Book title too long?

Hey, I've been looking at book titles. At the last Write to the Bank, everyone seemed to like the title:

You Can Sleep In Your Car But You Can't Drive Your House to Work

The story is a bout a time in my life when I lived in my car and learned gratitude. Is this title too long? Would you remember it? Do you have any suggestions?

I also thought about:

The World's My Home

Thanks,

Sutton

PS I've attached the book if anyone wants to look at it. I'm also looking for a layout designer. thx!

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Attachments:

Gratitude-Andrea 8-9-11.pdf, 260 KB

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sutton Parks on August 12, 2011 at 12:41pm

Thank you Joanne. What great feedback I'm getting here. It looks like the gang at Write to the Bank picked a winning title.

I just finished reading, "Heaven is for Real", that was handed out at the May WTB. haha, Dan must be a speed reader that avoids distractions. Once I start reading, I realize I need a cup of coffee, then a snack, etc.

Permalink Reply by Henry Matlock on August 12, 2011 at 10:26am

Hey Sutton,

I was thinking that you could keep You Can Sleep In Your Car as the main title, insert parenthetically (But You Can't Drive Your House To Work) perhaps underneath, and then include a descriptive subtitle like Amazing/Essential Lessons Learned When I Became Homeless. I think excluding the gratitude part in the subtitle will make people want to pick it up to find out what the lessons are. Just my 2 cents.

Can't wait to take a look at it. I'll let you know what I think.

All the best!

Permalink Reply by Kent Julian on August 12, 2011 at 10:33am

Hey Henry,

I bragged on you at the Write To The Bank conference. Said your advise in our little group here is so valuable!

Thanks for adding value, my friend.

Kent Julian

Permalink Reply by Henry Matlock on August 12, 2011 at 11:45am

Aw shucks. Thanks, Kent. I think it was Dale Carnegie who said if you help enough people get what they want, then eventually you will get what you want.

You provide an excellent example of serving others that I try to live out as well. Thank you for your example, Kent, and for helping us get what we want.

Sutton,

I have read the first 7 pages and really like what I have read so far. I plan on finishing it over the weekend (probably tonight). You tell the story well--and what a story it is. Can't wait to finish it.

All the best!

Permalink Reply by Sutton Parks on August 12, 2011 at 12:30pm

Hey, thanks Henry! Yes, Kent was bragging on you at Write to the Bank and I am very thankful for your help (and everyone else's) and encouragement. What a great place to be.

Permalink Reply by Henry Matlock on August 14, 2011 at 1:43am

Hey Sutton (or Mr. Dan)!

Just finished reading the manuscript, and I loved it. It was very easy to read; you are a gifted writer. I appreciate not only your being willing to pour your story out on paper, but also your willingness to share it with us. I feel like I got a free preview of the next bestseller. Put me down for an autographed copy when it releases.

All the best!

Permalink Reply by Kent Julian on August 14, 2011 at 8:13am

Me too, Sutton!

Now, let's get you on the speaker circuit as well :)

Permalink Reply by Sutton Parks on August 17, 2011 at 1:06pm

sounds good Henry and Kent. Thank you. I've been disappointed by the cover designs I'm getting back from elance so I may have to find another source for a cover.

Permalink Reply by Kent Julian on August 17, 2011 at 2:43pm

Hope you're coming to the boot camp!

Permalink Reply by Henry Matlock on August 17, 2011 at 4:00pm

Sutton,

You may want to give fiverr.com a shot for the cover design. "Gigs" cost $5, and you could be pleasantly surprised what you can get for 5 bucks. If you are not satisfied, you can cancel the gig for a full refund. Just a thought.

All the best!

Permalink Reply by Kathryn Lehan on August 12, 2011 at 11:29am

Hey Sutton:

I like your book. What a journey God took you on to bring you to the end of yourself. Wow! Congratulations.

I like your title a lot. It's very memorable and length isn't a problem if it "means" something to your reader. Your title tells some of what the reader can expect from the book. Although your book is more about your journey out of addiction (while living in your car) and finding God than something humorous - which the title hints at.

I think your alternate title sounds more like a travel book!

Maybe you could parlay the first part of your title into something more in line with the end of journey. Like: You Can Sleep In Your Car But It Won't Take You to Freedom OR You Can Sleep In Your Car But It Doesn't Always Take You Where You Want to Go or something along those lines. Or If You Have to Sleep in Your Car Learn to Enjoy the View Through the Sunroof - that was inspired by your entry on Friday July 1, 2005. :) - which I loved.

I can format your book for you if you are interested. I also have an illustrator if you want a few sketches to add some interest at the start of the journal entries. Let me know. My friend and I are venturing into e-publishing and just finished formatting two children's books for publication.

Permalink Reply by Henry Matlock on August 12, 2011 at 11:50am

Hey Kathryn,

When I read the Sunroof title, it had that ooh effect for me.

Nice!