Hi,

I hope these ideas help you.

I believe that it's important that the title flow smoothly and roll off tongue since this can make it easier for readers to remember the title to your book from ads. (Of course there are exceptions to every rule.)

 I enjoy looking for obscure titles that on the outset don't mean much to the reader until they get into the story.  I believe that the most important aspect of a title that it be obscure enough to invoke questions in the reader; questions so powerful that they are compelled to read the work to learn the answers.

A Title like "Where the Red Fern Grows" is very simple yet it begs the questions "what happened where the red fern grows? Why is that location so important? How about the title "The Secret Garden"? What is so secret about the garden? Why is it a secret? Who finds it? And what happens when it's found?

Titles come to me from very simple sources that are easy to over look. My favorite title to one of my short stories is called "Squishing Whistle Pigs". That came from an ex girlfriend who, in recounting a child hood camp story, told me that her and some friends went out to the foot hills to squish whistle pigs. At that time I didn't know what a whistle pig was, but the idea of it, and of their game to go squish them was so powerful that I had to know what it meant to squish whistle pigs and it sparked so many questions in my mind. Even all my college writing instructors love the title. Now I just hope the story I crafted for it stands up to the title.

The title of one of my non-fiction articles came to me from the local radio. The DJ was giving a traffic report and said that the Interstate connector that we call the "flying Y" was backed up due to some "spectator traffic". Being new to the city, I had no idea what spectator traffic was. So within a few minutes my curiosity got the better of me and I was out on the Flying Y to "spectate". All that I found there was a gentleman changing his tire on the shoulder of the road. Apparently its human nature to gawk and hope to see severed limbs and crashed cars even though we may not really want to see those things, but curiosity can be stronger than our wills. So the title "Spectator Traffic" sparked an article about how we get so hung up on gawking at or envying the successes of people around us that we create our own road blocks to getting to where we want to be in our lives.

 So, when crafting a title to a story that is already complete, my suggestion is to give the reader a one sentence "trailer" to your story; a "trailer" that puts questions in the readers mind that makes them want to know what the story is about, what is going to happen, etc. What is the core of your story? What is the bottom line storyline? Take that core and come up with a title that alludes to it in a way that makes the reader question.

If it would help I would love to read a portion of your story and help you come up with something clever if you'd like.

On a side note, I find it also very important to Google the title you decide on to be sure it's unique or at least that your story is quite different than any with a similar name.

A blog is fine or you are more than welcome to email it to me. falconer28@yahoo.com

I look forward to reading it. Thank you very much for allowing me to.

I got it Sarah, Thank you.

I'll read it over the weekend and respond later tuesday when I get back from my vacation. This will give me something to read in the hotel. ;)

Sit back and think about it. What's the storyline about? Where are you taking your characters?  The dilemma?  You could find a title somewhere in there.  I wouldn't worry so much about the title for now.  You may change it ten times before you decide.  I say, continue with your manuscript.. and when you are done..think about how it makes you feel.  What is the first and foremost thought you have about your writing?  Is it the emotions of the character, or the task to be overcome?

I had changed the title of my manuscript three times.  I'm still not certain if it's the one i want.  I will leave it up to the agent to offer me advice if they don't like it.

I suggest finishing what you've started, and then concentrate on giving it the name.

Make certain to post your progresses along your way.  I love hearing about them.  Utilize the agent search section.  This is very helpful.  Read each agents requirements carefully, and check out their websites. 

If you want to post something from your writing, please feel free to do so.  I try to read everything that is posted- I don't always comment.  These blogs are a great source of information and you may find that by responding to the blogger, you will utilize more of their advice than you ever dreamed. 

If you would like you can use AGENTQUERY.COM to also search for literary agents.  However, I suggest using Writers Market first; they seem to have their ducks in a row!   A good friend on here told me about Pitchtopia.com.  I did pitch my novel on there and was contacted by an agent, although it was not the one i just sent my manuscript to, but I will be submitting to her anyway.

Alot of members on this site seem to remain silent during their membership, some blog more than others.  I see it as a great place for writers to come together.  The knowledge of some on this site is amazing, and has helped me in a big way.

Welcome to Writer's  Market!  If you want to talk just let me know.  I'm glad you are here!

Karen