How to write a book title: Types of headlines and great story titles

7 amazing secrets on how to write a book name (plus examples of eye-catching headlines)

Want to know how to write a book title that is short and powerful?

Indeed I have written thousands of headlines as a print editor and understand what sings and what falls flat.

So keep reading for my favourite tips to entice and intrigue life-story audiences…

An earlier video on this topic was first published here

How to write a book title basics

A book cover includes: a lead headline (title), secondary headline (subhead) and often a book description (label).

Firstly, the lead headline is one or a few words in large font that commands attention.

The smaller second headline is longer and gives the lead context.

The third, if needed, describes the book: an autobiography, a memoir, a biography, a novel etc.

Meanwhile, inside chapters take a title or number or both.

However, I like to include a chapter headline to engage readers to keep going.

Related article – Edit: The ultimate guide to polishing your writing

7 secret weapons

The following is not a definitive guide on how to write a book title but headline writing strategies I use the most.

Certainly these are my most favourite tactics.

So use them to write attention-grabbing cover and chapter titles or even start a story intro.

Related article – Book covers: How to create a memorable cover design

1. Play it straight

The play-it-straight title or headline is your ultimate fall back.

You are not trying to be tricky or fancy.

Simply tell the story in a few words accurately.

For example My Adventurous Life by Dick Smith and Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty.

Ideally aim to include a noun (name) and a verb (action word).

Coaching Calls Forever Young Autobiographies. Open hand outstretched over sparkling water.

2. Rhyme time

This is a fun tactic that I think works best with names.

Also, I like to put these names or words into a rhyme search engine like Rhymes.com.

This is because it comes up with many rhyming words of various syllables.

An example of a rhyme title is Not Quite Not White by Sharmila Sen.

3. Play on words

This is my No. 1 strategy on how to write a book title.

Certainly most cover and chapter titles can be jazzed up with a play on words.

For instance, I usually look to play with a headline verb.

Often you can re-angle a saying to link to the person and story.

A great example is musician Jimmy Barnes’s award-winning memoir Working Class Boy.

This title is a play on the name of his song Working Class Man.

Also use the library or internet to find puns and sayings to play with.

Lately I’ve been using this online cliche list.

4. Use a name

Names are an obvious choice for a life-story cover.

Indeed it is amazing how simple and effective they can be.

In short, they personalise a story from the outset and are extremely relatable.

For example Johnathan Thurston: The Autobiography or Sontag: Her Life and Work by Benjamin Moser.

5. Ask a question

Asking a question in a headline or title sparks instant reader interaction.

But beware questions can backfire if easily answered or dismissed by a reader.

So use sparingly for maximum power.

A good question example is the biography Do Oysters Get Bored? by Rozanna Lilley.

6. Quotes

Certainly amazing for emotive and powerful stories.

But best used in moderation.

Hot tip, make the quote the first headline.

Next explain it further with the second headline.

For example The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X by Les Payne and Tamara Payne and Chasing Me to My Grave: An Artist’s Memoir of the Jim Crow South by the late Winfred Rembert.

7. Intrigue

This can be created by using a combination of the above techniques.

Use one word or many.

Also can be helpful to make reference to a book or chapter’s theme.

For example Educated by Tara Westover or No Friend But the Mountains by Behrouz Boochani.

Related article – Book review: Educated by historian Tara Westover

Final say on how to write a book title

There are many creative tactics for how to write a book title or super chapter title.

Best of all they are easy and fun to try!

So next time you are scratching for a headline try: telling the story, using rhymes, playing with words, using a name, a question, a quote or creating intrigue.

Happy writing!

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Your say

What title tactic or tactics are you going to use? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Send me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.

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First published September 5, 2019: This article has been updated and improved.