How to Craft an Attention-Grabbing Book Title That Actually Sells Your book title is the first thing readers see, so it must instantly capture attention and convey what the book is about.
By Vikrant Shaurya Edited by Micah Zimmerman
Key Takeaways
- Crafting the perfect title is essential for selling more book copies.
- Keep titles brief at 1-7 words and 50-60 characters.
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Your book title is the first impression readers will have of your work. It's your opportunity to intrigue readers instantly, accurately convey your content and persuade potential buyers to give your book a chance.
In a sea of millions of titles across Amazon and bookstore shelves, a weak, generic or confusing title can sink your book's prospects before the first page is even opened. That's why crafting the perfect book title is a monumental task that demands time, strategic thought, and creative brainstorming.
Follow these tips to create a compelling, memorable title that sells.
Related: How to Write and Get Your Book Published
1. Hook readers with intrigue and curiosity
Like an irresistible headline or subject line, your title should spark enough interest and intrigue to capture attention. Ask yourself: What about this title piques your curiosity and creates an urgent need to know more?
Leverage surprise, novelty, mystery, or disbelief to hook readers instantly. Is there a clever play on words or double meaning to surprise? Does the title hint at counterintuitive ideas or defy expectations?
Related: The 4 Best Ways Leaders Can Boost Their Reading.
2. Target emotional triggers that connect with readers
The most compelling titles don't just capture attention, they resonate deeply with emotions readers can relate to. Know your target audience, and identify emotional triggers like humor, inspiration, curiosity, fear, pride or anger that would instigate an impulse to engage further.
Memoirs and personal stories target powerful emotions like hope, regret, determination, joy, redemption and triumph over adversity. Make readers feel an instant emotional connection.
3. Evoke specific reader benefits or transformation
Spell out the tangible reader payoff, takeaway or transformation your book provides. Titles like Get More Done Before 8 A.M and The 5 Love Languages communicate the benefits readers can expect by grabbing the book off the shelf.
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4. Use numbers or formulas when appropriate
For non-fiction especially, readers gravitate towards numbers, steps, or formulate-sounding titles that promise easy-to-follow advice like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Numbered titles clearly convey structured programs at a glance. Just don't exaggerate the number of tips you provide. And keep steps or rules to single-digit numbers for maximum memorability.
5. Keep it short: Stick to 1-7 words
Brevity is best for sticking in the reader's mind. Lengthy titles fail to register as easily in memory. Shoot for 1-7 words or about 50-60 characters with spaces. Rarely do mega bestsellers have long-winded titles.
However, 1-3 word titles risk being too vague or already overused: Push, Choice, Blackout, Change, Believe. Add specificity.
The ideal length is about 3-5 words. Enough to hint at concepts without losing viewer attention.
6. Rhyming, alliteration or wordplay can be memorable
Leverage poetic techniques like rhyme, alliteration, consonance, assonance and wordplay when possible. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck uses assonance between "subtle" and "art." However, rhyming can come across as childish or corny if overused. Choose wisely based on genre. Often, it works well for memoir titles.
Alliteration can forge catchy connections in readers' minds, like The Power of Positive Thinking or The Magic of Thinking Big — just avoid tongue twisters.
7. Convey genre, topic and tone
Ensure your title communicates genre, topic, and tone through keywords and stylistic cues. Memoir titles indicate they are life stories: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Educated. Add "How To" for instructional titles: How to Win Friends and Influence People.
Mystery/thriller titles frequently use tropes like "girl," "secret," "murder," "gone" etc. Horror titles indicate scary elements: Pet Sematary. Choose words that set reader expectations.
8. Optimize for SEO with keywords
Incorporate keywords and phrases readers are searching for to boost SEO and discovery. Include terms like "guide," "how to," "for beginners" or "fundamentals." If applicable. Just be sure keywords flow naturally.
Related: How Gary Vaynerchuk Sold 1 Million Books in 24 Hours, and You Can Too
9. Research competitors
Analyze competitor bestseller titles to identify oversaturated elements versus untapped gaps your title could fill. Brainstorm fresh spins on common tropes and topics readers are seeking.
For example, declining book trends indicate certain genres or themes are becoming overdone. Find open territory where you can stand out.
Related: Business Spying 101: How to Spy on Your Competitors
10. Test titles before finalizing
Research prospective titles to catch unintended meanings or connotations. Run surveys and test concepts on target readers before investing in a final title.
You can create multiple cover mockups with different titles and taglines to gauge reactions. See which piques interest and convey genre/content best before publication.
Remember, books are judged by their covers. But a brilliant cover means nothing if the title doesn't compel engagement. Master the art of irresistible titles that captivate from first glance, accurately reflect contents, and spur readers to eagerly dive in.
