I came across the above post a few weeks ago - either the bookstore owner was having a bad day, or they understand what their customers want!

The thing is, it doesn't matter how clever, witty, or unique you think you are - there will always be others who sound just like you, and catching your reader's attention is becoming increasingly difficult.

I'm always searching for clever book titles to inspire the way I write. Just like your headlines, book titles need to grab attention quickly while giving the right amount of information to entice the prospect to buy the book.

So here are 9 book titles that can inspire you to write a hook:

1/ MAKE A PROMISE OF A BENEFIT

Some of the best titles promise to help readers achieve a desired goal or get some wanted benefit

Hook: Call out the end result that your readers want.

2/ OFFER A SPECIFIC SOLUTION TO A PROBLEM

Tell your reader exactly the problem you solve

Hook: Similar to the promise of a benefit, focus on how you’re taking away their problem

3/ BE SIMPLE AND DIRECT

Some of the best titles are just basic statements about what the book is about.

Hook: Get to the point without the fluff

Consider using a striking image

4/ TARGET YOUR IDEAL AUDIENCE

Help your reader understand who the book is and isn’t for.

Hook: Target a specific audience by name or by describing their characteristics

5/ USE NUMBERS TO MAKE IT EASY TO ACHIEVE

 Specificity helps engage your readers

Hook: Add (Odd) Numbers to add credibility and provide structure for your information.

6/ CREATE A CONTRARIAN CURIOSITY GAP

Using statements or claims that may seem impossible or oppose a popular idea will make your readers curious.

Hook: Curiosity is a great motivator. Your readers won't be satisfied until they find the answer.

7/ USE METAPHORS TO ASSOCIATE WITH YOUR THEME

 If you're writing about a new or unfamiliar concept, help your reader understand by using words they already know or can associate with

For example, “Chicken Soup for the Soul” makes you feel warm and nurtured.

Hook: Help paint a visual image

8/ USE ALLITERATION

Alliteration makes words easier to remember and can turn a simple title into a classic.

Hook: Use rhetoric to emphasize your points.

9/ ASK A QUESTION

A study into The Jeopardy Effect showed on average, question headlines outperformed declarative headlines by 140 – 150%

Hook: Use questions to take your reader from what they thought they knew to search for an answer

And that's a wrap

Book titles have the same goals as your headlines - They need to hook your reader.

Take a look at what's on your bookshelf and ask What made you buy it?

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