watch people who are browsing in a bookstore. A catchy title grabs their interest and makes them reach for the book out of curiosity. A great title makes browsers think, "Really?" or "What does THAT mean?" or "That's what I need". Think long and hard when choosing your book's title. The title must give some clues about the book's contents in a snappy "one-liner".

Many authors struggle fiercely with the title choice, not realizing that the title is there somewhere in the book's contents. They just haven't recognized it because they are too close to the project. Sometimes it helps to talk to impartial, unbiased persons. Tell them what your book is about, and then listen to their feedback.

Alternately, on the tongue-in-cheek advice of one publishing professional, open a bottle of wine and start writing. Make a list of everything that comes to mind about what you have written in your book. Nothing is too silly, but do try to strike on the central theme or message.

When your list is complete (and the wine is all gone), group your notes into categories. Choose the snappiest, most intriguing words that say something about your book without sounding like a boring explanation.

Perhaps these titles will help you:

• Woman-Sense Rules!

• Fit to Cook

• Climb Your Stairway to Heaven

• Light the Fire

• Spell Success in Your Life

If you are planning on a series, your title should be your "brand". Then as you make your brand into a household word, you ensure future sales. As each title in the series is published, you know that people will buy the latest book to complete the series. Think Harry Potter or Nancy Drew.

The subtitle of your book is a great way to increase sales. The subtitle gets to the heart of the book and convinces the reader of the book's benefits. It lets people know that the book is unique and that they really can't live without it. It makes the reader believe that he or she just can't live without it ? and that is your objective.

Check the following subtitles:

• Woman-Sense Rules! ? The Spiritual Woman's Guide to Finding Yourself When You Didn't Know You Were Missing

• Fit to Cook ? Why "Waist" Time in the Kitchen?

• Climb Your Stairway to Heaven ? the 9 habits of maximum happiness

• Light the Fire ? Fiery Food with a Light New Attitude!

• Spell Success in Your Life - A road map for achieving your goals and surviving success

In the title and in the subtitle, you can use humor or emotions to sell your book, but avoid clichés and "corny" expressions, or overly common sayings. They soon become stale and annoying. Keep your title unique, catchy and relevant.

Before making the final decision on your title, conduct a title search (see our home study course, Idea to Book?to Success ? the fast, easy, simple way! for instructions on title searches). Although you cannot copyright a title, duplicating titles only leads to confusion, and you want people to buy your book, not a competitor's book. Make your title one that increases the likelihood of increasing your book sales.

About The Author

© Copyright 2004 Ink Tree Ltd.

Ink Tree Ltd. helps authors publish, market and sell books. From "101 Things You Need to Know About Publishing" to our Ultimate Book Marketing Kit, we will help you make your book a success. http://www.inktreemarketing.com

info@inktreemarketing.com

---

Better Links Directory

Book Marketing 101 - Setting up Author Events and Book Signings -- Get the Most from Book Publicity

We all have at one time or another had the... Read More

Publicity Through Philanthropy For Writers

I am twenty three years old, have sold over four... Read More

Top 10 Tips for Book Titles that Sell Well

A clever title is great if it is clear, but... Read More

Sell More Books With an E-mail Newsletter

NOTE: Because many words in this article are likely to... Read More

A First Time Authors Publicity Kit Materials

If you're a new author that has been requested to... Read More

Book Signings Are Pure Gold

So you've written a book, had it published by a... Read More

Book Marketing 101

Francine Silverman. Book Marketing from A-Z (InfinityPublishing.com, 2005). Trade paperback.... Read More

Speaking for a Publication

Why write a book and get attention and loads of... Read More

Book Titles that Make Big Bucks

Do you know how readers decide to buy a book?... Read More

Top Six Lies About Book Marketing: (And the Truths to Set Your Book Free!)

If you're like me, you have a book and the... Read More

Ready, Set, Go Sell Your Book In The Real World!

We hear a lot these days about more books actually... Read More

Does Your Book Cover Pass the ?Ignore? Test?

Your book cover is the first impression a potential client... Read More

Top 5 Book Selling Tips

TIP # 1Online reviews are paramount in importance when it... Read More

Top Ten Ways of Why and How to Write your Books Sales Letter - Part 2

Authors/publishers are great at getting their books written. But after... Read More

Comments From A Book Reviewer

For the past several years I have been reviewing books... Read More

Five Book Back Cover Mistakes and How to Solve Them

Did you know that your back cover information is, after... Read More

Authors Should Be Optimistic

A client wrote me recently and asked what I thought... Read More

Seven Really Truly Unique Ways to Sell More Books

These marketing tips aren't for the weak at heart. Use... Read More

Why Would I Buy Your Book? Six Steps to Your Tell and Sell - Part 1

How would you like to have countless people clamoring for... Read More

Why Write Articles to Promote your Book?

Reach 15,000 to 100,000 targeted buyers every week Online. That's... Read More

Three Powerful Tips on Selecting a Book Topic that Sells

The topic of your book or eBook counts-big time. Which... Read More

How a Book is Born: One Authors Story

Not all books come out whole, all at once. In... Read More

How to Get Your Book Reviewed

Imagine your book at the top of the Best Sellers... Read More

Secrets to Selling Books by Mail

This is intended for informational purposes only. Selling books by... Read More

Make Big Profits from Small Booklets

What is your excuse for not being published? "I don't... Read More