“I’ll Do It Myself” Needs a Subtitle
My left thumb, my typing thumb, is doing the happy dance - my manuscript is now with the editor! Yippee-yahooey! However, the work for my autobiography is nowhere near being finished. I now need to apply for my International Standard Book Number (ISBN), which will make my book a real book; apply for Cataloguing in Publication, which enables the cataloguing of books before they are published, and the prompt distribution of this cataloging information to booksellers and libraries; and find a local printer so that I have actual books on hand for the book launch on November 4th. I beginning to realize writing the darn thing was the easy part!
Before I can do all this, I need to decide upon the final title. Although “I’ll Do It Myself” is definitely the main title, I’m still undecided on the subtlitle. Nancy Cleary from Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing, a contributor to the Mega Marketing Makeover, and I have been brainstorming a few ideas:
- I’ll Do It Myself: A Collection of Memories from a Woman Living with Cerebral
Palsy (This has been my working title.) - I’ll Do It Myself: An Autobiography of a Woman Living with Cerebral Palsy
- I’ll Do it Myself: A Triumphant Memoir of a Successful Life with Cerebral
Palsy - I’ll Do it Myself: A Triumphant Memoir from a Woman Conquering Cerebral
Palsy - I’ll Do it Myself: A Triumphant Memoir from a Woman Succeeding Despite her
Cerebral Palsy - I’ll Do It Myself: A Triumphant Memoir from a Successful Woman Despite Living
with Cerebral Palsy - I’ll Do it Myself: Cerebral Palsy Won’t Stop Me
An Autobiography by Glenda Watson Hyatt - I’ll Do it Myself: Cerebral Palsy, Schmallsy - One Woman’s Inspiring Story
(simply having fun here!) - I’ll Do it Myself: Cerebral Palsy Can Kiss My Ass (Definitely not for my
book title, but I can see it as a title for a podcast series. I love it -
definitely is ballsy!)
I realize the title needs to be attention-grabbing, but I really do want to avoid the “gag me with a spoon” sentiment. A few of the ideas above are very close to that line. What do you think? Any other ideas?
Update (Aug. 26/06): Yesterday I received a rare email from my brother Kevin on this subject, which means a lot to me. It is too good not to share. I hope you don’t mind, Kev:
Hiya sis!!!
A subtitle huh. Kinda funny that a chick that has overcome so much in life,
gets stumped by a subtitle. #7 seems to be the popular choice, and I would
agree it is the best out of the list. However, it really doesn’t portray
you…too politically correct.First thing that came to me when I started reading the suggestions was,
“That’s not how she would say it”. Anyone taking the time to listen would
likely hear you say something like:
“Don’t tell me what I can’t do.”
Or
“Yes I can”…maybe with a colorful metaphor after it, like Turkey.Isn’t the title supposed to convey a bit of the book? Well, attitude would
be what got you where you are, so show it.“They said ‘You can’t', and I proved em wrong.” (Over, and over, and
over…)” ‘Yes, I can’ - the key to an extraordinary life”
“Turning shit into gold - the story of my life”Personal opinion, #7 is the best out of the choices you have given. But
they all sound like clipart, template style choices. You see them all over
bookstores. You’ve never been one to do things the way everyone else does,
why start now. Do what you’ve always done and break the mold. Grab em by
the short hairs and don’t let go till they’ve finished the book.
Kevin is so right. Most of these titles aren’t what I would say, except for “I’ll do it myself”, which I’ve said many a times. Although #7 is good, is there something better? Something with cheeky attitude? Something that reflects gutsy determination, stubbornness and perseverence? Ugh, clever titles have never been my strongest suit. Any more suggestions?
Update (Aug. 27/06): Wow, I have been dreaming about writing this book since I was ten – I didn’t imagine getting this bogged down the title! At the moment, I’m wondering if a subtitle is really necessary. These titles come to mind:
- Christy Brown’s My Left Foot
- Michael J. Fox’s Lucky Man: A Memoir
- Kirk Douglas’ My Stroke of Luck
- Aron Ralston’s Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Currently, I’m thinking of going with I’ll Do It Myself. Period. Does that title reflect my gutsy, determined, independent, stubborn, persevering nature? Stay tuned! This is subject to change, again.
Tags: writing, books, publishing, autobiography, cerebral palsy
I like #7 best - IMHO, it’s the one that I would pick up first. I do not have CP but my cousin does (she’s younger) and I’ve been keeping her in the loop; this is the title I’d like for her to see as an inspiration. [It doesn’t stop her either - she plays goalie in her wheelchair soccer team!]
Hugs,
Mary McD
Comment by Mary McD — August 24, 2006 @ 6:21 am
I favour #7 as well.. very bold and VERY true!!
Comment by Shona — August 24, 2006 @ 8:45 am
Hi Glenda,
I like number 5 but number 7 would be my second choice.
Here is another suggestion
I’ll Do It Myself:A tale of a woman living an extraordinary life.
Cheers,
Martin
Comment by Martin — August 24, 2006 @ 11:18 am
Hi Sister!
I am with the groundswell of support for #7. Although you know that I like the cheeky side of you, so I have great love for #9. It must play somewhere prominently in your kick-ass brand that will skyrocket you to global heights of glory, fame and riches.
I am with you of staying away from the “gag me with a spoon” taglines. Tempting but boring … people like wit and humor.
Comment by Pamela Slim — August 24, 2006 @ 11:43 pm
I’m for #9 butt… I’ll go with the flow #7 - get your name out there!!
k
Comment by Kathy — August 25, 2006 @ 11:56 am
Thanks Kathy, I love #9 too. Watch for it on a CD of podcasts or something!
Sounds like #7 is the choice, at the moment. Feels like I have a “Snakes on a Plane” strategy happening here, which is great! Keep the comments coming! This is very useful to me. I’ll post my final decision on Monday or Tuesday.
Comment by Glenda — August 25, 2006 @ 12:16 pm
I like number 9. It says alot about you and attitude. More of us should have a kiss my ass attitude concerning obstacles in our lives.
Comment by Jennifer — August 25, 2006 @ 12:32 pm
Glenda, #7 is my preference! Bookstores would probably favour that title too. They might not favour #9, but it shows you got attitude!
Comment by Colin Keane — August 25, 2006 @ 1:52 pm
I like #7 a lot. #4 is my second choice. Kudos to you for completing a book. I just finished my first one, so I know how hard it is to put this together. Well done!
Comment by Phil Gerbyshak — August 25, 2006 @ 2:05 pm
I also like 7 and 4…even before I read the comments.
Comment by Andy — August 25, 2006 @ 3:35 pm
I must agree, #7 is best. It’s short, catchy, and to the point.
I like #9 too!
Comment by Jonathan Hernandez — August 25, 2006 @ 3:41 pm
Directed here by Pam Slim, I am 100% certain that 9 is your title. All the others are too lengthy and add nothing to your title.
Comment by John Dodds — August 25, 2006 @ 4:21 pm
How about…
I’ll Do It Myself: Living With Cerebral Palsy
An Autobiography
It’s short and says the message without the words getting in the way.
A variation… I’ll Do It Myself: Life With Cerebral Palsy Not quite as vibrant as the first, IMHO.
#7 is good. I think, though, I’d consider changing one word:
I’ll Do It Myself: Cerebral Palsy Can’t Stop Me
BTW, I’m handicapped also. My life’s motto has been… I CAN because I WILL — and That’s An End To It! (The corollary is, I sometimes look kinda strange; but I usually come up with some kind of way to DO IT.)
So, good on you, Lady. May your book be an inspiration and total success!
Dot Pecson
Comment by Dot Pecson — August 25, 2006 @ 5:12 pm
Glenda, I vote for #9. So what if it is ballsy. If I passed your book this is the title that would make me stop, pick up the book and read the jacket. I say go for it. It catches the eye and makes you smile.
Mary The hairdresser
—-
Mary, I should’ve known you would have gone for #9! That one is sooo tempting, but it would probably get banned by school libraries or something. But have no fear, I have another plan for #9! Stay tuned…
Cheers,
Glenda
Comment by Mary — August 25, 2006 @ 10:54 pm
Was surprised that I also picked the seemingly favorite - #7. I also liked the suggestion from Martin - “I’ll Do It Myself:A tale of a woman living an extraordinary life.” Who is your
audience? what is your focus? If it is to highlight the fact that you have succeeded despite cerebral palsy than #7; if it is a celebration of your life (and oh by the way I have cerebral palsy) than a variation of Martin’s suggestion.
Comment by Sam — August 26, 2006 @ 6:18 am
I’ll do it myself: Move over, Mr Palsy.
Comment by Anonymous — August 26, 2006 @ 12:36 pm
They’re all pretty much what you would expect a traditional book-seller to come up with. Think about it: they have to try and convince Barnes & Noble to carry a book, so best not offend anybody with the title.
You don’t have that worry.
People often say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but many in the industry do - the cover design can make the difference in sales at the book store. You know how flawed an argument that is, and you can say something about how you feel about it in your title. Anyway, your book is going to sell through word of mouth and via the Internet where people read reviews, not through some B&N where the mindless drones are scooping up Harry Potter because the TV says its good.
Be bold. From what I can gather, you always have been in the past, don’t stop now.
I would consider something that your brother would suggest sounds more like you. #7 does sound better than the rest, but I’d drop the “An Autobigroaghy By…” as your name is already on the book, and the back-cover blurb should explain the autobiography bit. Just “Cerebral Palsy won’t Stop Me” is catchier. However something like “Just Try and Stop Me!” might be more your style, and let the blurb do the talking about the Cerebral Palsy.
Well done on completing your manuscript by the way. You’ve done more with your left thumb than most people have the guts to do with fully capable hands.
Comment by Paul Robinson — August 27, 2006 @ 4:04 am
Hello Glenda, greetings from Spain and congratulations! We all should be ashamed of our procrastinations, fear and sheer unadulterated laziness …
My copy writing instincts tell me that “I’ll do it myself” isn’t a good title - the first thing that comes to mind is wallpapering, painting your house, mending your roof … that sort of stuff. And Cerebral Palsy is not exactly THAT well known by your all and sundry and not exactly a sexy title. I feel that you don’t want to cheat, but you want to intrigue and let the potential reader (and buyer) of your book find out what it’s all about when they turn to the dust jacket or the back of the paperback cover.
Wouldn’t talk about “memories”, just about an “account” - as perhaps in “one woman’s account of ALL the odds”
How about something in the direction of “Spitting against the wind”; “Don’t tell me what I can’t do”; “Don’t tell me I can’t”; “… of course I can”; “Watch me thumbing it”; “Watch me…”; “Obstacles … what’s that?”; “Heard about grit?”; “… the tough get going” (something in the back of the mind should say the beginning: “if the going gets tought …); “If it doesn’t kill you …” (supposedly finished in the head by “… it makes you stronger); “Who says I can’t do it”; Who says it’s impossible”; “Bet?”; “Wanna bet?”; “Could be worse!”
Then as subtitle perhaps something like “If you think you have problems, learn from one woman’s account of how to meet life thumb down” … and then lead to the explanation of it all either on dust jacket or back.
For what it’s worth, sent with admiration!!! Rosmarie
Comment by Rosmarie Boehm — August 28, 2006 @ 3:37 am
Given how you wrote the book a slightly corny “Rule by thumb over Cerebral Palsy” might work as a subtitle (that or #9) and it gives a hook for the press blurbs.
The “I’ll do it myself” sounds too much the do-it-yourself section of the book shop to me. If you actually did knock together a set of shelves however…
The “An Autobigroaghy By…” isn’t needed? “An Autobiography” may be needed on the front cover somewhere… but is definitely needed on the back.
The title (or author name) will get the book looked at. The first thing looked after that is the description on the back (think of it as search text when it shows up on Amazon).
All those autobio, “A Triumphant Memoir” etc belong there. The front (and title) is for grabing attention. Save the description for the back.
Comment by Will — August 28, 2006 @ 3:57 am
I like #7 and #2 (maybe re-worded a bit). #3-6 are too wordy for my taste.
Comment by Janice Moore — August 28, 2006 @ 6:59 am
I love the letter from your brother. It is so interesting to get a perspective from someone so close to you! So I am not the only one who sees your sassy, take-no-bullshit approach to life, huh?
And I like what you said in your update … why not stick with “I’ll Do It Myself”?
We do try to complicate things, don’t we? Sometimes the simplist route is the best.
All the other subtitles are great fodder for further branding in other areas such as podcasts, training classes, e-books, etc.
Trust your gut on this one.
-Pam
Comment by Pamela Slim — August 28, 2006 @ 9:08 am
Hello, Ms. Gutsy!
I thought Rosmarie made some wonderful comments and suggestions about your title. If you go with your original you might consider extending it to “I’ll Do It Myself, Thank You!”, which might separate it a bit from the home improvement visual.
And…there’s always the possibility of drafting behind Christy Brown with “My Left Thumb”…!?
I liked your comment that your thumb was doing the happy dance — can you work with that? “Thumb Up, Thumb Down”??
If you decide to get cheeky with your podcast, then “Getting Ballsy with Cerebral Palsy” would do it.
What fun to sit in on the brainstorming here — happy good wishes to you!
Dianne
___
Ms. Gutsy…I like that! Thanks Diane.
Comment by Dianne Carter — August 28, 2006 @ 9:44 pm
Well, duh…..then there’s the ‘clean’ one, “I’ll Do It Myself: Getting Gallsy with Cerebral Palsy”. Hhhmmmmm…too cutesy to sound ballsy enough, I guess!!
Dianne
Comment by Dianne Carter — August 28, 2006 @ 10:27 pm
I’ll do it myself: My Thumbprint for Life
___
Jim, that definitely has some appeal! I may use it on another product. Thanks!
Comment by Jim — August 29, 2006 @ 11:38 am
Congratulations, Glenda! Let your title be a positive affirmation … “I’ll Do It Myself … Nothing Can Stop Me!”
Comment by D. Barry — August 29, 2006 @ 12:34 pm
I love it with no subtitle, no shortcut to allow miscataloging.
Comment by Ori — September 6, 2006 @ 12:41 pm