Should You Use a Subtitle for Your Book?

Have you ever held a book and paused to read the fine words just below the main title? That small set of words may tell you what the book holds. But do you need one for your book? The right set of words can help tell your book’s tale in a clear way.

If you sell books, it may also help push sales up. When folks see a book, they may not guess what it holds from the title alone.

This is where a short yet crisp set of words can help. A book must call the right crowd, and a clear set of words can do just that.

Key Takeaways

• A book must have a clear aim, and a subtitle may help tell it fast.

• The right choice of words helps pull in the right set of folks.

• A strong set of words adds trust, makes the book stand out, and may help it sell.

Should You Add a Subtitle to Your Book?

A book title must be strong. But a short set of words can help it tell more. In a world full of books, a title alone may not be enough. A book must stand out. A short phrase can help tell the reader why the book is worth their time.

The choice of words must be wise. The words must not be long. Short, crisp words work best. If you pick the wrong words, they may make the book look bland. If you use the right mix, it may make folks pick the book up. This choice is key to how a book does in sales.

How a Subtitle Can Help a Book Rank High

If you want folks to find your book with ease, you must know how search tools work. A book must have words that match what folks search for. The right choice of words in a short phrase can help a book rank high.

Factor	With Subtitle	Without Subtitle
Search Rank	High if it has key words	Low if vague
Book Sales	More folks may buy	May not pull as much
Trust	More due to clear aim	Less if unclear
Book Finds Right Crowd	Yes	Hard to tell
Book Stands Out	High if crisp	May get lost

Words That Work Well in a Book’s Subtitle

Some words may add trust. Some words may pull in the right crowd. Some words may not help at all. Pick words that tell the tale well.

• Books that teach must have clear words like guide, steps, rules.

• Books that tell true tales must use memoir, true, story.

• Books that show how to grow must use grow, build, plan.

• Books that deal with deep thoughts must use life, truth, path.

• Books that sell must use words like win, boost, best.

Did you know? Most books that sell well have a set of short words below the main title.

How to Choose the Best Subtitle

A set of words must not be long. But it must be clear. A title may not say much. But a set of words must help it do just that. How can you pick the right words? Here’s how:

• Know what the book holds – The words must tell what the book is about.

• Keep it short – A long set of words may make folks skip it.

• Pick strong words – Use words that fit what folks search for.

• Test your choice – Ask folks which set of words makes sense.

When Not to Use a Subtitle

Not all books need a set of words below the title. Some books may not gain much from them. Here are cases where a book may not need one:

• If the title alone tells what the book is about.

• If the book’s aim is clear with just a name.

• If the book is part of a set and has a theme.

• If the book has a strong brand name that folks know well.

• If a set of words does not add worth to the book’s look.

Did you know? Some best-sellers did not have a subtitle yet sold well.

Common Mistakes When Picking a Subtitle

A wrong set of words can make a book hard to find. Many folks make these errors:

• Too vague – Words that do not tell much make the book hard to sell.

• Too long – A long set of words makes folks skip it.

• Too dull – Words that do not make an impact may not help sales.

• No key words – Books that do not have words folks search for may get lost online.

• Too hard to grasp – Words must be easy to read.

The Best Way to Add a Subtitle to Your Book

Once you pick the right set of words, you must place them well. The words must be just below the main title. They must match the font style but be smaller. They must not take up too much space.

The words must flow with the book’s aim. If they stand out too much, they may not look good. A book must not have words that feel forced. The words must feel like they fit well.

Final Thoughts

A book must stand out in a world full of books. A short set of words may help it do just that. A strong choice of words makes sure folks know what the book holds. The right words help the book rank high in search tools.

If done well, they pull the right crowd and help sales. If you plan to put out a book, you must think hard on this choice. A wise set of words can help your book find its place. Need help with your book’s publishing? Talk to eBooks2go now!