When you’re querying agents, your title is your story’s handshake—your first impression. A great manuscript title doesn’t just sound good; it hints at genre, tone, and emotional promise. While titles can change during the publishing process, a strong one helps your submission stand out from the slush pile. So how do you craft one that works?

Here are some tips for creating a compelling title while querying:

Make It Genre-Appropriate

Your title should reflect the expectations of your genre. Some genre examples:

• YA Fantasy: Go bold and evocative (We Hunt the Flame, An Ember in the Ashes).
• Contemporary YA/Adult: Aim for emotional depth or irony (The Fault in Our Stars, Such a Fun Age).
• Thriller/Mystery: Think tension and danger (None of This is True, Gone Girl).
• Picture Books: Short, catchy, and often character- or concept-driven (Dragons Love Tacos, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!).

Ask yourself: Does my title tell agents the kind of experience they’re in for?

Reflects the Heart of the Story

Your title could echo the book’s theme, tone, or emotional core. It can be metaphorical, symbolic, or literal—as long as it feels true to the story. Great titles often come from:

• A key object (The Book Thief)
• A character’s role or situation (The Midnight Library)
• A pivotal phrase or line from the manuscript (Worth It)

Keep It Memorable and Easy to Pronounce

Agents and editors are people—they’ll need to reference your title in conversation and emails. Avoid tongue-twisters or complex wordplay. A good test: Would someone remember this title after hearing it once?

Bonus tip: Check how it sounds out loud. Some titles look great on the page but feel clunky when spoken.

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

• Generic phrases like Dark Secrets, The Chosen One, or Love and Lies
• Clichés or titles too close to existing bestsellers
• Overly long titles that lose punch or confuse the tone
• Spoilers or misleading impressions

If your title could apply to dozens of other books, it’s worth rethinking.

Do a Quick Search

Before falling in love with a title, Google it (and check Goodreads/Amazon). If it’s already been used multiple times—especially by major publishers—you might want to find something more original to avoid confusion.

Have Backups

Even if your title is killer, publishers may change it. That’s okay—it’s part of the process. But having 2–3 solid alternatives shows professionalism and flexibility. Sometimes agents will even offer suggestions based on your query!

Final Thoughts

A strong title won’t sell your book on its own—but it can make an agent want to read your pages. Think of it like a promise: Here’s what kind of journey you’re in for.

And remember—some of the best titles are simple, unexpected, and grow more powerful the deeper into the story you go.

Want help brainstorming titles or testing your current one? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to help workshop it!

The title is one of the most important things. It’s the first thing people read.

Robert Munsch