The Scribe Method The Best Way to Write and Publish Your Non-Fiction Book

Picking The Perfect Book Title

Your book title is the first impression your potential readers will have of your work. It needs to be compelling, clear, and memorable. Here are the key strategies to crafting a title that stands out and sells:

  1. Make a Promise of a Benefit

Readers are drawn to titles that offer a clear benefit or desired outcome. Promise them something they want to achieve. Examples:

  • How to Win Friends and Influence People
  • Getting Things Done
  • Think and Grow Rich
  1. Be Simple and Direct

Sometimes, the best title is a straightforward statement of what the book is about, especially for instructional books. Examples:

  • Getting Past No
  • Steve Jobs
  • The Power of Habit
  1. Target an Audience

People judge a book by its title to see if it’s relevant to them. Address your specific audience directly in the title. Examples:

  • What to Expect When You’re Expecting
  • Physics for Future Presidents
  1. Offer a Specific Solution to a Problem

Clearly state what problem your book solves. Examples:

  • Man’s Search for Meaning
  • 6 Ways to Lose Belly Fat Without Exercise!
  • Secrets of Closing the Sale
  1. Use Numbers to Add Credibility

Numbers add specificity and make titles more concrete and engaging. Examples:

  • The 48 Laws of Power
  • The Five Love Languages
  • The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
  1. Pique Curiosity (But Withhold the Answer)

Use paradoxes or unexpected statements to intrigue readers. Examples:

  • Networking Is Not Working
  • 10% Happier
  • Who Moved My Cheese?
  1. Use Metaphors or Symbols

Metaphors create an emotional connection and deeper meaning. Examples:

  • Lean In
  • The Untethered Soul
  1. Use Alliteration

Alliteration makes titles catchy and easy to remember. Examples:

  • The Mighty Miss Malone
  • A Storm of Swords
  1. Alter a Popular Phrase

A clever twist on a well-known saying can be highly effective. Examples:

  • The War of Art
  • Assholes Finish First
  1. Use Slang

Slang can add personality and relatability. Examples:

  • Ain’t Too Proud to Beg
  • No Mopes Allowed
  1. Try Cliché Formats (or Reverse Them)

Common formats can work well if done creatively. Examples:

  • The Art of Racing in the Rain
  • Confessions of an Economic Hitman
  • The Joy of Sex
  1. Coin a New Word or Phrase

If done successfully, this can create a powerful brand. Examples:

  • Essentialism
  • Denialism
  1. Research for Inspiration

If you’re stuck, browse Amazon, Goodreads, and Wikipedia for similar books. Copywriting manuals also provide useful guidance:

  • POP!: Create the Perfect Pitch, Title, and Tagline for Anything
  • The Ultimate Sales Letter
  • Advertising Headlines That Make You Rich

Step 3: Check Copyright, Trademark, Keywords, and Popularity

Titles can’t be copyrighted, but they can be trademarked. Ensure your title isn’t infringing on existing brands. Also, verify that it contains relevant keywords for discoverability.

Step 4: Pick Your Favorites and Test Them

Test #1: Imagine People Saying the Title

Can you picture readers confidently recommending your book at a party? If so, your title is likely strong.

Test #2: Test Clicks (Optional)

Use platforms like Google Ads, SurveyMonkey, or Pickfu to see which title resonates best.

What NOT to Do

  • Don’t rely solely on social media polls; your friends aren’t your audience.
  • Avoid overcomplicating the title; clarity is key.
  • Steer clear of titles that are too similar to existing bestsellers unless you have a unique twist.

By following these principles, you’ll craft a title that captures attention, engages readers, and ultimately drives book sales.

Need more guidance? Download The Scribe Method for free here or grab a hard copy here.