SIA Showcase for Readers and Writers discussion

Has anyone ever tried changing titles to their book, and for that matter, maybe even the cover, to attempt to generate interest and, obviously, buyers?

Changing a title is risky. First, you lose any reviews you had. Second, people who already have your book might buy it again and you wouldn't want to fool your readers.

I'd say if you do plan on changing the title, add something such as Previously published under *insert old title* on the cover if possible. I personally don't think the note in the blurb is enough, but that might be just me.

As for the covers, it's commonly done by authors. Even the traditional published ones have them changed every so and so year.

I get changing the cover. But the title? No. As GG says it could cause chaos

I wouldn't change the title either. Well, unless very few people bought the original (and I mean very few) and you know that the title is the true problem with your sales.

A better cover sounds safe though. Over the years I've bought multiple copies of Jane Eyre and basically any of Jane Austen's books just because I am smitten by the covers. And if I had more money, I'd have far more than I actually bought. (Now that I say that out loud, it almost sounds like a sickness, LOL. Especially fabric-covered, hardbound books. Anyone else share this illness?)

Amie wrote: "I wouldn't change the title either. Well, unless very few people bought the original (and I mean very few) and you know that the title is the true problem with your sales.

A better cover sounds s..."
Amie, Ha, Ha-yes it does sound like a sickness. I guess I need the Austen cover creator and then you can buy my books multiple times. The thing is, I thought I had the perfect cover for the novel's content. It spoke a thousand words or more about the content ( a picture speaks a thousand words). It would pain me to know that the cover is the problem. But then again, if it is the cover then I know it isn't the writing. It has a 4.5+ star review by those that have read it so far, so I don't think it's the story. This is tough! Not sure what I'm going to do.

G.G. wrote: "Changing a title is risky. First, you lose any reviews you had. Second, people who already have your book might buy it again and you wouldn't want to fool your readers.

I'd say if you do plan on ..."
Thanks, GG.

Jane wrote: "I get changing the cover. But the title? No. As GG says it could cause chaos"
Thank you, Jane.

I changed the title of my first book when it was published on Kindle, but before I published the paperback. Actually, I only added "A Novel" to the title, because a few people thought it was a spiritual reading book, not fiction. It didn't seem to cause any problem, and I'm glad I made the correction.

Kathleen wrote: "I changed the title of my first book when it was published on Kindle, but before I published the paperback. Actually, I only added "A Novel" to the title, because a few people thought it was a spir..."
Thanks for the comment on your special and particular situation, Kathleen. That's not my situation. I may consider the earlier advice of changing the cover, but as I said earlier to someone, I'm reluctant because my feeling is that the cover speaks volumes as to critical parts in the book. If you get a chance to read it, please tell me what you think.

Jake, closing this thread. You should post this either in your own author thread or in our other group (Support for Indie Author).