The path to publishing a book is filled with unexpected turns, and even something as seemingly straightforward as a title can become a point of significant discussion and change. When my first book was picked up by publishers in both the US and the UK, the title immediately became a transatlantic talking point. The original title, HOW NOT TO DIE ALONE, while resonating with the American publisher’s vision, was considered too somber for the British market. Ultimately, the UK edition was released under the title SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR, borrowing the name of a song significant to a character within the book.
Navigating this difference initially caused me some stress. I had to remind myself of the sheer fortune of having my book published at all. Moreover, the reality is that numerous books are released each year with different titles across various regions. It wasn’t an unprecedented situation.
Fast forward to the spring of 2020, and the global landscape had drastically shifted. The darkly humorous US title, HOW NOT TO DIE ALONE, suddenly felt almost too on the nose given the anxieties of the pandemic. Then, an exciting opportunity arose in the US – an opportunity contingent on aligning the US paperback title with the UK version. And so, full circle, the book became SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR in the US as well.
This journey underscores the unpredictable nature of publishing. Even after settling on a title, external factors, like a global pandemic, can necessitate reconsideration. It’s a reminder that the publishing process is a dynamic interplay of creative vision, market considerations, and unforeseen global events. The quest for the perfect title is indeed a challenging one, often evolving in ways you least expect.
Interestingly, the title variations didn’t stop at the US and UK. In Sweden and Germany, the book was released under completely different titles. This experience highlights the intricate dance between an author’s original intent and the diverse interpretations and marketing strategies employed across different cultures and languages. Choosing a title is undeniably hard, and anticipating every possible future shift is virtually impossible.
