Cover Photo: This is a close-up photograph of word fridge magnets piled on top of each other. Some of the words include "sorrow," "the," "to," "you," "believe," and "explore."
Photograph by Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash

What We Talk About When We Talk About Book Titles

When a writing project has a good title, everyone can feel it. But getting there can be a struggle—for both the author and the publishing team, if your project happens to be a book.

The Author

The Publisher

rhododendrontoogirl/wife/womanin thetrain/window/door so many title tropes in publishing

The Reader

How Titles Are Born

consultation weeks

So, What Makes a Good Title?

ridiculousdoesn’t

Production still of 'The Simpsons'/Gracie Films/20th Television

blind tiger

Chicken Soup for the ______ SoulIdiot’s Guide to____________ for DummiesThe Official Book on How Coca-Cola Saved My Life

before

But What If You Hate Your Title?

hate hate hate

knowat

buy

.

Kate McKean is a literary agent and writer in Brooklyn, NY.