How to Write a Bestselling Subtitle

How to Write a Bestselling SubtitleHow to Write a Bestselling SubtitleBook subtitles- like book titles- are book marketing tools. But how does a book title help market and sell a book? A books subtitle shores up the book title and helps tell the reader what to expect to get inside the book.Even if youve written a great title for your book, a subtitle can provide more pertinent information to help draw the reader in and prompt him or herbei to open the book, learn more, and, hopefully, buy it. Subtitles Support the Book Title Subtitles are used to clarify or expand on the title of a non-fiction book. Titles that involve unfamiliar terms, or that obliquely reference book contents with jargon or a lyrical passage generally benefit from a strong, clear subtitle. While there are exceptions,novels dont usually employ subtitles. Examples of Great Titles and Subtitles Here are some examples of booktitles and their subtitles. Note how each title is further explained by itssubtitle and how the intended reader might be more inclined to be interested in the book as a result SEAL Team SixAt first glance, a reader seeing this on a bookstore table might mistake it for a book about aquatic mammals. The full title and subtitle,SEAL Team SixMemoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper, providesis a case in which the subtitle elaborates on the potentially unfamiliar or confusing terminology in the title.A Clearing in the Distance The book title is a lovely but not-very-explanatory line taken from the book. WithA Clearing in the Distance The Biography of Frederick Law Olmstead,the subtitle explains what the book is- an account of the life of the famed landscape architect. The Millionaire Next Door The title is intriguing, but it could be a memoir by Donald Trumps neighbor. With its subtitle,The Millionaire Next Door The Surprising Secrets of Americas Wealthy,the book has mass appeal. Who wouldnt want to know those secrets?Eat, Pray, LoveBefore she wrote this huge best-seller, Eliz abeth Gilberts wasnt a known quantity and her books title wasnt very explanatory. The audience of food-, spiritual fulfillment-, love-, and travel-longing women could more identify withEat, Pray, Love One Womans Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia. The early readers who wanted to share that journey from their armchairs helped to jumpstart the word of mouth. The book went on to sell gazillions, was made into a movie, and even inspired its own spin-offs. As a result of the fame, the 10th Anniversary Edition doesnt include the subtitle. It doesnt need to, anymore. When a Title Doesnt Need a Subtitle While even a very book good title can benefit from the further explanation a subtitle provides, some titles need no additional explanation. Some examples of situations when books dont need a subtitle are When the author is a household name or a celebrity Readers might assume thatYes, Pleaseis a book on manners...except that famous actress, writer, and comedian Amy Poehler is pictured smack dab on the book jacketalong with her name.When an author is famous in his or her fieldThe bookJohn Adamswas written by an extremely well known and identifiable biographer, David McCullough. Theres no subtitle on the jacket the book needs no additional information because McCulloughs name is enough to sell the book to his large audience. When the book is a novelFiction books generally do not have subtitles. What Makes a Good Subtitle? Here are some hints for writing a good subtitle Dont duplicate ideas A good subtitleaddsto the information provided in the title it shouldnt repeat it. Cover space islimited maximize the power of the title and subtitle combination.Consider using keywordsKeywords are important online book marketing tools. Keywords help search engines match your book with readers and help readers discover your bookand, for that reason, keywords might be helpful in the subtitle.Explain clearly While there is leeway with the title, the subtitle shouldnt be fanciful or jargony. Be succinct A subtitle isnt an excuse to ramble. Be as succinct as possible when expressing the idea that supports the title.