How to Name Your Fanfiction: 13 Steps
Introduction:
Fanfiction offers writers a truly unique creative outlet, and coming up with a catchy title is just as important. A great title can grab readers’ attention, pique their curiosity and persuade them to dive into your story. If you’re struggling to come up with a name for your fanfiction, follow these 13 steps to create a title that resonates with potential readers.
1. Identify Your Fandom:
The first step in naming your fanfiction is recognizing the fandom you are writing for. This will help you cater the title to fans of the original work while ensuring that they understand the context.
2. Determine Your Story’s Tone:
Is your fanfiction lighthearted, humorous or serious? The tone of your story should be reflected in its title, creating cohesion between the content and its name.
3. Consider Your Main Characters:
Think about your protagonist(s) and how they might influence the title of your fanfiction. You can pick names or character traits that would make appealing words in your title.
4. Choose Key Plot Points:
Identify pivotal parts of your story’s plot and see if any could make an interesting fanfiction title. Focusing on major events or twists will surely pique readers’ interest.
5. Use Wordplay or Puns:
Clever wordplay and puns can create catchy titles. Think about how you might combine words or play with their meanings to form an intriguing name for your fanfiction.
6. Browse Other Titles for Inspiration:
Get some ideas by looking at titles from other fanfictions within your fandom, as well as books, movies and TV shows from other genres – just don’t copy them directly.
7. Keep It Simple and Accessible:
Avoid making your title overly complicated or cryptic. Readers should be able to get a sense of what your story is about just by looking at the title.
8. Think of a Series or Trilogy Title:
If you plan on writing multiple fanfictions that are connected, consider devising a series or trilogy title that encompasses your overarching theme.
9. Try Alliteration or Rhyme:
Alliteration and rhyme are catchy linguistic devices that can make your title more memorable. Experiment with different combinations of words to find a winning formula.
10. Seek Feedback from Others:
Ask friends, family, or members of your fandom for their thoughts on your potential title. They may come up with ideas you hadn’t considered or notice issues with your initial ideas.
11. Test Different Titles:
Write down several title options and see how they look and sound together. This process will help you hone in on one that captures the essence of your fanfiction best.
12. Finalize Your Title:
Once you’ve tested various titles and gathered feedback, choose the one that feels right for your story. Remember, the goal is to create a cohesive and compelling title that attracts readers to dive in.
13. Be Open to Change:
If your story evolves as you write or if you receive feedback suggesting a better title, be willing to change it. Flexibility is key when it comes to creating the perfect name for your fanfiction.
Conclusion:
Naming your fanfiction can be a daunting task, but following these 13 steps will help you create a captivating title that appeals to readers and reflects the spirit of your story. With some brainstorming and self-reflection, you’ll craft an outstanding name worthy of representing your work.