Choosing a title for your book

How to choose a novel title

Choosing a novel title can feel like naming a child. It carries weight, personality, and a hint of what’s inside. A good title captures the heart of your story. It gives readers a clue about what to expect, whether that’s adventure, heartbreak, mystery, or something else entirely.

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A title should mean something. It can reflect your theme, your main character’s journey, or the world you’ve built. It should be easy to say, easy to remember, and most importantly, feel like it belongs to your story. Some writers know their title before they ever start writing. Others don’t find it until the final page. Both are perfectly fine. If the title comes first, it can help guide the story. If it comes later, it can rise naturally out of what you’ve written.

When you’re brainstorming, write freely. Jot down every word or phrase that connects to your book in some way. Look at song lyrics, poems, or lines from your story that stand out. Play with imagery, tone, and mood. Don’t judge your ideas too early. The first few might be obvious or overused, but keep going until you find something that feels right.

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Once you’ve got a list, start shortlisting. Read each option out loud. Think about how it looks on a cover, how it sounds when you say it, and how it feels when you imagine readers saying it too. Check that it fits the genre. A dark, moody title might not work for a romantic comedy, and a light, whimsical one might not suit a thriller. Ask yourself whether it fits the tone of your book and whether it sparks curiosity without giving too much away.

If you’re stuck, come back to it after a few days. Sometimes the right title just needs a little distance to show itself.

In the end, your title should feel like an invitation to your story, a few well-chosen words that whisper, “Come on in, this one’s for you.”

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Choosing a Title by Genre

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Literary Fiction
Go for something meaningful, reflective, or symbolic. Readers expect titles that hint at theme or emotion rather than plot. Think subtle and timeless rather than flashy.

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Science Fiction
Titles often suggest scope, technology, or possibility. Look for words that sound futuristic or conceptual. A good sci-fi title sparks curiosity and suggests an idea or world beyond our own.

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Fantasy
Aim for something evocative, rooted in the world you’ve built. Think of objects, places, or myths from your story. Strong imagery works well here, as do titles that feel ancient or mysterious.

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Romance
Keep it emotional and character-focused. Titles that suggest connection, longing, or transformation draw readers in. Short, heartfelt phrases or contrasting words can work beautifully.

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Mystery
Choose a title that teases the question or the secret at the heart of the story. Readers should feel the pull of curiosity. Words like “case,” “secret,” “shadow,” or “whisper” often set the right tone.

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Thriller
Use punchy, active words that suggest danger, speed, or tension. Titles in this genre often feel sharp and direct, like they’re in motion. Keep it short and strong.

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Horror
Focus on atmosphere and unease. The title should give readers a hint of what to fear without revealing too much. Think unsettling words, ordinary things made eerie, or phrases that suggest something lurking beneath the surface.

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Historical Fiction
Ground your title in time and place. It can reference an event, a person, or a cultural detail that anchors the story. Aim for something that feels authentic to the period but still emotionally resonant.

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Adventure
Go for energy and movement. Use words that capture motion, discovery, or challenge. Adventure titles work best when they feel like a promise of excitement or danger.

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Summary: Choosing a book title

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• A title should capture the tone, theme, or heart of your story

• It can reflect your character’s journey, setting, or central idea

• Some writers find the title first, others discover it after finishing - both work

• Brainstorm freely and list every phrase or word that connects to your story

• Use your novel planner or a notebook to record title ideas

• Shortlist by reading each option aloud and checking how it looks, sounds, and fits your genre

• A good title sparks curiosity without giving too much away

• Give it time if you’re stuck - the right title often reveals itself later