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Kate Walker | What's in A Name? The importance of Titles
April 8, 2012
Lots of people have asked me about the title of my latest romance. THE DEVIL AND MISS JONES is
out in Presents Extra this week – on April 4th actually. And
the title seems to have grabbed at people's imaginations. THE DEVIL AND MISS
JONES? What's that about? It's an unusual title – how did you come by
that? they want to know. They're intrigued and wanting to find out what the
story is behind that atmospheric title. I have to admit that I'm really glad that Harlequin Mills & Boon have made a
pretty radical rethink on their approach to titles a while back. They decided
that those multiple, built up ‘buzzword' titles no longer worked (thank
goodness!) and the billionaire/blackmails/revenge/greek/whatever titles had to
go. (You could hear the cheers from the authors for miles!) If they'd kept to
that system of naming a book then I would probably have ended up with The
Argentinian Billionaire's One-Night Lovechild or some such and we all know
there's so much more to a book than just that! THE DEVIL AND MISS JONES
was my own working title for this story, the one that gave me the right mood and
atmosphere for the book and so I much prefer this more descriptive title for
this very special book.  Special
book? Oh yes, perhaps I should mention that THE DEVIL AND MISS JONES
will be my 60th published title for Harlequin - I'm still not quite
sure how I made it to that number but that's what I'm celebrating along with the
publication of this book. So there's another reason why I'm happy that it has a
title I'm not embarrassed to tell people about. (Because I'll admit that some of
the titles I've been given in the past might have those buzzwords in them but
they've hardly been memorable or enticing.)
About that title, THE DEVIL
AND MISS JONES was my own working title for this story, the one that gave me
the right mood and atmosphere for the book and so I much prefer this more
descriptive title for this very special book. When I'm writing a romance, I
usually have my own personal title that I'm working from - one that tells me
what I think the story is all about, the one that keeps me on the track I want
to follow. In the beginning – way back in 1980s! – I always used to
choose my own titles so the first books were THE CHALK LINE, GAME OF HAZARD,
FIRST MAN, ROUGH DIAMOND, all of which were my own working titles. Sometime
later, I still used to be able to put that title forward as a possible final
title for the book – and so THE TWELVE MONTH MISTRESS and THE SPANIARD'S
INCONVENIENT WIFE were both my working titles and just reading them still
reminds me of the ideas that were in my head when I was writing the story. But
then the policy on titles changed and all those Spanish Billionaire/Greek
Tycoon/Sicilian/Sheikh type titles came in. They were evocative –
sometimes quite powerful, sometimes, I'll admit, they made my toes curl. Any
title I suggested always got changed by editorial/marketing so I gave up even
thinking of one and would send my book in under the title ‘Pietro's Story' (that
became THE PROUD WIFE) or Zarek's story (THE GOOD GREEK WIFE?) But then the thinking on book titles changed yet again – I think that's
the fourth or maybe the fifth time since my very first book was published. When
I sent in this novel I decided to share with my editor the title that had kept
me on the storyline I had planned – THE DEVIL AND MISS JONES
– and luckily for me she loved it and wanted to use it when the book was
officially published. And it's been attracting attention ever since. One of the
reasons why I called this book THE DEVIL AND MISS JONES is
because those are the names my hero and heroine give each other when they first
meet. They don't use their real names but these aliases, names they are hiding
behind, each for their own very personal reasons. Both are at a crossroads in
their lives. Neither of them really know who they are right now- and where they
go from here. And neither of them is prepared to reveal their true self to
someone they have only just met. And Diablo/Devil and Miss Jones are the people
they used to be - the people they are leaving behind and the person that will
change so very much as a result of meeting the other one. So THE DEVIL AND MISS
JONES is how they introduce themselves – and THE DEVIL AND MISS JONES -
and who they become – is the theme of the story. So I hope you can see why
I was so thrilled to be able to use this title for the published book. I think I stuck really lucky there and I'm so happy that everyone is interested
and intrigued by the title. I hope you're all intrigued by the book as well! And
I was wondering – what sort of titles will intrigue you? What makes you
want to pick up a book and learn more about it? What have been some of the best
titles you've ever seen for a novel – or do you have a favourite title of
all time. (I have to admit to loving quite a few – WUTHERING HEIGHTS, GAME
OF KINGS, THE MOONSPINNERS . . . .)  Tell me about the titles that
pull you in and make you want to read the book. Everyone who posts a comment
will be entered into the draw for my prize giveaway this time. I have a copy of
THE DEVIL AND MISS JONES
to give away to one lucky poster. And two other winners will win their choice of
books from my backlist. My cat – Charlie the Maine Coon – will pick
the winners from a set of names, all with a cat treat on the top!
And in the meantime, I get back to work on my latest romance. What's the working
title on this one? Well it was The Black Sheep Prince – but as I've
been working on it I've changed that slightly to 30 Pieces of Silver.
Comments
75 comments posted.
Re: Kate Walker | What's in A Name? The importance of Titles
A great title is all important. THE DEVIL AND MISS JONES does beg for attention. I like clever titles that give you a glimpse of what to expect. I'm thinking Jane Austen right now.
(Mary Preston 2:04am April 8, 2012)
I like the title...sounds sexy and intense
(Susan Ashcraft 2:36am April 8, 2012)
I have noticed that titles can be deceptive. I once ordered a mystery on my nook and then found out that it was a romance. So now I usually order books by authors that I know or ones that are fetured here. To Kill a Mockingbird is my favorite title.
(Kathleen Yohanna 3:50am April 8, 2012)
Hi Kate
I love the title for The Devil and Miss Jones. I've been complaining loudly and long about the Greek/Italian/Spanish Billionaire and the Blackmailed/Innocent/Virgin Bride/Mistress/Secretary types of titles. When you have read hundreds of books and all the titles follow the same formula it makes it difficult to remember whether you've read a particular book. I remember titles from the seventies of books I loved and the stories that went with them so this was frustrating. I did discover one good thing about buzzword titles recently. If you happen to like virgins (which I usually do) it was helpful to have the right buzzwords in the title to give you a clue. But then of course I still wasn't sure whether I'd read about that particular Innocent/Virgin Bride/Mistress before.I guess I'm one of those readers that you just can't please.
(Fiona Marsden 4:48am April 8, 2012)
Love this title Kate! I'm glad that policy on the titles has changed, to me they felt a bit dated and this has a much 'fresher' up to date feel about it.
(Susie Medwell 6:00am April 8, 2012)
Good morning everyone - well it is morning in the UK - and Happy Easter to all who are celebrating it. I hope you've had lots of lovely chocolate eggs to brighten your day.
Off to catch up with everyone's comments
Kate
(Kate Walker 6:13am April 8, 2012)
Hi Mary - I agree that a title needs to grab your attention and I'm glad that you think The Devil and Miss Jones does that. I hope it also give that glimpse of what yo expect that you like
(Kate Walker 6:14am April 8, 2012)
Hello Susan - I'm glad you like the title. Sexy and intense is what I was aiming for - so that works well!
(Kate Walker 6:15am April 8, 2012)
Good morning Kathleen. Yes - a deceptive title can be a problem when you think you're geting one thing and find it's another. But isn't To Kill a Mickingbird a great title? It's one that lingers ion your mind after you hear it
(Kate Walker 6:17am April 8, 2012)
I'm going to have to agree with you, Fiona. Tose 'buzzword' titles did tell readers what was in the book - ut only in simplified terms. And if you started to wonder which ones you'd read - I almost got to the point of wondering which ones I'd written! I think a lot of people got tired of them very quickly.
(Kate Walker 6:23am April 8, 2012)
Good morning Susie- I'm so happy you like this title. I love it myself and yes, I agree the newer titles are so much fresher and interesting - at last that's what I think.
(Kate Walker 6:24am April 8, 2012)
As a cat lover, I am certainly attracted to book titles that contain names of animals, as well as flowers, etc. Of course, I have to admit a sexy title does it for me as well.
Congratulations on your #60!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 7:03am April 8, 2012)
Kate, I think your working titles work! They're great. I picked up one of your backlist titles in a secondhand shop lately (Bedded By The Greek Millionaire) and while I enjoyed the story immensely, I had to practically hide the book around my husband and kids. I really don't like the idea of my four schoolgoing kids seeing me reading a book with a title like that and I know my husband wouldn't either. I hope your publisher lets you use your working titles in future. They're far more sophisticated. I'm due to start THE DEVIL AND MISS JONES SOON and I will read it openly with pride! Looking forward to the next one!
(Maria Mohan 7:04am April 8, 2012)
Great post on titles. Sometimes the title really turns me off. My favorites are one word like Ransom, Reckless.
(Debra Guyette 7:04am April 8, 2012)
I drive a lot and listen to books on CD a lot. I pick them up at the Goodwill, so my selection is limited. Recently I was traveling and needed a book, the only one I could find had a title I wouldn't normally have picked up, but I was desperate. It was a fantastic book, that had very little to do with the title. I almost missed a great book because of the title. So I guess it's true... you can't judge a book by it's cover... (or title) lol
(Becky Darmogray 7:53am April 8, 2012)
You've changed your working title SLIGHTLY? Holy catfish, Kate. I'd hate to see you change it radically, LOL!
Loved reading your title selection story. If I were to write books (don't worry; it's not happening), I would want to keep my own titles. It's too bad that authors don't always have that opportunity. I can't imagine writing a song and having someone else tell me the title has to change....
(Elaine Seymour 8:06am April 8, 2012)
I love the title. I didn't mind the old titles, but it is nice to know that you are now able to choose your own title. I have never let titles decide whether I would choose a book; I find one in my genre and then read the blurb. So, those books without a blurb...just reviews...rarely get chosen. LOL
(Kelly Knapp 8:34am April 8, 2012)
I love the title and I am glad you as a writer can now choose and keep your own titles. It kind of takes away from a book when you find out the author did not get to keep their working title. Keep up the good work and I hope I win!
(Ann Thaxton 9:05am April 8, 2012)
A title is important, but the short summary on the back is what determines whether I bother to read a book or not.
(Pam Howell 9:11am April 8, 2012)
I like a catchy title and The Devil and Miss Jones fits the bill. But I also read the short description of the book on the cover and expect it to be honest about what is in the book.
(Sue Farrell 11:00am April 8, 2012)
Sounds like a great read!
(Nancy Ludvik 11:05am April 8, 2012)
I love the title and congrads on your 60th published book. love to win this book. the book seems very interesting. thanks for the oppertunity to win such a great book
(Denise Smith 11:06am April 8, 2012)
Hi Marhorie - I'm a real cat lover too - as you'll see from the picture of Charlie my youngest Maine Coon. Ialso have an older female - Flora - so I understand how animals names can draw you to a book title - and there's nothig wrong with a sexy title either!
(Kate Walker 11:52am April 8, 2012)
Hello Maria - I thought I'd see you here. I'll admit - between us! - that I wasn't fond of the title Bedded By The Greek Billionaire either. After all, it really said nothign about the book or revealed much of the actual story, did it? And I wasn't exactly comfortable when people asked what my latest book was called and I had to say 'BBTGB'! So lets hope the 'new style' titles stay aroudn long enough to become old style - and more. I hope you enjoy The Devil and Miss jones when you read it.
(Kate Walker 11:55am April 8, 2012)
Hi Debby I'm glad you enjoyed the post - and I'll agree that some title will really turn me off. But I love the idea of a book just titled Reckles or something similar.
(Kate Walker 11:56am April 8, 2012)
Hmm, I've never really thought about titles before. Usually when I read one, it will be able to tell me what genre the book is in, and if it's under the genres that I read, then I'll be interested and find out more about it (synopsis and such). Picking titles sounds like fun, haha, though 30 Pieces of Silver does sound a little pirate-y to me. Or maybe a historical. Oh well. Good luck on it!:)
(Chia Yet Peng 11:58am April 8, 2012)
Congratulations on your 60th book! I love cheeky titles that have a bit of humor or double entendre. One word titles can catch my attention too. I love The Devil and Miss Jones. It piques my interest right off the bat.
(Stacie Deramo 12:22pm April 8, 2012)
Hello Becky - it's true isn't it that you shouldn't judge a book by the coer - or the title - but it does help one to choose which boko to buy/read/listen to if the title appeals. How great that you found an unexpectedly great book that you enjoyed
(Kate Walker 12:24pm April 8, 2012)
Hmm yes, Elaine you're right! I did change that working title more that 'slightly'! I suppose I should have mentioned that the second title wss more of a progression from The Black Sheep Prince - into a developement I thought worked well for the story! It is good to be able to keep my own titles, but I don't expect it will always happen.
(Kate Walker 12:26pm April 8, 2012)
I'm glad you like this title Kelly. I was so glad that I could get to choose my own title for this one - jot sure if that will last! And like you, i need to read the blurb on the back of the book to decide whether I want to read it or not
(Kate Walker 12:30pm April 8, 2012)
Thank you Ann - it can be difficult when the author doesn't het to keep her own title - it means that marketing have decided what title will make a book sell - and that doesn;t always reflect the story the author has created. So glad you like it anyway.
(Kate Walker 12:32pm April 8, 2012)
Nice to 'see' you here Pam - and yes, although the title is important - and intriguing - that 'blurb' on the back is often what grabs a reader as makes them want to read the book
(Kate Walker 12:33pm April 8, 2012)
Thanks Nancy - I hope you find it is a great read if you read it
(Kate Walker 12:33pm April 8, 2012)
Hi Denise - thanks for the congratulations. Thanks for joining in and commenting - good luck with the prize draw
(Kate Walker 12:35pm April 8, 2012)
Hello Chia - picing titles can be fun - or difficult - or problematic . .depends on the book really. It can sometimnes be hard to come up with the right title for the story. After all, as you've vommented - one title , like 30 Pieces of Silver, can mean different things to different people - it's not a pirate book though!
(Kate Walker 12:37pm April 8, 2012)
Thank you for the congratulations, Stacie - I think you like the sort of titles that appeal to me, so I'm glad you found The Devil and Miss Jones an intriguing title. I think a lot of people who have written to me about it would agree with you
(Kate Walker 12:39pm April 8, 2012)
Love the title keep it.
(Roseann Moss 12:40pm April 8, 2012)
Congrats on book 60! Love the title and truly enjoyed reading the book... had a great time meeting your characters and reading their story!
(Colleen Conklin 1:13pm April 8, 2012)
Book sounds great. Congrats on your 60th book. Thanks for giving me a chance to win it.
(Linda Hall 1:22pm April 8, 2012)
I like titles that make me wonder what the book is about and The Devil and Miss Jones is that such title. Looking forward to reading it
(Shirley Younger 1:57pm April 8, 2012)
Thank you for your post and giveaway, Kate.
For the publisher and author, the purpose of a title is to sell the book. For a reader, the purpose is to suggest what the book is about.
Both parties' interests coincide when the title is evocative---the more powerfully, the better. It should indicate in a concise but compelling manner the central theme of the book. Ideally, it should hint at even more.
Titles that perform this function make we want to check out the description of the book. And that's what guides my decision to buy it.
Good luck with the release of "The Devil and Miss Jones"!
(Mary Anne Landers 1:58pm April 8, 2012)
What a cute story! I had never thought about it before, but the title draws my attention to a book. Happy Easter!
(Anna Speed 2:00pm April 8, 2012)
A title grabs my attention but the ultimate factor to buy is
due to the little summary.
(Jan D 3:04pm April 8, 2012)
Hi Roseann - I'm glad you like the title - I do plan to keep it!
(Kate Walker 3:51pm April 8, 2012)
Lovely to 'see' you Colleen. I'm glad you enjoyed the story when you were aqn earlier winner. And thank you for the congratulations
(Kate Walker 3:52pm April 8, 2012)
HI Linda - thank you too for the congrats. Good luck in the prize draw
(Kate Walker 3:53pm April 8, 2012)
Shirley, your comment post made me smile - that's exactly the reaction I hoped for from this title.
(Kate Walker 3:54pm April 8, 2012)
Hello Mary Ann that's a great summary of the way a good book title works. And it's one of the reasosn why I never liked the 'buzzword' titles - there wasn't really that hint at something more in them. I prefer my titles to be more intriguing
(Kate Walker 3:56pm April 8, 2012)
Hi there Anna - I'm glad I made you think about titles and how they draw you to a book - or drive you away! Happy easter to you too.
(Kate Walker 3:57pm April 8, 2012)
Hello Jan - I think that's exactly the way it's planned - that the title will grab you but then the summary on the back should really draw you in. Writing that blurb is a real skill and it's a job my editor usually doesn not me
(Kate Walker 3:59pm April 8, 2012)
Hi Kate ~ Add my name to the list of people who are cheering
for the new form of titles. I think just the name The Devil
and Miss Jones would be enough to get me to look at the book.
Your name causes me to buy it though. I'm looking forward to
reading it.
(Kaelee/Linda Esau 4:55pm April 8, 2012)
Hi Kate,
Congrats on 60 books!
Titles that are a play on words usually make me pick up a book and at least read the blurb.
(Cheryl McEwen 5:26pm April 8, 2012)
Hi Kate,
I admit to getting a chuckle from some of the Harlequin Presents titles. I am
so glad they are making this change. I love your title and I love your books.
Since I have 3 cats all from a kitten rescue shelter, I am hoping your beautiful
cats picks my name! I would love to win your book!!!
(Tammy Yenalavitch 7:18pm April 8, 2012)
Love the title.
(Lisa Garrett 7:26pm April 8, 2012)
oh, this new title change will be so much less embarrassing at the library! I'd be braver about checking out those racier titles if I could use a plain brown wrapper at the desk - they're almost salacious!
(Beth Fuller 7:42pm April 8, 2012)
a title can give you a hint about the style of the book and
the characters - this is a good one & creates a great mental
picture.
(Diane Sallans 9:16pm April 8, 2012)
I read everything I can get my hands on. Of course there are catchy titles and/or blurbs but as they say you can't judge a book by it's cover. You have to dive into the pages to get a true taste of the story.
Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 9:49pm April 8, 2012)
In my case, it's not always the title that draws me in. A lot of times I get hooked on an author, and when they write a new book, that's the first thing I reach for. Sometimes the artwork on the cover happens to draw my attention as well. One book which was the exception to the norm was the book "Roses" by Leila Meacham. I was unfamiliar with her as an author, although I should have been. I've been out of the loop with my reading, but I happened to pick her book off the shelf, and it's one of my all-time favorite love stories. Although a bit long, it was one book I couldn't put down. When an Author asks for titles off the top of my head, I tend to draw a blank, but that one comes to mind time and time again!! Your book has me intrigued, and since it's your 60th, (congratulations) I know it's going to be a killer read!! I'm looking forward to it.
(Peggy Roberson 11:05pm April 8, 2012)
One title that drew me in was a two word phrase: Simple Need, another was Ink Spots, another was The Swing, they each painted a picture that meant something to me.
(Lisa Kendall 11:30pm April 8, 2012)
Sorry to leave you for a while - it's a Bank Holiday here in the UK and we have visitors staying so I have been visting the animal park and the gardens at a local hall - in spite of the rain!
Now I'm back and I'll catch up again
Kate
(Kate Walker 2:03pm April 9, 2012)
Thanks for the chance to win. I'd love to read Trouble Me.
(Mary Hay 2:08pm April 9, 2012)
Good afternoon, Kaelee (well, it's almos evening here in UK) I hoped you'd drop by. And I thought you would prefer the new titles- like me. But that's such a great compliment that my name on a book is what drraw you to it - thank you. I know a lot of people buy by author's name and that's what I do - it's only when I don;t knwo the author that the title really bothers me
(Kate Walker 2:10pm April 9, 2012)
Hi Cheryl - thanks for the congratulations. I'm really hapy to 'be 60'! And I love titles that are a play on words as well
(Kate Walker 2:12pm April 9, 2012)
Hello Tammy - I'm afraid some of those past Harlequin titles did risk making us laugh rather than grab with intensity. Thank you for saying how much you enjoy my books and I hope you'll enjoy The Devil and Miss Jones too. Charlie sends best purrs to your cats. Our past cats were
rescue cats but Charlie was a special Christmas present from a breeder.
(Kate Walker 2:17pm April 9, 2012)
Hi Lisa - thanks for posting. I'm glad you love the title.
(Kate Walker 2:18pm April 9, 2012)
I love this tittle, I don't know what it is about it but it made me smile and want to read the book. It is different from the run of the mill titles lately (nothing wrong with them). This title stand out. I look forward to reading The Devil and Miss Jones. Congrats on the release and thank you for the giveaway.
(Kimberley Coover 2:38pm April 9, 2012)
Beth your post made me smile - I love the image of you checking out books at the library and taking aplain brown wrapper to cover it! Some of the titles did make you want to do that didn't they? I hope you enjoy The Devil and MIss Jones as well as it;s title!
(Kate Walker 3:35pm April 9, 2012)
Hello Diane - you're right about the image a title can create and I'm really glad that my title for this book give you the right image - I'm really pleased how much people like it.
(Kate Walker 3:38pm April 9, 2012)
Hi Tracie you sounds like a real reader, someone who loves books no matter what. But I think authors will always try to create a title that wiull make a reader/buyer pick up their book rather than someone elses - at least that's the hope.
(Kate Walker 3:40pm April 9, 2012)
Good evening Peggy - thank you for posting. I love your story about picking up 'Roses' - isn't it just great when you find a book so unexpectedly yhat you love. I love finding new authors and then reading all they've written - and then the title just doesn;t matter, it;s the author who does.
(Kate Walker 3:44pm April 9, 2012)
Wow Lisa - Simple Need - that's a great title - it would draw me in too. And I like the other titles you've mentioned too. It's interesting isn't it how some titles draw different people in and others don't
(Kate Walker 3:48pm April 9, 2012)
Hi Kimberley and thank you - I'm really pleased to kow this title makes you smile - it makes me smile too and when I was writing the book the idea of The Devil and Miss Jones made me want to tell the story. I just hope that when people read it they enjoy the story as much as they've liked the title!
(Kate Walker 3:50pm April 9, 2012)
Boy, sixty books is some milestone! Congratulations!
And titles are very important. I love the "The Devil and Miss Jones" title. It does get away from the too-familiar type of title that makes one think of a book they have already read. This title is intriguing and will definitely interest those searching for a new book.
(Gladys Paradowski 4:01pm April 9, 2012)
An intriguing title will often bring me to a book I might have otherwise ignored.
(Shirley Nienkark 6:14pm April 9, 2012)
The title's pretty sassy and I look at that part first, then the cover, followed by the inner blurbs. Finally I peek in the middle of the story and see if it's got some strength. If it passes the tests, I've got a new book for my TBR (To Be Read) pile.
(Alyson Widen 8:34pm April 9, 2012)
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