How to Decide On a Title For Your Story

The title of a story or novel is very important. It is not only what people will call it, it is the phrase that people will try to decipher as to whether or not it would be something they would wish to read. Of course, your ultimate goal as a writer is to get readers to not only read your words, but enjoy them. Thus, your title can be the first step towards this goal.

Here are some tips you should keep in mind when deciding on a title for your next story.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper
• Pen
• Computer

1. Keep it short and simple.
   
   If the title is long and full of complicated sounding words it may put off a reader.

2. Make it a title that will flow easily off the tongue.
   
   You want the title to be easily repeated. Then once read and hopefully liked. It will be easier for the reader to recommend to others.
   
   The best way to make sure that it easily flows off the tongue is to say it out loud.

3. Make it memorable.
   
   Again, it will make it easier for a reader to recommend if it is memorable.

4. Make sure it describes your story or has something familiar with it.
   
   You don't want to write a title such as The tour of Boats and then write nothing at all about boats within the story. The reader may be offended.

5. Don't copy other people's titles, even the good ones. Yes, you may accidentally find that your great title has been taken. If this is the case and you have time to change it before publishing, do so.

6. Get a second opinion on your story title. Ask a friend, a relative or a writer friend about what they think about your title. Tell them to be honest.

Tips & Warnings

• Try out several titles if you must before settling on the perfect one.
• Keep a story title notebook.
• Never overlook the importance of your story's title

[vikki9]

on 2/18/2009 Sometimes a title is hiding right in the copy.Thank you for this article!

[ktree]

on 1/25/2009 Great tips. Thanks!

[bossypants]

on 1/24/2009 Great advice to focus on the audience when selecting a title for your story or novel. Thanks!

[severt101]

on 1/24/2009 I would like to write a story thanks. 5*

[Glencap]

on 1/14/2009 I find that coming up with a good title for a story is sometimes harder than coming up with the story itself. These are good suggestions. Thank you.