Titles...

I found out this past week that my very short, sexy romp formerly known as "Her Handyman" was offered a contract from The Wild Rose Press (Wilder Roses). I haven't actually signed on the dotted line yet because we need a new title. My editor asked for some suggestions (within certain parameters) and I sent along six or seven, but OMG titles are harder than writing a book!

Two things make a first impression: title and cover. I really think a lot hinges on both. So coming up with just the right title is important. There are the standard ones that we all giggle at, but apparently sell books (or Harlequin wouldn't keep using them). You know the ones: "The Greek Billionaire's Widowed Virgin Mistress".

Okay ... I can't resist... I have to go find some real ones to share.

"The Greek's Convenient Mistress"
"Sophie and the Scorching Sicilian"
"Shameful Secret, Shotgun Wedding"
"The Sabbides Secret Baby"

Ooooh.... I like this one:

"Forbidden or For Bedding?"

Yeah, baby.

Anyway, I'm hoping for a decent title. And a smoking hot cover. That's what I want for Christmas this year.

It's a Little Silly ...

...but I discovered how easy it is to get derailed from writing a particular story.

You see, my current WIP has a working title of "Mr. Fix-It". I loved the title, and it so fits the story and I was zipping right along until ...

WHAM!

I smacked right into a wall -- I discovered that my targeted publisher already has an erotic short titled "Mr. Fix-It".

The discovery broke my heart and really dampened my excitement about the story.

Silly, isn't it? After all, the story is still the same. The hero and heroine are the same people doing the same things. A title does not a story make.

But ...

I'm still struggling to get back on track. I need a new title, I think. One that excites me as much as the original one. Yet, I don't want to get hung up on a title, since publishers often ask for changes ("Shut Up and Kiss Me" had a working title of "Love Your Enemy"), but even so, maybe it would help me get back on the writing wagon.

Do you get hung up on titles for your WIPs?

We Have a Winner...

Who knew so much goes into naming a story? Sheesh....

So, after a month (I can't believe it took that long!!) of brainstorming titles with my editor, we finally have a winner for my newly contracted story (formerly known as "Love Your Enemy").

::::drum roll::::



It will be called: "Shut Up and Kiss Me".

What drama. What an ordeal. I don't ever want to do that again. Well, until the next contract.

*G*

What about you? Do titles impact your decision to by a story?

A Rose by Any Other Name....

So, my contract for the short story I submitted is pending the title change. The editor has requested I send her ten suggestions for a new title and given me some pretty specific guidelines to work within.

Have I mentioned that I HATE titling my work. If I had it my way, every story would simply be "Joe's Story" or "Millie's Story" or "The Story with the Purple Duck". And, yes, those are the kinds of working titles I use because I stink at thinking up titles.

So now, with the carrot of a contract hanging just in front of my nose, I have to think of a clever title for my story and I haven't the first clue. I have a slightly warped sense of humor, and the first thing that popped into my head was "What About B.O.B.?" but I'm pretty sure that one won't work.

*sigh*

In any case, I know what I'll be doing today.

What about you? Are you good at titling your work? And, how much does a clever title impact your decision about buying a book?