Madonna. Cher. Oprah. What about the men? Elvis. Shaq. Obama.
In the world of celebrities, being known by one name equals greatness. It's the gold standard of true stardom.
Is this why there are so many YA books out with one-word titles?
Twilight.
Shiver.
Wake.
2010 alone has books like Shadowland, Possessed, Incarceron, Hourglass, Spells, Burned, Shade, Linger, Captivate, Numbers, Paranormalcy, Gone, Matched...
Most (if not all) of these books are either paranormal or fantasy, and most (if not all) are part of a series, and in most of these series all the books have a one-word title, usually related to a theme.
I'm not calling out any specific book here, but the general trend. I have nothing against one-word titles. My own work is tentatively titled Anomaly (although I've got a different, four word title in mind). And I've read many of the books listed above and really enjoyed them.
I just can't figure out why so many YA books are jumping on the single word bandwagon. Is it considered to be cool and edgy? Is one word supposed to stand out more at a bookstore and entice more readers? Or is just a major coincidence?
Why do you think so many YA Fantasy series are going with one-word titles? Do you love or hate this trend? Any other thoughts on the matter?
19 comments:
I actually like 1 word titles, as long as it's strong. I think they're catchy and more powerful than having a tongue tying title.
The only one of these I've read is Shiver, and while I love the book I don't find the title to be super compelling. It's not bad, I just don't think about it much. What DOES really annoy me, is when I try to ask my daughter about Linger, I can never remember which is which. I can't see that being a good thing.
Makes them easier to remember and find in the bookstore. Even when looking for the sequels, you can just ask where's the new Twilight?
It depends on the power of the word. Sometimes one word is all it takes. Other times a title can be longer and just as powerful or beautiful.
I hadn't realized that until you mentioned it. It doesn't bother me. As long as the title (or the cover) is enticing, I'll check out the blurb. :D
In horror, YA or otherwise, I think one-word titles have always been huge. Even in horror movies: Scream. Halloween. Even two or three word titles in that genre are simple. Simple is scarier!
I've never really thought about it but now that you highlight this trend it is really catching on isn't it?? But I guess if you can capture a reader's attention with one word that sums up your book then good luck to you!
Take care
x
I love one word titles as long as they make sense. It also helps me remember the name of the book as opposed to something long and wordy. :)
Maybe because they're easier to remember.
I agree with Pam. I like them if they make sense! Plus, I think it's smart marketing for teenagers to only have to remember one word in order to buy the book!
I have toyed with many titles for my thriller (adult) and somehow settled on a one-word title. But, for me, it's clever titles that stand out versus how many words they are...
I don't know how new this is. Dean Koontz used to this one-word title thing as well...with the effect that I could never remember which of his books I'd read. Watchers? Waiters? Shivers? Stalkers? Forget it. I gave up.
Wow. I hadn't realized this - but you are so right! I have to agree with Matt about the Shiver and Linger titles. I loved the books, but the titles don't do much for the stories. Elana's new book will be one word, too. How interesting! Now I'll be thinking about this all day! :-)
the cynic in me says short attention spans can't cope with more than one word to remember. Maybe I'll go for two.
I'm not sure but I personally love the one word titles. My book is a one word title...four letters and captures something I want the readers to get.
I go with easy to remember!
Ann
I like one word titles. They're easy to remember and usually very evocative of what the book is about.
I agree with the people who talked abotu the genre. I find that 1-words work well in fantasy.
I have one (as yet unwritten) idea with a 1-word title and the name captures everything about the story. I think it's important that the word be completely intertwined with the title. The title CHANGE wouldn't do much for a story about a young woman turning her life around, IMO. But COLLISION would be a great name for a story of three families who are brought together because of a devastating car crash.
Like the first few commenters I can see the disadvantage in a series though. I've read the whole Twilight saga, but I can never remember which bit happens in which book.
I think it's a huge trend and has to do with the Big Book concept. After all, I went from a two-word title to a one-word title for that reason. I also think one word titles are mysterious, and make people talk more. Which is a huge marketing tool.
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