Akinwale | February 24, 2025

Using Creative Book Titles: When Does It Become Too Much?

So as to not make this piece more controversial than the title already suggests, I shall refrain from naming certain books with such... dubious-sounding names.

The importance of choosing the right book title

While a book title can seem basic, it remains inestimably important to the commercial success and consumer appeal of the final published work.

Unfortunately for readers, there are no set-in-stone rules on how to name books, so there are no real standards to hold authors to.

Creative license is allowed.

However, creative license can have limits. The question is where do writers draw the line when crafting their book titles? At what point does fluff become too much fluff?

Books are brands

Book titles, like book covers, are part of the marketing arsenal wielded by publishers and authors to better reach a certain demographic while establishing a unique brand.

A book's brand isn't limited to the publishing house. It includes the writing style, book cover, naming system, and the author. Therefore, it's impossible to see book names as anything but an extension of their writers, and the stories they tell.

Expectations won't always be met

When an author is known for certain themes in their plot, such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her infusion of feminism and social justice, it can affect the extent to which the audience sees their attributes in other books.

In other words, the reader approaches each book with some ready-made bias based on their experience with reading previous books. This bias applies to every aspect of the book, from the plot, characters, book cover art, and book title.

This bias partly clouds the mind of all readers, whether it's a known, traditionally published author or independent new author whose book you're checking out.

Onus on the writer

Although there's no one way to name a book, writers are ultimately responsible for how their books are received. When a book is aptly named, it complements the work, making it more than just one more story to remember.

Here are some points that indicate where writers should draw the line:

Names based on temporary market trends: A book should never be named to reflect industry trends. Like the wind, it'll be gone by the next fashion season.
Leveraging social justice: Literature can be used as a tool to promote social justice. It should never be the other way around, where social justice becomes fuel for your book's success.
Direct or indirect plagiarism: Intentionally copying another writer's work is unprofessional and unethical, and can negatively affect the reputation of an author.
Translations: If your book title includes a translation or indigenous work, make an effort to ensure grammatical correctness.

Wrapping up

Like book covers, book titles are often a big factor for bibliophiles when choosing their next read. You're not supposed to judge a book by its cover. But you sometimes do.

Book titles have the same effect, pulling at the psyche of the consumer in several implicit ways.

What is the most significant instance of book title controversy that you've heard of? Share in the comments.