“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet…” (Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet)

But is that true of a book’s name? Yes, the story would remain just as exciting (or boring) regardless of the title, but would you have ever picked up the book and found out if it had another name?

After all, the title plays an important role since besides the cover art and perhaps the “hook” on the inside flap or back cover, it is what catches a reader’s attention first. In fact, it might be even more important since readers refer to the book by name, not cover art!

So, how do authors and publishers come up with these names? Because a title needs to instantly connect with a browsing reader, literary agent Rachelle Gardner shares these rules with her clients:

1. A reader needs to have an idea what the book is about just from the title. (Really? That’s what a title’s supposed to do?!)
2. The tone of the title needs to match the tone of the book.
3. It must convey the right genre (including time period if applicable).
4. If the book were spine-out on the shelf (so the cover and sub-title were not visible) it still needs to attract attention without the cover art.

OK, so all that seems pretty obvious. Given those parameters, what about these rather unusual titles?

• How to Avoid Huge Ships by John W. Trimmer
• Be Bold with Bananas by Crescent Books
• Fancy Coffins to Make Yourself by Dale L. Power
• Across Europe by Kangaroo by Joseph R. Barry
• The Making of a Moron by Niall Brennan
• Lightweight Sandwich Construction by J. M. Davies
• How to Be a Pope: What to Do and Where to Go Once You’re in the Vatican by Piers Marchant
• How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren

Another tidbit I learned while reading Ms. Garner’s blog – “Rants and Ramblings” – was that many agents ignore the titles the authors give their books because early on in the process the title is simply unimportant. Very interesting. It isn’t until later that the publishers usually do the titling and it has as much to do with marketing as anything else.

For example, Matt de la Pena, author of several YA books, was disappointed to find out that his agent changed the name of his first book. He wanted it titled, Three Stones Back, which is a title that reflects the theme of the book. However, it was ultimately published as Ball Don’t Lie. The agent thought that it would sell more with this title because it highlights the game of basketball, which is a big part of the book as well.

So while I guess we should “never judge a book by its cover,” we should close pay attention to what’s in its name.

Take a moment and use the comment feature to share some unusual book titles you’ve encountered over the years.