Choosing A Title for My Non-fiction Book

April 22, 2015

Dear Cathy:

I am writing my first book but I am not sure the best way to choose a title.  It will be a non-fiction book so do you have any suggestions on the best way to choose a title?  Upcoming Author, Florida

Dear Upcoming Author:

Many upcoming authors can’t get started writing a book because they can’t come up with a title.  Most authors get fixated on their book title from the very beginning but they should not do this. 

Even though it’s nice to have a hook to hang onto from the very beginning of writing a book, by the time you finish writing the book, there is a good chance that your title will change.

Just remember the book title will have a major impact on whether or not people will buy your book – especially if they come across it online without having been introduced to it by you or someone they know. 

Next to the cover design the title is the single most important pre-purchase feature. It’s imperative that you include a subtitle with a non-fiction book so that people know what it’s about. 

If the title and subtitle pulls the potential reader in, then they will go on to view  the Table of Contents, Preface or Introduction so just remember that most readers don’t get past page 18 in a book so you need to hook them from the very beginning.

You can learn more about how to write a book by reading "How To Write A Book: The Complete Guide To Writing and Selling Your Own Paperback or E-book."