How To Choose a Captivating Book Title?

Your story is important because it has the power to change and impact lives. One of the most vital parts of your book is the name you give it. I believe that your book title can attract an audience and spark deeper curiosity. When you choose a title, it should be done with strategy and intention.

When I was writing my books, I used the acronym CAMP to help me choose a strong title:

1. Curiosity

2. Attention-Grabbing

3. Memorable

4. Problem-Solving

When I was writing all three of my books, I didn’t settle on the first title that came to mind. Instead, I sat down and brainstormed, writing down 20 to 30 potential names for each book. Keep in mind that I published my books two to three years apart.

For my first book, “Us: A Story of Struggles, Heartbreak, and Victories,” I originally planned to name it “Through My Eyes.” However, after doing an Amazon and Google search, I discovered that several books already had that title. So, I changed it to its current name. After publishing, I noticed that people were drawn to the title because it sparked curiosity about the struggles I faced in my life.

Curiosity

Think of books like “Oliver Twist” or “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier. These titles spark curiosity. Readers may ask, “Who is this person?” If their curiosity is strong enough, they may purchase the book to find out.

Attention-Grabbing

Consider titles like “The Loud Librarian” or “Eating People Is Wrong.” These titles are bold, unexpected, or even contradictory. They act as powerful marketing tools that spark interest and help the book stand out.

Memorable

Think of titles like “Becoming” or “Think Like a Man.” These titles are simple and easy to remember, making them easier for readers to search for later.

Problem-Solving

What problem does your book solve? Consider titles like “Taxes for Dummies” or “Unblock My Creative Flow.” These titles clearly communicate the problem they solve, making it easy for the right audience to find them. Imagine someone struggling with taxes walking into a bookstore and seeing “Taxes for Dummies”—it immediately grabs their attention.

Before You Choose a Book Title, Do the Following:

1. Brainstorm 20–30 possible titles. Then do a Google search to see if they are already taken. Choose a unique title to avoid confusion.

2. Take a poll. Use social media or email marketing to ask your audience for feedback. This helps them feel involved and gives you valuable insight.

3. Use a free keyword tool to check demand. For example, when I was naming my third book, “Rise Above It: Self-Doubt, Insecurity, and Low Self-Esteem,” I researched keywords and found strong interest in the phrase “rise above.”

3 Things to Avoid in a Book Title:

1. Long, boring titles that do not pique your audience’s interest

2. Titles that are already taken

3. Titles with low search demand

Action Step:

Make a list of 20–30 possible book titles.