Book Titles - Do They Affect Your Choice When Buying? by Vickie McDonough

Vickie McDonough here wishing everyone a merry Christmas!

Wow, it's hard to believe the Christmas season has arrived. I'm happy to admit I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping. I like to do it early while the weather is warmer and the crowds aren't as big. Finishing my shopping early also allows me to focus on the true meaning of Christmas during December. 

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Let's talk books. How many of you have a bunch of books on your Christmas wish list? I sure do. We all know that a good cover snags a reader's attention as does a good-looking guy or gal on the cover, but how much does the title affect your decision to purchase a book?

Did you know that some publishing houses choose the titles for books, just like they do the cover designs? They may or may ask the author's input. I've been blessed to write for publishers that for the most part did not change my titles. When I name a book early on, that title becomes as important to me as the characters.

Here's a fun Christmas collection called Christmas Next Door, which I did with my good friend Susan Page Davis (she choose the name for this collection):

Visit an Old West Texas town where a mysterious benefactor leaves gifts each Christmas, but also where four pairs of neighbors battle over hearsay, secrets, and mysteries.

I think the most unique title I've ever thought up was The Anonymous Bride, which is a title I chose. My hope was that it would intrigue readers. 

Three mail-order brides arrive in a small Texas town, expecting to marry the marshal, but he didn't order a bride. When a contest ensues to determine which woman will make him the best wife, there are four entries instead of three--the fourth an anonymous entry.

So what do you think? How much do titles influence you to buy a book? Have you actually bought a book because of the title?

I hope y'all have a wonderful Christmas!