Title My Book!
Okay, DS friends, this is your chance to make the most significant contribution of all to this book: THE TITLE!! I need suggestions! (PLEASE CONTRIBUTE SUGGESTIONS AS COMMENTS TO THIS JOURNAL, RATHER THAN EMAILS TO ME, SO I CAN KEEP THEM TOGETHER IN ONE PLACE) I definitely want the word "Rape" somewhere in the title, just so it can be found using keyword searches on Amazon, etc. It ought to be self-evident what the book is about, as opposed to some mystical, artsy "concept" title. There are dozens of decent books out there about rape, but nobody's read them because nobody can find them when they search for "rape" on Amazon! Nothing with the word "Silence" in it; that's a cliche in most books on this topic (Aftert Silence, Silent all the years, Silent no more, etc.) A good title has an action word in it: "Waiting to exhale" is a good example. "The Client" is not. I'm not trying to find something profound, just GOOD. That means a viewer could see the title and know immediately what this book is about, and understand that this is a positive book, not a sorrowful, traumatic narrative. Some possible examples: Victory Over RapeHope After Rape (or, Finding Hope After Rape, and similar variations) Resurrection After Rape (***I kinda like this one; I keep coming back to it in my mind) (all of these are quick, short titles that describe EXACTLY what topic this book covers, but they're also positive and hopeful, not sour and bleak.) You'll notice that I avoided leading with the word "rape" at the beginnig of the title; instead, I lead with a positive word.You might also go in another direction and describe the process itself: Learning to live after rape You might also consider an empowered, militant, "fun" tone: How to fight back against rape (and win) From Victim To Survivor Regarless of whatever title we pick, the sub-title is going to be: "An un-boring, un-depressing guide to recovery!" ...because wouldn't YOU buy a book that said that right on the cover? Please brainstorm some ideas. I'll consider them all, and add comments.
Replies
I love RESURRECTION AFTER RAPE, because rape knocks you down to the lowest place that there is in this world, becoming a survivor really is like a resurrection from that dark place..... diana
A Clean Slate: Healing After Rape, I like this because it notes a new start, that healing is possible
I really like Resurrection After Rape because it shows that you can rise up after rape and be close to who you were before.
I too really like Resurrection After Rape.
I kind of like the \"How to fight back against rape (and win!). It has personality, which I find refreshing. So often, there are books that make you feel like you should be part of some after school special or lifetime original movie...weepy and sad.
My biggest concern with \"How to fight back and win\" is that there are countless AWFUL booklets on so-called \"self-defense training\" for women \"to prevent rape.\" I even address them in my book, and why they are so full of crap. Which is too bad, because I kinda like the idea that there is a way to \"fight back.\" I remember once that a client of mine had done extremely hard work in therapy one day, and I remarked to her, \"you kicked rape\'s ass today.\" She smiled so broadly she almost busted.
So far, the Resurrection concept seems to ignite people the most. I pitched it, among others, to two former patients last night and both of them liked it. But we\'re still thinking, of course.
I like Resurrection after Rape, too.
I\'ve been mulling it over all afternoon and one that I came up with is Learning to Fly after Rape or something along those lines. (Learning to Soar after Rape, etc.) There\'s something about the joy and freedom of a bird in flight, especially when they catch the wind and soar. There are a pair of hawks that live on the hill across from me and I love to watch them when they catch the currents. Watching them play in the wind is amazing. Too poetic?
I too like the \'Resurrection After Rape\' concept....and to combine it with that learning to soar theme....perhaps a photo/graphic drawing of a phoenix....because it feels much like a Phoenix rising from the ashes to fly once more.
And by the way.....make sure we know when it\'s coming out.....I want a copy of this book from you Oh Wise One....you have much knowledge to share and I am thankful!
Kaye--
I think that title about flying might be too poetic, but it\'s interesting you should mention that. Hawks are a recurring theme in the book, and I use them as a chapter heading graphic throughout!
Lucinda--
I have cover art already purchased, and it\'s not exactly what you\'ve described but I think you will be VERY pleased with the theme!
I expect this entire project will be done this month!
I,too, like \'Resurrection After Rape\'. I think it gives hope to victims. I would like to see something in the title stating rape is power, not sex, but don\'t know what you could add. I am looking forward to you reading your book.
I think resurrection is good, but it has such a religious connotation that some people might be put off by it.
Just a thought.
I like From Victim to Survivor because I think it shows the movement from a to b you are looking for in a more concrete way.
By the way, if you are looking for an artist for the book cover, please consider me. I could put together pretty much anything you want.
Learning to Breathe After Rape, just a thought.
I have the cover already purchased and designed, except for the title.
I originally considered \"From victim to survivor\" as the title, until I found several other books that ALL used that exact phrase as their titles. It would have been an unfortunate re-hash, so I sadly had to set it aside.