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I have been noticing that when books are reissued with new titles, often the new titles can be very misleading. For example, I just finished reading an excellent book with the Presents title of “At The Billionaire’s Bidding”.
If you follow the Presents line, you would have a right to assume that the hero is a globe-trotting, alpha-male, billionaire who is forcing an innocent virgin to be his mistress for some nefarious reason. (Often because her family is in a position to be ruined by the hero or needs his help to be saved.) There are a lot of readers who like this theme. There are also some readers who will not read a book with this kind of title. In fact, I only bought “At The Billionaire’s Bidding” because I like the author, Trish Wylie.
The Problem: “At The Billionaire’s Bidding” has no billionaires in the story. The word “billionaire” only appears in the title. Next, the hero inherited his property management business and is not a mean-spirited alpha-male. Also the heroine is not a helpless creature but a very feisty independent person. She is not anyone’s plaything. Rather, this is a serious, sensitive, and highly emotional book.
The original title for this book was: “The Return of the Rebel” which I think is an ideal title. The story is actually about. the return of the rebel. If this book were issued with the original title as a Blaze, I think it would be perfect. The story is as hot as the Blazes I’ve read. (Though, I’m not sure it is hot enough often enough – only the Blaze editors can answer that.)
Bottom Line: If you don’t like the Presents style romance with billionaire alpha-males, (you know who you are) still read this book. You will probably love it.
Given my experiences lately, I intend to provide the original title to reissued romances. I don’t think it does the author justice for the editor to give a title to a book that will attract prospects who may not get what they expected and be disappointed while, at the same time, driving away prospects who would love the book. If reviewers would give the original title this might act to better position the book in the reader’s mind. This way an intelligent buying decision can be made. Frankly, if Trish Wylie had not written this book, I would not have read it and I would have missed out on an excellent book. (I will post a review in the future.)
Hint: Look for the original title where the copyright notice is given. In eBooks, its at the very back of the book.
Thanks,
Vince
“Romances are the emotional vitamins of the soul.” Vince
re:titles
I honestly don't like it when any publisher re-releases a book and puts a new title on it. It is deceptive! A book was given a title when it was first released, and that title should be the only one given the book. I know they have done this repeatedly, anyone who reads Agatha Christie mysteries knows this - it is merely a ploy to get you to buy a book you have ALREADY READ and probably have at home! You glance at it on the shelf, and think hmmm I don't remember reading this, and get it home, start reading it - then remember the story and get angry.
It should not be allowed!
"There must be something in books, things we can't imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there. You don't stay for nothing." (fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury)
I agree in most cases, but....
Hi mtngirl3:
As a marketing person, I can see a good reason to re-issue a book with a different title and cover. The old title could have been misleading or the new line is actually a better fit for the original book. However, in all cases, prominently on the book cover and in all ads for the book should be the statement: “Formally published as OLD TITLE”.
On eBooks not doing this is particularly offensive because you cannot even check the copyright page until after you buy the book. At least with a book in a store you can check the copyright information before buying the book. Of course, when the new title is written by someone who obviously didn’t even read the book, that’s just poor management.
Thanks,
Vince
“Romances are the emotional vitamins of the soul.” Vince
Yes, but titles are totally
Yes, but titles are totally a marketing decision. And the Presents line has MANY gag-me-with-a-spoon titles like the one you mentioned. And some of those books are enjoyable for even an alpha-hating reader like myself. Go figure.
"Perhaps what the average member of a group is capable of doesn't limit what a given individual can accomplish." -- Boston Globe, letter to the editor
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Give The Author a Veto on Bad Titles
Hi FF:
I think you hit the problem right on the head. Marketing has too much say in titles. I think the author should have a veto on titles so stupid or very misleading titles would have to be changed to something less stupid or misleading. Marketing could still select the titles but the author could say no to really bad titles. Of course, as a marketing person for many years, I wouldn’t like this idea at all.
Thanks,
Vince
“Romances are the emotional vitamins of the soul.” Vince