writing tips

coming up with titles (for chapters, the book, etc)

BOOK TITLES

Coming up with a book title is quite difficult. Most of the time, you aren't exactly sure what to call your story.

Generally, books are titled based off what the story is about. Sometimes it's symbolic and others it's quite literal.

Like a lot of the werewolf books here, and I mean a lot, they title their books with "The Alpha's ____", or "Her/His ____". This an example of titles in the literal sense. Others have "Marked" or "Claimed," or "The (insert color here) ____".

They based their titles quite literally off of the plot of the book. Which you can do, like for The Hunger Games. The story is about... well, the Hunger Games, therefore the author decided to title it The Hunger Games.

There are others which are more symbolic. They're still based off the plot, but not quite as literal as the others. Like "Trapped," or "Caged," wherein the MC is... uh... stuck in a relationship.

(wow, I'm creative)

There are also catchy titles such as "I Sold Myself to the Devil for Vinyls. Pitiful, I Know" which really captures the eye of the reader.

The point of the title is to catch the attention of the reader, so they could read the summary then decide if they want to read your book. So one: how are you going to make a title? And two: how are you going to make a title that's interesting?

First, base your title off your story. That's it.

Depending on the feel/vibe you want your story to give off, you can name it in different ways. You could have something neutral like The Hunger Games or Magnus Chase and (insert thing here), or you could have something serious like "Erasing Lies". You could also have it humorous, like, once again, "I Sold Myself to the Devil for Vinyls. Pitiful I Know".

Now, how are you going to make it interesting?

For one, quit it with the cliches. And I'm talking about wattpad books here. Stop titling your story "The Badboy and Me." (No shade to stories that have said title). Sure, it could get a lot of views but I tend to avoid stories that have these types of titles.

Next, come up with something either witty or ominous/serious. Something that holds meaning and some type of power or something mysterious. Granted, it doesn't have to be that intense because you have the summary to do that for you, but a mysterious/witty/serious title will do you some good. (Depending on, like I've said before, the type of feel you want for your book).

CHAPTER TITLES

Once again, chapter titles are based off the vibes/feel you want your book to have. Rick Riordan (uncle Rick is honestly an amazing example-) has his books with Percy, Apollo, and Magnus have gems for titles. Honestly, they're hilarious. They're along the lines of "My Sword Has A Better Social Life Than Me." (mOod)

I think if your book is told in the first POV, you can use that to your advantage in naming chapters. Since after all, it's a narrative, you can have the chapters show the personality of the MC.

In one of the books I'm writing, my chapter titles are quite serious because my character is serious and an angsty little crap. So the titles are things like "indifferent," or "reunite," or "pain."

So if you want your book to be humorous or serious, you can mirror that with your chapter titles.

All chapter titles should be based off what the chapter is about. So, frame your title around that. It doesn't have to be literal; you shouldn't be listing off things that will happen in the story. Once again, try and be vague but clever. (Example: How to Kill Giants Politely). Next, see if you can phrase it in such a way that it reflects the atmosphere you want.

Alright that's really all I have (rip) because honestly I'm an amateur so if you need more info, I think Shaelin Writes (yes I'm promoting her again) has a video about it. Anyway, hope this helped at least a bit!