10 Suggestions for Picture Book Titles

Once you have a draft, it’s a good idea to make a stab at a title. This will likely change as you revise and, in the end, the publisher may prefer a different title. But this is a good place to start.

BRAINSTORMING TITLES

My best technique for finding a good title is to make lists. Long list. Sometimes up to fifty or more titles, trying to find just the right phrase. Try some of these strategies as you brainstorm titles.

  1. Use Characters’ names
  2. Include verbs or strong action words
  3. Use a metaphor
  4. Find a catchy phrase from the text
  5. Rhyme the title
  6. Play off a famous saying
  7. Include emotion
  8. Use something concrete
  9. Stick with the simple
  10. Be unexpected

ACTION POINTS

Write 5-10 titles for your story. Choose the one you like best and use as a working title.

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6 thoughts on “10

  1. question:
    Can an author and illustrator work together on a book? My niece paints cute animal pictures and other pictures that are perfect for children’s books. We chose one and I wrote a story to go with it. We were planning for her to finish painting the pictures for the storybook.
    But in researching picture book publishing it looks like the author has to submit a manuscript and then the publisher assigns an illustrator to the story.
    But we would like to work together: her as the illustrator, me as the author. Is this possible??

  2. Is your niece a professional artist with a substantial portfolio?
    If so, she can do a dummy book and you can submit together.

    If not, it’s best to sell the manuscript first, then ask the editor to consider some art samples from your niece. Otherwise, the editor must LOVE the words AND LOVE the art AND LOVE the combination of the two. It’s a chancy way to go.

    Darcy

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