Volume 1 | subscribers | 1 different countries | 1 January 2008 Contents Part 1 - Welcome! Dear %$firstname$%, I can’t believe that it is February and I’m sitting here at my desk looking out at bright sunshine. It always makes me feel good and helps to keep the inspiration flowing. Sometimes though, even that isn’t enough and it may be necessary to just take a break. It can give you a whole new perspective on things. I was reminded of that whilst being on a netwalk last week in beautiful Richmond Park. Yes, that's right, netwalk, not network – a great opportunity to get out into that lovely sunshine, but still officially be working! It was led by the inspiring Elizabeth Cairns and if you’d like to find out more then go to http://www.amovita.co.uk/netwalking.htm Wishing you an inspirational and sunny February and if you
have any favourite ways of increasing your feelgood factor,
then please do share them on my blog.
Leda Sammarco Writer’s Coach Part 2 - Feature Article What’s in a Title? This Thursday is Valentine’s Day, which aside from red roses and chocolates, made me think about pet names we give to people and subsequently book titles. Coming up with a title for your book can feel like the hardest part and you may decide to leave it until the very end or have a working title which changes as the book progresses. The title is very important as it is one of the first things to engage a potential reader (apart from the cover design) and should reflect the essence of the book, whilst awakening curiosity and interest. However, when writing your first book, the chances are that you won’t have the luxury of being well-known, so the title will need to go that extra mile for you. Most non-fiction books have both a title and subtitle and rather like dancing partners the two should move together in harmony – one leading and the other following. The title should entice and engage, whilst the subtitle gets to the heart of things. Be different Rules of the Red Rubber Ball My curiosity was immediately aroused by this rather funky title, which didn’t give much away, particularly since the subtitle isn’t featured on the cover, but on the first page. Unusual but effective. Connect with Your Audience How to Run Your Business Like a Girl I bought this book shortly before starting my own business and it was the words ‘like a girl’ that attracted me to it. Enough said! Small is Beautiful One Small Step Can Change Your Life I’d heard of the Japanese principles of Kaizen, but it was the idea of achieving success in a way that is actually manageable that I found appealing. Take the Direct Approach What Should I Do with My Life? I was struggling with this very question when I saw an advert for this book in a tube station! It is a subject very dear to my heart and the book has become one of my absolute favourites. I should add that all of the above have great cover designs, which enhanced my initial interest. ‘Rules of the Red Rubber Ball’ even has a circle of red rubber embedded in the cardboard front cover, which delighted me no end. Cover design should complement the title and I will be discussing that in a future newsletter. In the meantime, think of book titles that you have
found memorable, funny or engaging or go into your local bookstore
and see what takes your fancy and why… |
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Copyright © Leda Sammarco 2008. All rights reserved.
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