One of the most difficult parts of any work, that I have a problem with, is finding an appropriate as well as an interesting title.
The title is the very first thing a reader will see. The writer might want to give the reader some kind of "preview." If I can make the title interesting enough, the reader will hopefully become interested in the writing.
Another consideration of mine is the relevancy of the title to the work. Even if it's only one word long, does the title give enough information about the content? Especially in terms of its accuracy? If a work is written about the Sun and Moon, should it have a title that alludes to roses? Probably not, unless they're going to be connected within the work.
I also try not put too much information in the title. That will generally discourage a reader. There was a time when very long, descriptive titles were used. Generally, for creative works, that practice has been discontinued. Even with works that are academic, long titles are discouraged.
We, as writers, need as many advantages as we can have to capture the attention and interest of the reader.
One technique I use when creating a title, is to take a key word from the work. For example, if a work deals with love and also with roses, a title might be: "The Rose of Love." Or: "Love's Roses." That technique will put a "proper hat" on the work, give the reader information about the work, and because it contains a key word or two that appear in the work, there is a feeling of continuity.
Very cryptic, or wordings which have meaning only to me, are usually reconsidered for something else. If the reader has to begin the work by trying to analyze the meaning of the title for content, that might discourage him/her from enjoying a very fine effort.
If I generate a title that is interesting but has nothing to do with the work, it will leave the reader very puzzled; even thinking that something important was missed in their reading.
A writer should also feel free and even encouraged, up to a point, to change titles when the work is new. If the work goes off for publication, titles are usually set, approved by the publisher, and won't be changed after publication. New works that are presented, here or elsewhere, have editorial latitudes that help the writer. Once set, and read critically--even just for enjoyment, the writer should look at any changes carefully. This work, for example, has been edited for content and for title. I thought the content sounded too pompous and arrogant, and the title too vague.
These are some of the more important considerations I use when trying to find a good title. They are mostly based on what readers have told me about the titles I've used.
I hope they will be useful to you. ^_^
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