Bitchin' Blog Posts
Help Us Bitches Out: The Book Title
by SB Sarah | by SB Sarah | August 14, 2008 | Thursday at 8:45 pm | 82 CommentsCandy and I, we need your input. Please. Pretty please with man titty on top. Over the past two days we’ve been having the most zippy reply-all email conversation with Powerful People In Publishing about our title. Not our Smart Bitch Title™, our Book Title.
We have four options for our book title, and we can’t narrow it down. Our problem? We’re somewhat, ok, a LOT used to the phrase “Smart Bitches, Trashy Books” because we look at it every day. Some folks think that “Smart Bitches, Trashy Books” is the eye catching element we need as the primary title, and other folks think that it should be the subtitle.
So, we figured, we’ll ask you. You guys, judging from your l33t Help-a-Bitch-Out skillz, know just about damn near everything. So, would you give us your vote on our title? Which one do you think is eye-catching, or at least interesting enough that you’d be curious to find out more?
As a thank you, here’s a teaser for our cover art, which is phall-bulous. We’re still cracking up.
ETA: Thanks for your opinions! Here’s hoping we’ll get our choice from The Publishing Folks. The final results of the poll are available here.
Filed: Beyond Heaving Bosoms, Help a Bitch Out
Tagged: the bitch book, art
Laura Vivanco said on 08.14.08 at 09:00 PM • [link]
“Behind the Heaving Bosoms and Throbbing Members” there are probably many heroes, approaching behinds from behind, and “Beyond the Heaving Bosoms” there are probably lots of distant prancing horses and sinking ships, or possibly even some bosom-shaped but distant mountains.
I voted for “Smart Bitches,Trashy Books: Behind the Heaving Bosoms of Romance Novels” but now I’m wondering whether “Beyond the Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels” might be better.
SonomaLass said on 08.14.08 at 09:01 PM • [link]
I like the bosoms leading the way, with the Smart Bitches in the subtitle. And I’d prefer to leave out the throbbing members—they make the title too long, IMO, and most people will fill in that part of the cliché for themselves anyway.
It has a nice rhythm to it, and I can’t wait to pre-order it special from my local independent bookstore (the one that’s too snobby to have a romance section).
Kalen Hughes said on 08.14.08 at 09:03 PM • [link]
*snort*
I’m so making a dust cover for the book with this as the title.
BethanyA said on 08.14.08 at 09:04 PM • [link]
Though the other options were funny, I voted for
because of the visual picture it paints. What’s behind the heaving bosoms? Our heart. And for the most part, that is why we read anything—we seek to have a connection, and test what we read with what we know and believe. Unless, of course, we’re in the mood for erotica, and therefore seeking something else entirely! ;>
I think this title will aptly fit what the romance community has tirelessly had to defend for ages: A good book is a book, whether you found it in the romance section or in literary fiction.
BethanyA said on 08.14.08 at 09:06 PM • [link]
Wow that post was a mess. Here’s another try:
Though the other options were funny, I voted for Smart Bitches,Trashy Books: Behind the Heaving Bosoms of Romance Novels because of the visual picture it paints. What’s behind the heaving bosoms? Our heart. And for the most part, that is why we read anything—we seek to have a connection, and test what we read with what we know and believe. Unless, of course, we’re in the mood for erotica, and therefore seeking something else entirely! ;>
I think this title will aptly fit what the romance community has tirelessly had to defend for ages: A good book is a book, whether you found it in the romance section or in literary fiction.
LauraKCurtis said on 08.14.08 at 09:13 PM • [link]
Definitely, the Smart Bitches need to go up front. “Behind ” and “Beyond” are extremely weak by comparison to “Smart Bitches.” This book may be, in part, about romance novels, but there are many books and articles on that topic (see, for example, today’s BBC article). What makes this one different is that it’s by and for smart women as well as trashy books!
Lovecow2000 said on 08.14.08 at 09:15 PM • [link]
I voted for Beyond the Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels. However, I’d edit it down a bit to Beyond Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels. Is there need for the first definite article?
Also, I love how the cover art looks like a vagina or a Georgia O’ Keefe flower. ;)
Chicklet said on 08.14.08 at 09:19 PM • [link]
I voted for Beyond the Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels because the rhythm of it is nice, but also structured so it highlights that you two will be showing what the genre includes other than the cliched heaving bosoms.
Darlene Marshall said on 08.14.08 at 09:22 PM • [link]
I go with “Smart Bitches” in the title first ‘cause that’s what it’s all about. It’s a book featuring the awesome that is the SBs, and with the news coverage y’all have received over the past few years it deserves greater play.
Besides, in a catalog listing, the full title might be truncated. I’d go with SBs leading before heaving bosoms.
Laura Vivanco said on 08.14.08 at 09:28 PM • [link]
the Smart Bitches need to go up front
One could reverse the order of “Beyond the Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels” and turn it into “The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels: Beyond/Behind the Heaving Bosoms”. I like the idea of putting the “The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels” first, because I think that’s the most striking and self-explanatory part of the title.
The trouble with “Smart Bitches, Trashy Books: Behind the Heaving Bosoms of Romance Novels” is that although we all know which way to understand the “trashy books” part, people who’re not familiar with the site might not. So then the title looks repetitious (trashy books, romance novels) and they might assume this is a book attacking the genre. Of course, that might be a good tactic, because if they want to read something denigrating the genre they might be lured into buying the book and then be converted into appreciating the genre by the wisdom of the Smart Bitches. On the other hand, it might put off some romance lovers who haven’t seen the site and so won’t realise that you’re reclaiming the term “trashy books.”
Chrissy said on 08.14.08 at 09:31 PM • [link]
Shorter is better.
But I’m so stoked to get my hands on it, regardless!!
Cyranetta said on 08.14.08 at 09:43 PM • [link]
Although my official vote went to #1, my subversive vote would go to “Smart Bitches, Trashy Books: Heaving the Bosom for Fun and Profit”
Maya said on 08.14.08 at 09:45 PM • [link]
ok, but the teaser shows what: a heaving hand? a throbbing ballgown?
Joanne said on 08.14.08 at 09:46 PM • [link]
You worked hard to have SB-TB be a recognized name so please go with it as a lead in ... but I like Beyond better then Behind ‘cause unlike another poster I didn’t think of the heart as being behind the bosoms… I thought: ‘what? what’s behind the heaving bosom? A transvestite?’
Whatever, much success to you!
katiebabs said on 08.14.08 at 09:47 PM • [link]
I like this one:
Smart Bitches,Trashy Books: Behind the Heaving Bosoms of Romance Novels
Since you gals have a fetish for heaving bosums, male or otherwise ;)
Mel-O-Drama said on 08.14.08 at 09:49 PM • [link]
I like BEYOND better than BEHIND. Probably would’ve chosen #1 if BEYOND had been in the title.
Eva Lynn said on 08.14.08 at 09:49 PM • [link]
I love #4 madly.
...but I voted for #2 because it flows best, and also because it kind of feels like it opens up a whole area of books for y’all. You know, as though there may be in future be Smart Bitches’ Guides to other things as well (even if they’re romance-centric, like Guide to Paranormal Romance, Guide to Regency Romance, whatever). And that pleases me.
Wryhag said on 08.14.08 at 09:57 PM • [link]
Yup, gotta go with what flows while dishing up pertinent info. (Although, I must say, there are so many alternate titles. I delight in thinking of them!)
Marie44 said on 08.14.08 at 09:58 PM • [link]
I voted for #2, but I actually second Laura Vivanco’s suggestion as a better alternative, for all the reasons she states: “The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels: Beyond the Heaving Bosoms”. “Smart Bitches” is eye catching, as Darlene points out this title can be shortened and the gist of the book is still obvious. I also like “beyond” better than “behind”, as many commenters have already stated. “Behind” makes me think of a “behind the scenes” type scenario, more gossipy than thoughtful, IMO.
Wryhag said on 08.14.08 at 10:00 PM • [link]
Oops, forgot to add: You might want to eliminate the “the” in front of “heaving bosoms” (i.e., Beyond Heaving Bosoms . . .). It really serves no purpose except to take up valuable cover space.
AbbyT said on 08.14.08 at 10:01 PM • [link]
Oh man, I voted, but I REALLY wanted Parsing the Inter-Textuality of Ejaculative Emissions: an Examination of the Immanent Altern. As a former post-colonial lit major, I loves me some alterns.
DawnM said on 08.14.08 at 10:03 PM • [link]
LOL. I saw that image and first thing that came to mind ( without even seeing the titles ) was ” No my bosoms aren’t heaving”. So by that measure heaving bosoms must be in the title.
liz said on 08.14.08 at 10:08 PM • [link]
Whatever Nora thinks will sell. No, really, that’s how I would structure my working life….
Jill Sorenson said on 08.14.08 at 10:10 PM • [link]
I like “Beyond Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels.”
What IS that picture, anyway? Isn’t it yonic, rather than phallic? Or is there a penis hidden among those folds?
Elyssa said on 08.14.08 at 10:14 PM • [link]
I think Smart Bitches needs to go first—-someone mentioned this before but you and Candy have built this site and people will buy the book because it’s Smart Bitches and their take on beyond the romance covers.
Jill Sorenson said on 08.14.08 at 10:14 PM • [link]
Never mind. I see it now. *blushing*
Maggie Robinson said on 08.14.08 at 10:16 PM • [link]
I can’t resist a throbbing member…
Elyssa said on 08.14.08 at 10:17 PM • [link]
Or it could be… Smart Bitches, Trashy Books: Ripping the Bodice Apart
*g*
Rebecca said on 08.14.08 at 10:24 PM • [link]
I just realized that I know nothing about your book (congratulations, btw). Is this a guide to romance novels for the romance reader or is this an explanation (not an apology) to those who don’t read the genre to the genre and its readers? Is this a rebuttal to all the stigma attached to the genre?
If it’s the latter: Could we take the heaving bosoms out of the title? Maybe the title could be: Smart Bitches, Trashy Books: Or, Why Romance Rules Books Sales.
Just an idea.
But, back to the poll:
I voted for #1 and totally agree with Bethany and Laura V.
Reasons to lead with SB, TB:
1.) Your blog title says it all. It is pithy and interesting and totally unapologetic. Personal anecdote: My father, the veteran academic, who never met a deep serious book he didn’t like, and never understood my love of this genre, got your blog immediately and also had no problem relating it to me, his smart daughter who looooves these books.
2.) It is a much better attention-getter for the no-understand-please-don’t-try-to-explain crowd…after all, we are your market, so you may be sure that we’ll buy and read your book. The idea (to my mind) is to attract the folks who are not in your market.
3.) SB,TB is your brand. Always, always support your brand. Don’t dilute it if you can help it…
theladyferris said on 08.14.08 at 10:27 PM • [link]
How about “The Smart Bitches’ Panting, Heaving & Throbbing Guide to Romance Novels”?
Meljean Brook said on 08.14.08 at 10:31 PM • [link]
I like SB,TB up front. It’s more eye-catching, then the subtitle lets the reader know what the book is about.
I’m also a fan of “beyond” rather than “behind.”
Eva Lynn said on 08.14.08 at 10:31 PM • [link]
I have to respectfully disagree—I feel it serves the meter of the phrase. With it, you have an iambic tetrameter: beYOND / the HEA / ving BO / soms. Without it, I find the way the two emphasized syllables (yond/Hea) butt up against each other awkward.
I also agree that, regardless of the eventual arrangement, ‘Beyond’ is better than ‘Behind’. What’s behind the heaving bosom is ribcage and internal organs. I do not wish to delve further into that. >_>
RfP said on 08.14.08 at 10:37 PM • [link]
“Heaving bosoms” is pointlessly obnoxious. “Smart Bitches, Trashy Books” is obnoxious in a good way. Can the bosoms.
LizC said on 08.14.08 at 10:51 PM • [link]
I went with the Smart Bitches leading the way because that’s what people familiar with the site will notice right away and it’s, I think, different enough to catch the eyes of people who might not be familiar with the site.
Lovecow2000 said on 08.14.08 at 11:02 PM • [link]
My only worry with having SB/TB first is that the less discerning my see it as a rip off of the popular “Stitch n’ Bitch” series of knitting books.
And if anything is going to be ripped off, it’ll be my bodice!
Definitely keep “behind” out of the title for reasons already cited.
Rene S. said on 08.14.08 at 11:04 PM • [link]
I agree with this statement. I voted #2 mainly b/c I prefer beyond to behind, but after reading all the comments, I would go with putting SB up front.
Keri Ford said on 08.14.08 at 11:07 PM • [link]
SB,TB should come first for the reason stated above (leaves you open to future titles, that’s your eye-catching brand). As far as the beyond/behind thing, doesn’t make a difference to me. I’m not seeing hearts or organs, just an inside scoop sort of thing
But I like Elyssa’s
Keri Ford said on 08.14.08 at 11:08 PM • [link]
Oops! Forgot to add. I don’t like the guide one, because I see guide on a book and my mind starts thinking “Idiot’s Guide to (fill in the blank)”
Tracy said on 08.14.08 at 11:52 PM • [link]
You got to have more than heaving bosoms, you got to have the throbbing members! I went with #3.
Oh, and if you need help with finding a title for your latest romance novel, you can always try the Random Romance Novel Title Generator
Octavia said on 08.14.08 at 11:56 PM • [link]
I second Laura Vivanco’s option too.
I get slightly put off by ‘throbbing members’. Erm… in the title. ‘Behind’ in the same sentence as members and bosoms… well, my mind goes to other bodyparts with that. “Smart Bitches,Trashy Books: Behind the Heaving Bosoms of Romance Novels” feels not right: put this way it is as if the romance novels themselves are about smart bitches who read trashy books - at least, that’s how I read it. So I went with 2, but yeah, even better when adapted. I think it will draw the most readers who don’t know this site but read romance novels in general, apart from those who do.
This was a weird comment to write.
Shanna said on 08.14.08 at 11:59 PM • [link]
I like the title Laura came up with:
Taylor Reynolds said on 08.15.08 at 12:15 AM • [link]
You are the Smart Bitches and, as the book is alive because of the website, the full title should transfer. My vote is #1. Though #4 is fan-freaking-tastic!!!!! I just don’t think it would garner the sales you deserve.
Gemma said on 08.15.08 at 12:17 AM • [link]
Can I also say, er… what book? (I’m fairly sure I’ll buy it, whatever the heck it is, if you gals wrote it!)
Nora Roberts said on 08.15.08 at 12:22 AM • [link]
Beyond Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches Guide To Romance Novels.
Heaving Bosoms catches the eye as quickly as SB—and the book is about what’s beyond the heaving bosoms, not about the SB—as much as we love you. I’d lead with the content of the book, and the tone it sets for moving beyond the cliche.
Bonnie said on 08.15.08 at 12:26 AM • [link]
I picked the first one. Smart Bitches should come first, IMO.
I can’t wait for the book! When does it come out? It sounds so sassy and fun. Can’t wait.
Esri Rose said on 08.15.08 at 12:32 AM • [link]
I’m going to ditto La Nora. The “the” does nothing. Get to the point quicker. And I think “Beyond Heaving Bosoms” gets the point of the book across quicker. “Smart Bitches” doesn’t give enough information up front.
Looking forward to it, even though I don’t know the focus yet.
shaunee said on 08.15.08 at 12:32 AM • [link]
Don’t know if anyone has made this point (sorry, too lazy to read previous posts today due to one or more of the following facts: lack of money, lack of wine, lack air conditioning, perimenopause.
Smart Bitches Trashy Books is your brand. You know, like Charmin or Bounty or Palmolive (hello Madge). The Book is simply one interpretation of that brand. When you do SBTB The Fragrance and SBTB The Clothing Line and SBTB Record Label and SBTB THE MOVIE, Smart Bitches Trashy Books should dominate the bottle, label, CD and marquee.
SMART BITCHES TRASHY BOOKS FOREVER!! Then the colon and whatever else.
Love, peace and chicken grease.
shaunee
Carrie Lofty said on 08.15.08 at 12:35 AM • [link]
Just my $.02, but I prefer “beyond” to “behind.” Behind the heaving bosoms is the chest cavity, which is not sexy. Beyond implies moving past a set concept—more appopriate and less like anatomy class.
Esri Rose said on 08.15.08 at 12:35 AM • [link]
The thing is, anyone who is a fan of the site is going to be aware of the book. Those people are as good as sold. The title in the bookstore or online needs to catch the eye without people knowing who the Smart Bitches are.
Bonnie said on 08.15.08 at 12:45 AM • [link]
What caught my eye, was the title of this blog - Smart Bitches. I clicked and never went back.
That’s not something you see every day. I’d go with what’s worked for you thus far.
Lorelie said on 08.15.08 at 12:50 AM • [link]
I voted to stack SBTB second because while it’s got good zing, the book’s not about the website.
Esri Rose said on 08.15.08 at 12:55 AM • [link]
Bonnie: Well, there’s that.
That’s not how I got here, but clearly it’s worked for other people.
I don’t like the convention of calling women “bitches,” even though I know the Smart Bitches are reclaiming the term. But that would make me avoid the book, whereas “Beyond Heaving Bosoms” asks a questions. “What lies beyond heaving bosoms?”
Tina said on 08.15.08 at 01:00 AM • [link]
I chose #3 because the heaving bosoms and throbbing members caught my eye—they go so well together!
ev said on 08.15.08 at 01:31 AM • [link]
I am in a toss up between the first two. I like them both, although I do like the Smart Bitches Guide line.
Both work well in catching the eye and the imagination. Skinny Bitch in the cooking section sells very well. Mostly to skinny bitches though.
MS Jones said on 08.15.08 at 01:41 AM • [link]
I prefer Laura’s suggestion, keeping the SB name up front and holding the heaving bosoms back.
And I know you’re not interested in other titles but I just can’t resist -
Smart Bitches Guide to Romance Novels: Ripping the Veil Off the Bodice of Love
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books: I’m In Ur Head, Deconstructing Ur Romance
LOLcrit of Love: the Smart Bitches Guide to Romance
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books: the Hermeneutics of Luurveâ„¢
The Smart Bitches Guide to Romance Novels: Romping Through the Fields of the Most Popular, Lucrative Genre EVAH to be Dissed and Ignored by Literary Critics!
Claidia said on 08.15.08 at 02:03 AM • [link]
I’d have preferred something like Smart Bitches, Trashy Books: A Guide to Romance Novels. I personally think Smart Bitches, Trashy Books: A Guide is shorter and more eye catching, but that’s just me.
Whatever the title, this tome will surely set the blogoshpere ablaze as anti-mean girls everywhere flame away at the SBs. That will be entertainment.
Jaci Burton said on 08.15.08 at 02:36 AM • [link]
I went with #2. That one seemed to fit the best.
You can call it Lovers of Man-Titty Unite and I’ll still buy the book. Can’t wait!
Sarah Frantz said on 08.15.08 at 02:52 AM • [link]
I like the idea of The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels: Beyond the Heaving Bosoms. Definitely “Beyond” not “Behind” and I think it’s important to have “Smart Bitches’ Guide” because that’s what it is. It’s not about you and your website. It’s about you guiding readers around RomanceLandia.
SB Sarah said on 08.15.08 at 02:59 AM • [link]
Note to self: asking the smart people for opinions means you get a lot of really good opinions. They might not all agree, however.
For those who aren’t familiar, our book is with Touchstone/Fireside, and it’s a guide to the genre for those who love romance novels and are tired of taking shit for their love of the genre.
Chrisbookarama said on 08.15.08 at 03:06 AM • [link]
Awesome! Nora agrees with me. (She just doesn’t know it… Or for that matter care). Hehe.
Krysia said on 08.15.08 at 03:27 AM • [link]
Out of the options, IMO, this one “reads” the best:
Beyond the Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels
:)
Jessa Slade said on 08.15.08 at 03:29 AM • [link]
I agree. I’ve seen Smart Bitch used elsewhere so if you don’t open with the full SBTB lead I wouldn’t assume it was you and so wouldn’t know the wonderful snark that awaited me inside.
However, judging by the tiny tiny chunk of lushly pink cover, I’d probably pick it up even if it was called Sweet Sweet Man-Titty.
In full disclosure, I guess I’d pick up it up BECAUSE it was called Sweet Sweet Man-Titty.
Suzanne said on 08.15.08 at 03:50 AM • [link]
Putting ‘Smart Bitches’ upfront makes the most sense since that is your ‘brand’.....everything that comes after that is just the icing on the cake.
PK said on 08.15.08 at 03:51 AM • [link]
Loved options one, two and three. Voted for two because I think it’s the one that grabs and I want the SBs to make mucho dinero. And to lure the primo man titty, well that takes money honey.
Now, option four, I KNOW you just put up to eff with me and to make me spit my tea out. Well played darlings.
Jen Doe said on 08.15.08 at 04:00 AM • [link]
I picked option one because I was imagining how I would abbreviate the title one message boards and in emails. (Please forgive me if I am repeating anyone else’s comments.)
Smart Bitches,Trashy Books: Behind the Heaving Bosoms of Romance Novels could be shortened to just the Smart Bitches book. Name branding, memorable and easy to search on Amazon.
Beyond the Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels could also be called the Smart Bitches book, but is just as likely to end up something like BtHB or BHB.
Behind the Heaving Bosoms and Throbbing Members: The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels is the same as above but now becomes BtHBaTM or BHBTM. While I love a throbbing member as much as the next gal, even the abbreviation is cumbersome.
Parsing the Inter-Textuality of Ejaculative Emissions: an Examination of the Immanent . . . is too perfect to shorten effectively.
IMHO
Best of luck!
SonomaLass said on 08.15.08 at 06:05 AM • [link]
Whatever title you end up with, it’s going to be called “the Smart Bitches” book, regardless. And those of us who recognize the web site will recognize it wherever it appears in the title. I still think the bosoms should lead (as they do in real life, honey), and I like “beyond” because if you have behind, you need a throbbing member for balance, and then it’s just too dang long (I should probably rephrase that for clarity, but I won’t, ‘cause it made me snigger).
Nathalie Gray said on 08.15.08 at 07:15 AM • [link]
The cover!!! There’s pink fluff on the cover?! *biting nails*
Ashley said on 08.15.08 at 07:20 AM • [link]
I think that “Smart Bitches Trashy Books: Behind the Heaving Bosoms of Romance Novels” sounds both redundant and slightly insulting. I would remove “Trashy Books”. Also, I feel that having “The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels” coming second is best, because the entry title should always catch your attention, with the subtitle further explaining it. (1 am is not conducive to my sentence structure.) the “Throbbing Members” is too long and obvious, and finally, though the last suggesting is funny, I can’t imagine it is a serious suggestion. I’m not sure many people would understand the title, nor would they be drawn to it.
Now most importantly: Is this really going to be a book? a tangible thing I can put on my shelf and read on the bus and (hopefully not) chuck at the wall? how are you going about this? is it a general guide with general info on what to look out for and what to avoid? Will it teach us to be smart bitches just like you two? or is it a collection of your favourite and most interesting reviews? you will write it the same way you speak on the website right? it wouldn’t be nearly as fun otherwise.
ashley said on 08.15.08 at 07:23 AM • [link]
BTW: I think you should include a Glossary in the book. You know, some terms you use that may be unfamiliar to those who haven’t seen the website or are new to it. For example: TSTL. when I first read that on the website I had to search the archives to figure out what it meant by examining the contexts in which it was used.
amy lane said on 08.15.08 at 08:25 AM • [link]
How about Smart Bitches, Trashy Books: Baring the Heaving Bosoms and Unsheathing the Throbbing Members of the Romance World!
Faellie said on 08.15.08 at 02:35 PM • [link]
I voted for No.1
I think using “Guide” in the title might be a bit limiting - guides are usually a general survey that lists existing content rather than creating new content, and they tend to go out of date, so perhaps not entirely appropriate to a seminal feminist work on an important literary genre.
I agree SBTB should come first, and I prefer “beyond” to “behind”, but my best preference would be -
“Smart Bitches, Trashy Books: Parsing the Inter-Textuality of Ejaculative Emissions” Exactly the right combination of intellectuality (is that a word these days?) and subversive humour.
r. said on 08.15.08 at 02:48 PM • [link]
i second the proposal for “Smart Bitches, Trashy Books: Parsing the Inter-Textuality of Ejaculative Emissions†- that is brilliant.
Karen said on 08.15.08 at 02:58 PM • [link]
I voted for the first one, but I agree with what others have said, I like the word “Beyond” rather than “Behind” for it.
Smart Bitches,Trashy Books: Beyond the Heaving Bosoms of Romance Novels
sonya said on 08.15.08 at 03:29 PM • [link]
Ditto. :-) Just about word for word my thoughts.
Janet Mullany said on 08.15.08 at 03:38 PM • [link]
I voted for #2, because sometimes shorter is better.
used54—how appropriate for my age and status.
eaeaea said on 08.15.08 at 03:47 PM • [link]
Beyond the Heaving Bosoms and Throbbing Members: The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels
I went with #3 - just for the heck of holding a book with this title in full public view.
You write it and I’ll read it, no matter the title or amount of pink fluff on the cover.
joykenn said on 08.15.08 at 04:00 PM • [link]
Like the fluttering hand in your teaser for your cover art but wanted to see some man-titty. I voted for the HB first since it will catch people’s eye. I do have a hard on for the Parsing title but thought you should have gotten “textural analysis” into it somehow. Good luck with the book.
Theresa Meyers said on 08.15.08 at 04:13 PM • [link]
Seriously, they didn’t give you the option of Beyond Waxed Man Titty? So unfair.
Voted the same as Nora. Content first, because communications studies show we remember what’s last most. SB is what you want them to remember, going Beyond is why they pick it up.
Of course this changes depending on if you’re planning on expanding the branding to include a whole SB line of books, rather like the Dummies guides. Personally I think it would be brilliant. Can you imagine a SB guide to drinks? An SB guide to Blogging? An SB guide to dating…good God I could go on and on…
been44 - not yet, but there are days I feel like it…
Theresa Meyers said on 08.15.08 at 04:19 PM • [link]
Oh, and I just want to know. Are they planning on having a ripped bodice with that pink fluff on the cover?
Mary Stella said on 08.15.08 at 05:50 PM • [link]
I couldn’t vote for any of them because, practically speaking, I think they’re all too long for a book cover. I can’t imagine a graphic design that will show off that title and a cover in a way that will grab the attention and interest of book buyers.
Remember, you need to reach out to people who aren’t in on the inside scoop of Smart Bitchery.
That said, I’m also yearning for a clever pun—like Busting Beyond Heaving Bosoms. No. That’s still too long.
Whatever you decide, the Bosoms comment comes first, with SB as a sub-title.
Several months ago, Jenny Crusie wrote some truly excellent blog posts on the design elements that make a successful cover. I can’t quote verbatim but it has to do with catching the eye across the room, reflecting the content, etc. I’m sure you can find them in her Argh Ink archives.
HaloKun said on 08.15.08 at 08:05 PM • [link]
I disagree. Long book titles can work out just fine especially for “guides” like this one or comedy books which are the exception to the long title rule.
An example would be: “My Custom Van: And 50 Other Mind-Blowing Essays that Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face”
Plus I believe the term “Heaving Bosoms” absolutely NEEDS to be in the title.
I want to thank all of you for bringing this blog to life. You have made me laugh more times than I can count. I will be ordering this book for my store.
I can’t wait to see the cover and I hope it’s absolutely over the top and makes even the most ardent fans of romance go “WHA?!?”
Jenns said on 08.15.08 at 08:33 PM • [link]
My vote was for Beyond the Heaving Bosoms: Smart Bitches, Trashy Books.
Sounds better and looks a little more catchy, I think.
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