[carol-carlisle Posts: 3 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

I am struggling with a title for my middle grade book.  My head keeps coming up with things that sound too cliche'.  Does anyone have any advice for how to formulate a good title?  Help!

[Vijaya Posts: 7,172 Status: Offline Encourage WWW]

If this is a work-in-progress, I'd give it a working title that speaks to you. Lots of times, after acquisition, titles change.
Some tips for titles: choose a word/image or a phrase or even a line of dialogue that's especially evocative, that captures the essence for you.

If you want specific advice for your story, you might want to post something about it--a teaser, a flap--anything to help a brainstorming session.
Have fun with it.

[Mrs. Jones Posts: 1,311 Status: Offline WWW]

I usually get a big piece of art paper and start writing words that have to do with the themes of my book, the characters, the storyline... words, words, words. I'm as descriptive as I can be, and it's a huge mess. Then I get a smaller piece of paper and make lists of my favorite words and and even put phrases together. It's still a bit of a mess. Don't filter yourself! The process can take a couple of weeks or more. Then I make a list of potential titles. NOTHING is off limits.

The right title will come when it's ready, and even then, your publisher might want you to change it. BUT, this can be a ton of fun. Don't stress about it, just let your title reveal itself to you.

[carol-carlisle Posts: 3 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Very helpful comments.  Thank you so much for responding.