Thread by @PulpLibrarian

Are you writing a sci-fi or fantasy novel? Are you struggling to choose a title for it?

Well good news! I've just analysed the titles of 1,500 DAW sci-fi and fantasy novels, and I think I've found the secret. Come with me... #WednesdayWisdom

It turns out the most commonly used word in a DAW fantasy title is... sword!

Well d'uh. But think about it: 'sword' is being used as a shorthand term rather than a descriptive term here, it tells the reader it's one of 'those' novels...

...much like the word 'dragon' does. Dragons are a shoo-in for any fantasy book title (assuming there is a dragon in the story!) because it clearly signals to the audience this is a fantasy genre novel.

For sci-fi the most popular word seems to be 'star.' Again, it's not a descriptive term it's a signal - This is set in space!

Sci-fi titles also like to use the word 'world'; it indicates to the reader they are going to be immersed in an alien setting.

Sci-fiand fantasy titles do seem to love the theme of darkness. 'Shadow' is a very popular choice of word for the title...

...as are 'night', 'darkness', 'twilight' and 'dark'. It's all a bit gloomy!

'Blood' is a popular word to drop in a dark fantasy, but surprisingly 'death' is less popular (based on DAW book titles).

And when it comes to colours the most popular one for a sci-fi or fantasy book is... green! Closely followed by black.

'Time' is a popular title word for both fantasy and sci-fi books...

...and 'sun' is a also a popular title choice that works across both genres.

When it comes to weather the most popular word is 'storm'.

But far and away the most popular thing to put in a sci-fi or fantasy title is a compound word! Creating a new term out of two common words is one of the most frequently used tricks to make a title stand out in these genres.

So for your next sci-fi or fantasy novel might I suggest calling it:
- Blood Of The Dragonsword
- Fireshadow's Moon
- Timeworld: Dark Storm of the Dragonshadow
- Sword Dragons of Shadowblood
- Sunblood: Time of the Storm

Just a though...

(See, it just works!)

You know what... i'm gonna write this book and put it online for Christmas.

Watch this space...