Yah, I bet that subject line grabbed your attention, made you want to learn more. And yet…you want to be careful of attention ploys when it comes to book titles.

I know how easy it is to fall in love with a clever title that would be the perfect match for an entirely different book than the one you’re publishing. I love the title I’m Glad my Mom Died, which is a memoir by Jennette McCurdy, because it stops me in my tracks. It’s super hook-y. Unfortunately, genre issue aside, this would probably be the wrong vibe for a prescriptive nonfiction book addressing mother-daughter relationships and how to fix them.

By matching the tone, style, language, and message of the text of the book with the title and subtitle, you’ll be in a much better position to connect with your potential reader. Again, we’re back to the whole promise to the reader thing I’ve been on about.

Tempted to go for a title that’s quirky? Well, that’s not exactly ideal for a methodically-researched science-based book.

Instead of: Still Stripping After 25 Years (Ta-Dah! This is a book about quilting)

Think:

The Science of Nutrition: Debunk the Diet Myths and Learn How to Eat Responsibly for Health and Happiness by Rhiannon Lambert

Science of Stretch: Reach Your Flexible Potential, Stay Active, Maximize Mobility by Dr. Leada Malek

The Science of Beauty: Debunk the Myths and Discover What Goes into Your Beauty Routine
by Michelle Wong

A calm and thoughtful title? Not the best way to introduce a curse-laden how to.

Instead of: How to Run the Perfect Race: Better Racing Through Better Pacing

Think:

Run B*tch Run by Ruth Field

Healthy as F*ck: The Habits You Need to Get Lean, Stay Healthy, and Kick Ass at Life by Oonagh Duncan.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson

Sounds like it could be the title of a bestselling thriller? Skip it in favor of one that screams prescriptive nonfiction.

Instead of: The Struggle

Think:

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss

Brag Better: Master the Art of Self Promotion by Meredith Fineman

After Hello: How to Build a Book of Business, One Conversation at a Time by Deb Feder

Remember, your title and subtitle are intended to attract the ideal reader for your book. Your title is so not about you, your exquisite taste, or your wit. Beware of cleverness, even if your book is clever in its tone. A clever phrase might sound appealing, but you’re almost always better off with a title that offers solutions or showcases a unique aspect or presents possibilities in a positive way.

Along the same line of thinking, if you’re a big fan of symbolism and nuance, know that a reader scrolling for the perfect book to solve their problem, one with just the right feel, will move right on past because that stuff will go straight over their head. You want to be as overt as possible.

BTW, if you missed it, a strong title also matches the category of your book. And it speaks to an ideal reader and the problem they want solved.