Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Want to be a character in my next book?

It's a little known fact that book titles change all the time. Typically, the author will decide on a title while writing a book or a book proposal. In some cases, the title will come to an author before the rest of the book. That happens to me a lot. A title will pop into my head and introduce a situation that makes me want to write.

Still, every author knows not to get too attached because upwards of around seventy-percent of book titles are changed by the publishing house. Either they don't fit the finished book, or maybe they don't say what the marketing department wants to say. They could be too long, too short, or just not it.

I've been unusual in that I've gotten to keep my titles. Well, until now. This latest book is going to get a new title. I originally named it The Monster MASH because I'm writing about a group of offbeat paranormal MASH surgeons. And while my publisher is on board with the drama and zaniness inside the book, they want a grabby-er title (And yes, I'm making up a word. I like to do that.)

Anyhow, I've been thinking and thinking of a new title. But then it hit me: Why not ask for a bit of help? So I'm holding a contest. Help me re-name The Monster MASH. I'm open to any and all suggestions. If your title is one of the ones I present to my editor, I'll thank you in the book. If your title is the one we go with, I'll name a character after you.

Post any and all suggestions below.

A bit of background: The monster MASH is located down in limbo during a big immortal war. There are vampires, werewolves, demi-gods, sphinxes and about every other creature you can think of. The protagonist is a half-fairy surgeon who was drafted away from her paranormal medical clinic in New Orleans. Oh and she can see dead people.

One of my re-title suggestions was The Truth About Cats and Demi-Gods. My editor said close, but not it. So think of that kind of vibe. Thanks and good luck!

7 comments:

Terri Osburn said...

Not the best at this, but I'll try.

KEEPING THE UNDEAD THAT WAY (bad)
BY ALL THAT'S UNHOLY
LIFE AND DEATH WITH THE UNDEAD
BANDAGES SCHMADAGES (really bad)
DEMI-GODS NEED SAVING TOO
IMMORTALS INCOMING

Okay, I'm just going to stop now.

Zita said...

How about Grrr's Anatomy

Zita said...

The Mobile Monster Reparium?

Zita said...

I know, Have Scalpel, Will Travel

Angie Fox said...

These are great. Keep 'em coming. :)

Sarah S. said...

How about:
Citizen Bane
Beauty and the Beastly
The Good, the Bad and the Immortal.

Hellie Sinclair said...

I have the song "Suicide is painless" in my head now.

Can you make a riff off that line? :) Something Zombie or Fairy-esque?

BEING DEAD IS PAINLESS
SEEING DEAD IS PAINLESS