Recently I tried removing a screw using the wrong kind of screwdriver.

The project I was working on was in the house, and the right kind of screwdriver was in the garage.

I didn’t want to take the time to walk there, so I struggled until finally giving up. Once I had the right tool, removing the screw became much easier.

Later I reflected on the experience:

• The task was impossible with the wrong tool.
• The task became much easier with the right tool.
• It seemed like trying to use the wrong tool would save time.
• Using the wrong tool was frustrating and actually wasted time.

These principles apply equally well to the process of developing a book concept. You need the right tools.

In my last post I wrote about the importance of identifying the need your book will address. But once you have identified the need, how do you get from the need to the concept? Answer: the right tools will get you there.

Titles and Subtitles

One of the best ways to work with book concepts is by using potential titles and subtitles. A working title gives you something more concrete to consider. “A book that helps pregnant women” is not very useful as a concept. What to Expect When You’re Expecting is. Developing titles and subtitles helps you to see the various angles a project might take.

Individual Brainstorming

Don’t believe people who say you can’t brainstorm on your own. You certainly can, and sometimes such brainstorming can be enormously productive.

Try giving yourself a time goal. For example, you’re going to keep brainstorming for fifteen minutes straight. Then set a timer and go. The best idea is often the one that is just outside the circle of your current brainstorming, so keep the brainstorm up for a while. I’ve heard creatives refer to this as pursuing the “adjacent possible.”

After brainstorming, set the list aside, and brainstorm again the next day. Do this a third time. You’ll be amazed at how much you can come up with on your own.

Group Brainstorming

While solo brainstorming can be productive, there is definitely a place for group brainstorming too. Sometimes more heads are better than one.

I often encourage authors to invite their most creative friends over for a brainstorming party. The best brainstorming happens when people are relaxed, so have some fun and then dive in.

Let everyone in the group know the problem your book solves. To prime the pump, you may want to show them other books in the space—books that are similar to yours but still different.

Then ask them to brainstorm individually. Ask them to brainstorm both titles and possible subtitles. Let them do this for 15 to 20 minutes.

At the end ask them to identify three title-subtitle combinations that they think represent the best of their brainstorming.

Write these combinations on a white or chalk board in front of the group and ask everyone to share which is their favorite and why.

Deciphering

If you do the above, you’ll end up with quite a few possible concepts. Several will be easy to remove from consideration. Keeping the need you’re trying to meet in mind, narrow the list down to three to five title-subtitle combinations.

As you decipher ask yourself, “Which of these will resonate best with the audience I’m trying to reach?” Go to members of that audience and ask them to pick a title from your list.

Keep deciphering until you narrow it down to one. Now all you have to do is write the book!

Question: What tools have you used in developing book concepts? How have you used the above tools?  You can leave a comment by clicking here.