JUDGING A BOOK BY ITS TITLE @kathleenlawless #romancegems

Experts say we judge a book by its cover.

Could that mean we also judge a book by its title?

Titles can be tricky.  They are also, unlike the story’s content, not subject to copyright, which means the same title can be used time and again by different authors. 

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend someone call a book GONE WITH THE WIND, just because they can.  I think the fans would cry foul. 

Publishing houses have long been notorious for changing the title of an author’s work.  Of my first 15 traditionally published novels, 11 had the title changed.  Sometimes I liked the change.  Even when I didn’t, I never made it a deal-breaker but trusted that the marketing department had their reasons. 

The good thing about now acting as my own publisher is the ability to make those decisions for myself.  When my western historical romance MADDY’S FUGITIVE was originally published as DELIVER ME, I thought the title very bland.  What did it even mean?  Seems readers felt the same way, as this particular book consistently saw fewer sales than my other western romances. 

Authors worry incessantly.  I worried about losing my reviews for the book.  I worried about reader backlash if someone purchased the book with its new title and discovered they had already read it. 

In the end, I took the leap.  I held my breath and re-christened the book with my original title, MADDY’S FUGITIVE. 

Now it is branded with my other western historical romances, which all have the heroine’s name in the title.  It also (shocker) gives the reader a hint into what the book is about. 

Yes!  You got it! 

The hero is a fugitive from justice. 

Now, at least one trope is obvious to the potential reader.  They know the hero is on the run.  Likely some action, and possibly danger, will be involved.  If they enjoy action and adventure with their romance, this book will deliver.

It’s early days, but so far the reviewers are positive.

“An amusing, spirited, adventurous tale.”  RT reviews

“Maddy’s Fugitive has it all—romance, action, mystery, and solid characters and plot.  All-in-all I enjoyed this western romp…”  ~Jen, Romancing the Book

“Maddy’s Fugitive was a fun, passionate, engaging whodunit with a strong, stubborn heroine.  I was quickly drawn in….”  ~Josie, Night Owl Reviews

For a limited few days, MADDY’S FUGITIVE is on special for only .99.  If you haven’t read the earlier edition with its nowhere title, this is your chance to grab it, complete with its sparkling identity.    

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JIJ38TE

How important are book titles to you?  Do you pass a book over if the title doesn’t grab you?  What's a favorite title you remember?  Or the worst title you recall?  

I love to hear from my readers.  Check out my VIP reader's group for new release information, special fan pricing and a free prequel to my Seven Brides Series.  http://eepurl.com/bV0sb1

Website:  www.kathleenlawless.com

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