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The Storyteller’s Saga & Kat’s Quest

A book by any other name… 📚


KAT VANCIL

THE STORYTELLER'S SAGA

QUEST 111

Well hello there, Reader,

While at the bookshop this past weekend (we were meeting some friends for lunch, and we always stop in to the bookstore beforehand), I picked up a book off the shelf purely because of the title. I mean, come on—My Husband and I sleep in a Coffin—that’s definitely a title that’s gonna make me do a double take.

And it got me thinking about selecting titles for some of my upcoming story projects.

So if you’ve ever struggled with coming up with a name for a story project, or if that’s where you’re currently stuck right now, this email’s for you, Reader!

Here are 6 ways you can find the right title for your book:

1) A line from the book

Take quotes, lines, or dialogue from the story and use it as inspiration for your title.

The Danmei Heaven Official’s Blessing refers to a line from the series, “By heaven’s blessing, no paths are bound.” Meaning that blessings from heaven grant freedom or destiny. The line is spoken and relates to the lead character Xie Lian and his journey through the series.

In my upcoming short story collection, Walk Me Home, I chose a line from one of the 5 stories as the title for the collection.

2) Spotlight a character

Name your story after one of the lead characters. You can either name your book after the protagonist, like Jane Austen’s Emma. Or after the antagonist, such as Stephen King’s It.

You could be more subtle so the reader only realizes it’s named after the lead character(s) once they’ve started reading the book, such as with Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation or The Sun and The Star. Or be obvious, like with Moriarty the Patriot or Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Hammer of Thor.

3) Song lyrics and idioms

Your title can be taken directly from song lyrics, like the Simon Snow trilogy’s, Carry On, Wayward Son, and Any Way the Wind Blows.

Or you can cleverly transform an idiom or pop-culture reference like these authors did with Love at Second Sight and Nightmare before Kissmas.

4) Themes & Symbolism

Ask yourself: What are the prominent themes or symbols that appear in your book? Try workshopping a few of those into some title ideas.

My own novel, Predestined, centers around fate, foresight, valkyries, and their role in leading the honorable slain to the halls of Valhalla and Folkvang.

5) Locations, Settings & Events

If your story takes place in one significant central location or a primary setting, consider using it for the title, like The Hunger Games or The Foxhole Court.

Or if it’s set during a specific historical event like a war, plague, or natural disaster, try calling out the event in the title, such as Love in the Time of Cholera or The Perfect Storm.

6) Evocative Mood

What are the feelings or mood you’re trying to evoke in your book?

Is it that there is definitely something not right with the woods like in Don’t Let the Forest In?

Daemons in the Mist, my very first novel, was born from a bus ride to work on a misty fall morning in 2010. From the way the buildings and the Bay Bridge disappeared into the clouds, and how anything could be walking among us down those city streets.

With these 6 different options for a title, let’s look at…

How to find the perfect title for your story in 5 easy steps:

1) Describe your book in 1-2 sentences. This will help you focus on the most important elements of the story. The title should clearly hint at the story’s plot and genre without revealing too much.

2) Research bestselling book titles in your genre to identify the current popular trends. You don’t want your book to get lost on the shelf, but you also don’t want it to stick out in a negative way.

3) Use the 6 options above to brainstorm some title ideas.

4) Create a list of potential titles and test out their viability by sharing them with others. It’s best to share them with intended readers of your book’s genre. However, if you don’t have beta readers or writer peers, you can always email me for some honest advice.

5) Remember to google your potential title and check out Amazon to see if there are already existing books with that name.

(Course, it doesn’t help if you do this research and then several people don’t and make a book with your exact name after you, and even use the same font.😤)

REMEMBER: If you can’t find a title you like right now, you can always have what’s called a “working title” for a story project.

What’s that? A working title is a temporary name given to a project, product, or publication during the creation process. It’s often used in TV, film, and—you guessed it, Reader—publishing.

For example, the working title for one of my story projects is Dragon Boy.

Well, Reader, I hope this easy breakdown helps you name your next story project. And remember, if you need a second pair of eyes, you can always hit reply and ask your friendly neighborhood storytelling Kat 😸

Until next time, I wish you a wonderfully creative weekend!

Your cohort in storytelling,

Kat Vancil

🐱

PS 👉 Have you ever picked up a book solely based on the title? What book was it? I’m super curious.

Did your friend, co-worker, or some rando you met at a con forward this email to you? First off, they have good taste.

Secondly, you can join the Storyteller's Saga too, and get edutaining emails delivered to your inbox weekly by clicking the golden button below.

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Hello there, this is your friendly neighborhood storytelling Kat, letting you know that I earn a small affiliate commission from purchases of books and other products mentioned in these emails. If I received a free or promotional item for review, it will be noted in the email per regulations.

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The Saga Quest

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The Storyteller’s Saga & Kat’s Quest

Just your friendly neighborhood storytelling Kat here to help you vanquish your story construction obstacles, slay the imposter syndrome clawing at the back of your brain, and stomp your boredom flat with heart-pounding Queer Fiction. Join the Saga and choose your inbox obsession. Whether it’s helpful advice with your storytelling or my twice-monthly newsletter featuring book recommendations & chapters of my ongoing magikal Dark Academia series, ExSpelled to devour during your coffee break.

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