Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Would A Title By Any Other Name Be As Sweet?

It's in the mail.

Heard that one before, haven't you? :)

Technically, it's in the hands of UPS, and IT would be completed revisions for Book #2 of the Nicki Styx series. You notice I didn't use a title when referring to it. And why, you ask? (ok, I'm pretending like you asked.)

Because my publisher has asked for a new title for Book #2. For two years (and more), this book has been titled WHERE THE GHOULS ARE, but now that it's time to put it in production, I've been asked to come up with something different. There are reasons, which have been explained to me, and which I can even agree with, but I'm having trouble coming up with something equally fabulous. I LOVED the old title. ADORED the old title. But the old title is history. *sigh*

So, because I have a wonderful editor and a wonderful publishing house, they've given me the courtesy of not just plucking something out the air and slapping it on the front cover (which, believe me, has happened to other authors I know). Instead, they've given me time to come up with something different, but time is running out. I gave them a list of alternatives, and they've chosen one I can live with, but I'm afraid I'm still whining that it's not good enough, and they're still gracious enough to listen.

There's a part of me that says, "Shut up and quit whining, Terri! You wouldn't be happy with anything but the original title and you can't have it! So there!" And a nah-nah-booby to me, too.

Have I lost my perspective? Somebody please tell me. Should I keep searching for the perfect title, or should I go with.... drumroll, please....

A MATCH MADE IN HELL.

(Oh, and you should know that a big part of the plot involves the Devil (who's smokin' hot, btw) trying to seduce Nicki Styx over to the dark side. The cover will reflect that.)

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ooooh, I like it! Honestly, I do and it matches with what the book's about. I've read a few authors who's book's title has nothing to do with the book's plot and I think that's weird. So yeah I like it! :)

Terri Garey said...

Thanks for your vote, Wendy. :) You're not the only one who seems to like it, and I really am beginning to think it's just me having a hard time giving up the old title, period.

I appreciate the input! :)

Anonymous said...

A very catchy title.

Good luck with it.

I can't wait to see it in the store, snag it, bring it home and read it.

Honey said...

It's a great title! :)

It's a good thing there are professionals at work, because I'd call it something silly like "Devil girls are easier" and that's just too much. :)

I'm sure it'll be a fantastic read!!

Terri Garey said...

Ok, you guys are making me feel better already. :) Sometimes it's hard to get an accurate perspective on things, you know?

Anonymous said...

Terri, I also loved the old title but can certainly see the new one also. Having just read, and loved, loved, loved "Dead Girls are Easy", I would buy, and read it if they called it "Book Two"! Nicki is my new best friend.

Terri Garey said...

Aw, Laurel. :) I've actually been calling it "Book Two" recently... do you think that would fly? :) Seriously, thanks for the vote and I'm SO glad you enjoyed "Book One". LOL

I think Nicki would tell me to get over myself and just finish writing the danged "Book Three", don't you?