No Longer Nameless!
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At long last, my book has a title! Some of you might remember that dramatized secret I kept for all of three days before revealing that, at the behest of my publisher, I was looking for a new title for my novel. I announced five possible titles and then ducked for cover. Many of you provided your comments, thoughtful and honest, and it became clear – and quickly – that there was no real consensus. Well, it turns out that blog polls might be a good proxy for what goes on in-house at major publishing houses because I was told a day or so after that dramatic Help Me! post that no one at Harper was in love with any of the titles.
So. Back to square one. Back to Starbucks. I whined and moped about this for about five minutes, just long enough for me to sprinkle some Splenda in my Pike Place and grab a table. But then I got over it. Searching high and low for a new title gave me an excuse to kick back and read through my entire manuscript again, combing it for title possibilities. I hadn’t read my story in its entirety in a while and it got me even more excited that this is all happening. I can’t wait for you to read it!
Anyway, I came up with, oh, seventy or so new possibilities and fired them off to my delightful editor. Together, we pared it down to about five. And then to two. And then I got the opportunity to wait some more while the fate of my beloved book lingered in the hands of capable others. And then yesterday, I got the word.
HarperCollins picked my very favorite title! I couldn’t believe it and yet I could. This title fits the book. It is simple and very me and intriguing enough, but indicates what the book is actually about. I think this title is unique and memorable and layered with meaning. I am nothing short of thrilled.
Okay, enough buildup, right? I know you haven’t been losing sleep over this (I have – I literally have been dreaming of covers and titles for two weeks now), but after all of this melodramatic nonsense on my part, it is time to bring you up to speed.
My book, formerly entitled BLACKBERRY GIRL, will now be titled…
LIFE AFTER YES
There you have it. The title of my very first novel, final and fixed. It’s official; my baby is no longer nameless. And all the confusion and back and forth and waiting? It was well worth it.
Let me know what you think. And if you feel like telling everyone you know about LIFE AFTER YES, I would not object. My book hits stores May 18th, but in the meantime, stay tuned for cover art possibilities. This is happening. And fast!
Thank you all for reading my words, indulging me in my oft-dramatic anxiety over the minutiae of life and the writing process. Thank you for your comments and insights and input. And thanks in advance for holding my virtual hand on this humbling and exciting road toward publication and for spreading the word about LIFE AFTER YES!
I wish you all the success in the world. The title has endless possibilities – not just for the plot of your novel, but for the storyline of your life, for sure.
Yes! Aidan, I love it! Simple, unpretentious, and allows us (the readers) to imagine the possibilities. Congrats!
I love this! I think it gives an idea of what the book is about but sounds intelligent and thoughtful (rather than saccharine) at the same time — which based on what I’ve read about it, seems like a great match for your book
Congratulations on this step!
SQUEEEE! I love it! I cannot wait to read it!! I am so very happy for you! Congratulations!
Terrific! I love that it conveys the beginning of something. And congrats on finally having an approved title (again). Can’t wait to hear what comes next in this process.
OK, I’ll start by saying I love the new title and I’ll add that I missed a post about changing the title. So can I ask what happened to Blackberry Girl? I guess I’m asking you to rehash Life After No
Perfect, perfect, perfect! I’ll tell my friends and put it on my blog and I’ll make it an official book club selection for May.
Everything does happen for a reason.
Great job:)
It’s a great title; if I saw it in a bookstore, I’d certainly pause to pick it up and see what it’s alla bout.
Fantastic title! I love that not only gives a glimpse of a potential story line, but that it also still holds the possibility for depth beyond just one girl’s engagement story. Congratulations.
Can we expect a ‘Wednesday story’ in tomorrow’s post?
I love it Aidan! It is by far my favorite of all the options. It feels so much more “you”. If I wasn’t excited enough to read it just because of the author, that title alone would lure me in.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!
Congrats! Must be a huge relief! (Throw a “the baby’s named” party!)
It’s the perfect name. I can’t wait to read it!
I love it and can’t wait to read it either!! So exciting!
This is so much better! A title much more mature-sounding and intriguing. I love it. It puts the book in a totally different category. Congrats. Fingers crossed!
I love you. Love it!! Much more authentic and more you and I think it will be a bestseller!
xo
Ahhh! Very exciting, indeed! A great title. Count me in for one.
-R.
great name
I love the title!!!!!
And, your book is being released the day before my birthday so once it’s on Amazon I shall officially add it to my birthday wish list
yay i can’t wait til it’s out and i can read it!
I agree with all the ladies here. It’s a solid title and I like it much more than the earlier 5 finalists. Congratulations!