Past and Prologue
Back to school hits different this year.
For my daughter — and by extension, for me, her mother — it’s the last time. Her senior year of high school.
This year will be fraught with so many emotions and questions. Have we squeezed out every last drop of childhood? Do we have everything ready for college? Have we prepared her enough to fly on her own?
I click through photos of summers gone by — a preschooler at the beach building sandcastles, a grade schooler at the amusement park squealing on a rollercoaster, a middle schooler at the mini golf course frolicking and giggling among the theme elements.
As I study the snapshots, I relive her moments. I feel the damp sand scrunched between her tiny toes. I feel the whoosh of air and the lurch and fall of her stomach as the rails beneath her shake. I feel the hungry hippo statue’s smooth plastic mouth devouring her head as she swings her golf club with glee. All of it seems so close, like it was only yesterday.
In the most recent photo, taken just weeks ago, she’s on a hike, standing on a rock in the forest, arms outstretched to the sky and sunshine. I see a burgeoning young woman where a little girl used to be, holding her ground — victorious, ambitious, and strong.
My high hopes ride with her. I’m grateful for what’s behind us and excited for what’s ahead.
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In This Issue
A Few Words on Book Titles
A Word from Our Sponsors
Your Bio, Easy Breezy
Sweet Retreat
Come Full Circle
Super Building
Replanting
Words of the Month
A Few Words on Book Titles
A book title is more than just a name. It's the first impression, a silent promise, and a crucial marketing tool. A compelling title can entice readers, hint at the story's core, and even become a memorable part of literary history. Conversely, a weak or misleading title can deter potential readers, no matter how brilliant the prose within.
So, how do you craft a title that truly works?
1. Reflect Your Genre and Tone
A title should immediately signal what kind of book it is.
Mystery/Thriller: Use short, punchy titles that hint at danger or intrigue (e.g., Gone Girl, The Silent Patient).
Romance: Incorporate elements of love, relationships, or evocative imagery (e.g., The Love Hypothesis, Red, White & Royal Blue).
Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Can be grand, descriptive, or feature unique proper nouns (e.g., The Lord of the Rings, Dune).
Literary Fiction: Might be more abstract, poetic, or symbolic (e.g., The Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird).
Non-Fiction: Often clear, direct, and informative about the topic (e.g., Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Atomic Habits).
2. Be Unique and Memorable
Your title needs to stand out.
Avoid Clichés: Generic phrases might be overlooked.
Check for Availability: Do a quick search to see if other prominent books share your title. You want your book to be easily found.
Easy to Pronounce and Recall: A complicated title can be a barrier.
3. Hint at the Core Conflict or Theme
A good title often provides a subtle peek into the heart of the story without giving everything away.
The Hunger Games immediately suggests a life-or-death struggle.
Pride and Prejudice directly names the central character flaws and themes.
4. Consider Length
While there are no hard rules, many successful titles are relatively concise.
Short and Catchy: Often easier to remember and share.
Longer, Descriptive Titles: Can work well for non-fiction or specific subgenres, clearly outlining the content.
5. Experiment with Different Types
Character-Based Titles: Featuring the protagonist's name (e.g., Jane Eyre, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone).
Setting-Based Titles: Using a key location (e.g., Wuthering Heights, Dune).
Object-Based Titles: Centering on a significant item (e.g., The Da Vinci Code, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo).
Thematic Titles: Highlighting a central idea (e.g., Brave New World, 1984).
Question Titles: Posing a question to pique curiosity (e.g., Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?).
Intriguing Phrases: Words that create a sense of mystery or wonder (e.g., Where the Crawdads Sing).
6. Test Your Title
Once you have a shortlist, get feedback.
Ask Potential Readers: Do they understand the genre? Does it make them want to read more?
Read it Aloud: Does it roll off the tongue?
Crafting the perfect book title is an iterative process. It might be one of the last things you finalize, but dedicating time and thought to it can significantly impact your book's journey from manuscript to bestseller.
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Every month, I’ll have tips on different elements of writing. If you have any requests, please let me know at IronedWordsProductions@gmail.com.
A Word from Our Sponsors
{Sponsored segment}
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Spotlight Sponsors
The Growing Darkness by Sean Gregory
Thrust together by chance, a group of four strangers run from forces they do not understand on a desperate mission to find the truth. But the forces set against them seem to always be one step ahead…
Read more here.
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All About Books with TLC. We are a used bookstore in the heart of Canonsburg, PA. We carry fiction, non-fiction, children's and vintage/rare books. We also offer book repair, rebinding and restoration by appointment. Come and see us, have a cup of coffee and find a spot to read a book.
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If you’d like to promote your book or writing services in the Hot Off the Iron newsletter to a group of people passionate about good words, get in touch for more details.
Your Bio, Easy Breezy
After writing your book, writing your author bio should be simple, right? But a lot of authors get stuck. What do I include? What do I leave out? Do I have enough to say? If this sounds like you, come to Your Bio in 5 Easy Steps. This workshop will help you organize your thoughts and craft your author story.
Join award-winning author and journalist, Maria Simbra, for an interactive session. In five easy steps you will have a framework to create variations of a core bio for multiple purposes.
Also works for creating a bio for speaking engagements, articles, podcasts, and more. If you have to do a talk, a podcast, or an article for a journal or newspaper; if you have a website; if you have a social media account, YOU will benefit from this class.
Tuesday, September 30, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., Panera in the Galleria, South Hills.
Learn more: https://www.ironedwordsproductions.com/your-bio-in-5-easy-steps
Sweet Retreat
Your writing deserves a dedicated getaway! Escape to the Ironed Words Writing Retreat, November 1-3, in picturesque Washington, PA. Recharge your creativity, refine your skills, and return home with renewed vigor. Space is limited. Register as soon as possible! https://www.ironedwordsproductions.com/fall-2025-ironed-words-writing-retreat-by-iwp
Come Full Circle
Registration is open for the October Iron Writing Circle. Meet with other writers once a week to go over your 1,500-word submission. Get all the details here: https://www.ironedwordsproductions.com/iron-writing-circle
Here’s what past participants are saying:
"It's great participating in a writing community."
"It's been a huge motivation and benefit to my writing!"
"I'm considerably more productive."
"Love getting together with authors."
Groups are capped at six, so sign up asap to reserve your spot!
{NEW} The Iron Writing Circle at ALL ABOUT BOOKS WITH TLC in Canonsburg. Same great writing group in a new bookstore location. Wednesday evenings, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Learn more here: https://www.ironedwordsproductions.com/iron-writing-circle-at-aab
Super Building
Why subscribing to Building Books™ is a good idea:
Stay up-to-date. Keep abreast of the latest trends and changes in the publishing industry.
In September…
Meet the EDITOR: SUSAN HELENE GOTTFRIED
Meet the AUTHOR: JULIE MCLAUGHLIN
Replanting
From the Tales with Friends™ archives…
Check out Sarah Rose’s story: Presidio Blotter
Words of the Month
“Your only limit is you.”
See you next month in another edition of “Hot Off the Iron!” Write on!
— Maria Simbra | Director & Principal | Ironed Words Productions, LLC