Sunday, November 17, 2013

What is the Importance of a Title?

Does the title of a book influence whether you buy it or not?  I've been thinking about this ever since a prominent author told me the title to my short story, Hitting Bottom, should be changed.  The reason she gave is people looking at the title might think it meant slapping the rear (I'm paraphrasing).

Does the title, Hitting Bottom, make you think of erotica?  It didn't to me, but then I knew my story was about gambling and how some people have hit bottom meaning they lost everything.  So now, I'm wondering if I should change the title to Losing Everything.  I suppose that might clarify what the story is about.  lol   Do these two titles have different meanings to you?

I'm not sure if I'm going to change the title, or not, but it is certainly something to think about. 

Thank you for reading.  Have a great week, and I'll see you next weekend. 

Sandra K. Marshall
http://www.skaymarshall.com

12 comments:

Melissa Keir said...

I'm sure that some people will think it means spanking but there will be just as many who think about people hitting bottom. That's the rub about titles. They are one of the key pieces that make people want to buy your book...the three are title, cover, and blurb. That magical combination are what brings readers to notice your books. But the writing keeps them!

K.T. Bishop said...

Hitting bottom reminds me of spanking, but that's cool. Songs often help me with titles. I like the titles of your other books, Addiction, the Deceived, Catalyst.

Unknown said...

If I see the title, Hitting Bottom I would want to know more about the book. I would want to know why and what caused that person to hit rock bottom. Then I want to read how he/she picked themselves up and move forward.

Kari Rogers Miller said...

Hitting Bottom does not mean erotica to me...but then I know the basis of your books.

I suppose some could think that, but after seeing the cover and blurb, they would realize the content. My first thought was "Rock Bottom" which I suppose could be also considered erotica! LOL

thewriterslife said...

I personally like Hitting Bottom. The cover will tell more of what the book is about so you don't have to worry...people won't think it's erotica.

Jill James said...

Adding rock, like Hitting Rock Bottom might help. But I like Hitting Bottom and don't think of erotica. Then it would be Hitting A@@ LOL I did think of Nowhere But Up, but that is a book by Justin Bieber's mom. (who knew?)

Anonymous said...

Personally I like Hitting Bottom and it certainly did not make me think of spanking. We all know the awful feeling of going down and down. Gives me the chills to think about it. Jane Toombs

Sandy said...

Melissa, K.T., Rose, Kari, Dorothy, Jill and Jane; you guys are awesome. Thank you for coming by.

J Hali Steele said...

Hitting Bottom is short, memorable and, I think, it speaks to people 'Hitting Bottom'. The cover will be the tell all...just don't have anyone's bottom on it! lol.

Historical Writer/Editor said...

My first thought upon reading the title Hitting Bottom was someone down on their luck. Not a bad title.

Blogovation Design said...

I don't think titles matter as much as covers do. Covers are what draws me in to look at the title and blurb

Sandy said...

LOL Thanks, J. Hali.

Thank you, Historical Writer/Editor.

Thanks for coming by Blogovation.

I have really appreciated everyone's comments this week.