I am often asked this question: Do you get to choose your own book titles? The answer is Yes, and sometimes, No. My editorial team always asks me for several alternate title ideas. Sometimes they choose my preferred working title, sometimes they do not. It is a collaborative, back and forth effort.
Just for fun, here are some of my early working titles that did not make it to the final stage:
WORKING TITLES vs. ACTUAL TITLES
1. Milkweed Manor ………. Lady of Milkweed Manor
2. Maid of Maidstone ………. The Maid of Fairbourne Hall
3. The Secret Room ………. The Secret of Pembrooke Park
4. The Widow of Ivy Hill ………. The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill
5. The Spinsters of Ivy Hill ………. The Ladies of Ivy Cottage
6. The Bride of Ivy Hill ………. The Bride of Ivy Green
7. Isabelle’s Island ………. The Bridge to Belle Island
8. The Christmas Prodigal ……….An Ivy Hill Christmas
9. The Cornwall Castaway ………. ??????? (To be determined…)
Are you surprised that authors don’t always get to choose their own titles? If you are an author, have you had a working title changed as well?
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Oh yes, I’ve had my titles changed! I was very surprised the first time it happened. Isn’t it my book? I learned that it’s a team effort.
It was so much fun to see this list of what your working titles later became! In every case, they’re similar. 🙂 Fascinating.
Out of six (soon to be eight) published books, I’ve only had one title changed from the one I chose and submitted. I think it was for the best: The Quiet in the Land — Burning Sky
No, I’m not surprised, but I’m glad it’s a team effort. I have read all of your books and love them. So excited for The Bridge to Belle Island! And the next one is about Cornwall? Wow!
I agree with Betty – not really surprised at all. Your editorial tem is there to give you ideas and guidance and aren’t you glad? Keep writing great stories, Julie, and never mind those titles. Content wins in my opinion!
Interesting! I’m not surprised that titles change as an author completes his or her manuscript prior to final publication. Thanks for sharing this back story about your previous novels with us readers.
In a series of 4 books, my first two were reworked, but the later two remained.
Captain Grant’ Word of Honor was shortened to Word of Honor and Matter of Trust replaced One Pretty Little Spy. Not Without Courage stayed, Strength and Glory stayed.
I had no idea that book titles aren’t always chosen by the author! I really enjoyed this blog post.
I did know that. I’m on some launch teams so I’ve been able to see the process. I like that they work with you though!
It’s interesting to see the changes. Some I like the first title better but I can see why the choices were made. I did realize that sometimes the author has very little say in choosing the title.
At first I was surprised but since I have been following a lot of authors I have heard this before. I couldn’t match the titles because I haven’t read any of the books. I do have several of your books and hopefully I will get to read one before long. Thanks for the giveaway!
Wow, how interesting! I didn’t realize it was so common for the author’s title to be changed. Loved both options, though!
This is an interesting post. I always thought authors chose their book titles until I read another authors post that they didn’t. I love keeping in n contact with authors to get to know them better and I have loved getting to know the process of writing a book and all that is involved. Before I would see the finished book on the shelves, little did I know how long it took to get it there! Thanks Julie for this post! And thanks for your books! I have read them all and I love them all!