In the end, it was inevitable that my publisher would reject my title: The Sinfully Seductive Rakish Rogue’s Mysterious Midnight Mistress of Pleasure. Fitting it on a mass-market size book in a readable font size was an insurmountable challenge. Instead, the new title is….
Well, first let’s talk about how books get titles!
An author submits a title with her book. The editor must confer with her collegues, discuss with her boss, and then they tell sales who might reject it on the premise that it won’t sell…or the buyer from Barnes & Noble or another big buyer might refuse to buy copies if they don’t think the title is right.
True story: My first book, It’s My Pleasure, was originally called The Pleasure Revolution. It was changed to suit the buyer from a major chain, which shall remain nameless.
The editor might request additional title suggestions from the author. She dutifully complies. More discussion ensues. And eventually it’s decided after, like, a dozen people (some of whom may not have even read the book) have had their say.
True Story: My first title for The Rogue And The Rival was Love Among The Ruined. My editor didn’t like having the word “ruined” in there, and we agreed that it should match the first book. Good call on her part.
Moral of the story: Do not get attached to a title. However…
True story: I came up with the title The Heir And The Spare as I sat down to write the book. Also, I made up the title of my new novel, and they kept it!
As I was saying, the new title is…
A Groom Of One’s Own
I absolutely love it! Check out the GORGEOUS cover and read a lil’ bit about my delightful new novel!
7 Comments
Such a sweet title Maya, and very fitting now that YOU have found a groom-to-be as well!
Thanks Christina! I know, the timing is too perfect!
Maya, love your original title, and ooh-la-la, what a cover! What happenened to the duke’s shirt!? That’s not how I remember it… good stuff!
Haha, Harvkey!
Instead of a girl with her dress falling off on my covers, I now have a man with his shirt falling off. Progress!
The title is great Maya, and I adore the cover! And I agree with Christina-the title is quite apropos, considering the circumstances.
I definitely approve of the white dress and the shirtless hero.
I never knew that coming up with a title would be such an involved process. Interesting.
Now, back to my bioethics take home final. ::Sigh::
Thanks for the update Maya!
Lisa, I’m so glad I could help with a break from a bioethics final. Oi! Good luck! The end of the semester is in sight!
And yes, the title and plot is so very apropos to my life. Expect blogs about how weddings have changed since the Regency.
And I also approve of the shirtless hero!
June is just too long to wait. Not so easy to get a name, interesting.