Comments on: When to Write a Title? http://www.writingwhitepapers.com/blog/2006/10/03/when-to-write-a-title/ Everything about writing and marketing white papers Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:13:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.1 By: Michael Stelzner http://www.writingwhitepapers.com/blog/2006/10/03/when-to-write-a-title/#comment-241 Michael Stelzner Wed, 04 Oct 2006 14:17:56 +0000 http://www.writingwhitepapers.com/blog/2006/10/03/when-to-write-a-title/#comment-241 Dianna - Great analogy! Pam - Yes, if you think about headlines as the ad for your writing, it should help change your perspective. Here is an article I wrote on the topic: http://www.whitepapersource.com/writing/writing_titles.html - Mike Dianna - Great analogy!

Pam - Yes, if you think about headlines as the ad for your writing, it should help change your perspective. Here is an article I wrote on the topic: http://www.whitepapersource.com/writing/writing_titles.html - Mike

]]> By: Pam G http://www.writingwhitepapers.com/blog/2006/10/03/when-to-write-a-title/#comment-240 Pam G Wed, 04 Oct 2006 14:02:28 +0000 http://www.writingwhitepapers.com/blog/2006/10/03/when-to-write-a-title/#comment-240 Uh-oh. I did that too. Named my baby when I was 12...a mere 17 years before she was born. I like the advice that reminds us to think of headlines as "the ad for your ad." That tends to get me into a good frame of mind. Uh-oh. I did that too. Named my baby when I was 12…a mere 17 years before she was born.

I like the advice that reminds us to think of headlines as “the ad for your ad.” That tends to get me into a good frame of mind.

]]> By: Dianna Huff http://www.writingwhitepapers.com/blog/2006/10/03/when-to-write-a-title/#comment-239 Dianna Huff Wed, 04 Oct 2006 13:48:37 +0000 http://www.writingwhitepapers.com/blog/2006/10/03/when-to-write-a-title/#comment-239 My high school English teacher always said, "Don't name your baby before it's been born." :-) I've really worked on my titles in the past year or so -- and now write them last. However, I also start with a working title, knowing I'm going to throw it away. My colleague, Tom Ahern, also says, "Spend minutes writing copy and hours writing headlines." Excellent advice. My high school English teacher always said, “Don’t name your baby before it’s been born.” :-)

I’ve really worked on my titles in the past year or so — and now write them last. However, I also start with a working title, knowing I’m going to throw it away.

My colleague, Tom Ahern, also says, “Spend minutes writing copy and hours writing headlines.” Excellent advice.

]]> By: Michael Stelzner http://www.writingwhitepapers.com/blog/2006/10/03/when-to-write-a-title/#comment-237 Michael Stelzner Wed, 04 Oct 2006 13:08:51 +0000 http://www.writingwhitepapers.com/blog/2006/10/03/when-to-write-a-title/#comment-237 Hi Pam; The key thing to think about is this. Will the title engage readers and make them want to act -- namely read further? Next time try leaving the title blank. I like to put the words, "Good Title Goes Here" at the top of the page. :) Mike Hi Pam;

The key thing to think about is this. Will the title engage readers and make them want to act — namely read further?

Next time try leaving the title blank. I like to put the words, “Good Title Goes Here” at the top of the page. :)

Mike

]]> By: Pam G http://www.writingwhitepapers.com/blog/2006/10/03/when-to-write-a-title/#comment-235 Pam G Wed, 04 Oct 2006 02:39:26 +0000 http://www.writingwhitepapers.com/blog/2006/10/03/when-to-write-a-title/#comment-235 I'm too anal to write that way, even if maybe I should or things might go better for me if I did. When I start writing, I'd better have 98% of my research done, a substantial outline, and a very specific "theme"--which will usually be reflected in the headline. Surprisingly, imagination will out, and things can certainly change once I get started. Many times, I've gone from point A to point B via points Q, S, and D. But I still have to have all those ducks lined up before I start, and a title is a big part of that. But I've changed titles too. Am I wasting a lot of time? Probably. But that's my security blanket, and I don't think I'll be giving it to Goodwill any time soon. I really like your use of the word "wreckage." Indeed it usually is. :) I’m too anal to write that way, even if maybe I should or things might go better for me if I did. When I start writing, I’d better have 98% of my research done, a substantial outline, and a very specific “theme”–which will usually be reflected in the headline.

Surprisingly, imagination will out, and things can certainly change once I get started. Many times, I’ve gone from point A to point B via points Q, S, and D. But I still have to have all those ducks lined up before I start, and a title is a big part of that.

But I’ve changed titles too. Am I wasting a lot of time? Probably. But that’s my security blanket, and I don’t think I’ll be giving it to Goodwill any time soon.

I really like your use of the word “wreckage.” Indeed it usually is. :)

]]>