Whether you are writing a work of fiction or non-fiction, choosing the best title comes down to the same four immutable rules.

Keep It Short

Shorter titles make greater impact on the readers and they’re easier to remember. Book titles that are easy to memorize also make it easier for readers to talk about and consequently promote by word of mouth. Furthermore, book titles don’t necessarily have to form a complete sentence. Phrases, terms, fragments, or even just one word would do as a book title if it can fully encompass the main idea of your work.

Keep It Descriptive

As mentioned earlier on, the title of your book must mirror the idea of your book. One simple but effective example of this would be the first book of C.S. Lewis popular Chronicles of Narnia Series, the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. With those words, you know right away which important figures the story revolves around.

Of course, you don’t have to be literal all the time. Abstract ideas and allusions will do just as well as long as they’re able to catch the attention of readers and exhibit an underlying significance in hindsight. One good example of this would be Tennessee Williams play, The Glass Menagerie, which continues on as a favorite topic for literary debate.

Speak the Language of Your Readers

The success of your writing largely relies on how well your readers relate to and appreciate the story. It doesn’t mean that you’ll have to write about situations they’ve personally experienced, but it does mean writing in a way that ensures they can grasp your meaning. The same thought should be applied when choosing the title for your book.

Using buzz words are okay, but only if you believe they’re appropriate. You should, however, consider the long-term consequences of your choice. A popular term today may be considered cliche in the next decade.

Make It Unforgettable

This is where various factors like alliteration, rhyming, choice of verbs, and even choice of language all come into play. You don’t need to use complicated words; one glance at the international bestseller Rich Dad, Poor Dad proves that rather well.

If you need help in creating unforgettable book titles, focus on the content of your book. What ideas in your book seemed preposterous at the start but you were able to defend and prove in the end? Could you sum those concepts up in a few words?

Keep these tips in mind when choosing a title for your book. Good luck!

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