Hey all.
I just want to run something by you real quick. Since I've had some comments that the title Djinnocide needs to be changed (one comment from an actual agent), I was wondering what the general concensus is out there.
So, over on the left there you'll see a couple poll questions so you can answer anonymously. And if you're worried about hurting my feelings - don't. It's a title. I think it's catchy, but I'm not married to it.
Anyway, if you could, go over there and answer the poll questions. I'd be super grateful. And if you feel like elaborating, you can do that here in the comments.
Thanks bunches.
-B.E.
I'd be curious about the agent's comment and what exactly was said...
ReplyDeleteDjinn and Tonic is a title by Ashlyn Chase. Sloe Djinn Fizz doesn't do much for me. LOL
Personally, I like Djinnocide, especially for a working title because depending on the publisher, it might be changed anyway.
The only other suggestion I have for a changes in Djinnerations. Or maybe Djinn-erations. Jinnerations? *shrug*
Good luck with this!
This is what the Secret Agent (who ended up being Jennifer Udden of Donald Maass) said: There is a nice voice here, and some nice period touches. I’m not wild about this kind of opening – “I never thought I would X, so let me tell you about the time that X happened to me” and I think that it detracts from the protagonist’s musings about her father and her relationship with her mother, and the inciting action of the mysterious package's arrival. I would also recommend changing the title.
ReplyDeleteI've got a whole list of djinn related titles, Silver, for subsequent books in the series. Djinnerations is in there and would work for down the road when... Nope, can't say... that would be a total spoiler.
Thanks for the luck. I need it.
Okay. So, we need to work on the opening. That seems to have been a theme. I'm almost to the point where I'm caught up and can do some rumination on the matter. ;)
DeleteI still like the title. I find it intriguing and having read the book, appropriate! Different strokes, right?
This is an urban fantasy, right? Then Djinnocide works for me (of course, I keep wanting to pronouce the D!). When did genies become djinns? Just curious...
ReplyDeleteBut if this is a romance or has romance in it, then I would re-think the title, because I don't think it will draw that crowd in.
In my world, the term in interchangeable, Stacy. =o)
DeleteIt's not a romance, Stacy. In fact, other than some back and forth verbal volleying, there isn't even really a hint of romance. Although, I've had readers tell me they hope Jo (the MC) eventually ends up with one character or another.
No romance? Not even a hint? I'm heartbroken!
DeleteSorry. There's a hope of romance down the road and remembrances of romance past, but no current romance.
DeleteI think Djinnocide has a nice play on words, but it also has a negative connotation, ie. "patricide, matricide, suicide, infanticide".
ReplyDeleteSo unless there's a deeper horror element I don't think it works for UF. And if it's romantic UF, as a reader I'd be looking for the romance angle to lure me in. The "ocide" element makes me think it's more a paranormal murder mystery or horror. You can soften that with the right cover though to bring out the other elements.
There's no deeper horror element, Maria, but something is out there killing off djinn - hence Djinnocide aspect. It's either urban fantasy or paranormal suspense (depending on which agent I'm querying).
DeleteJust to add that you know somewhere out there is a reader who can't pronounce it either. Or spell it. Sad but true.
ReplyDeleteLOL, yeah, I did think of that, Alex. I just need to decide whether that makes a difference (or maybe the agent/publisher will decide that for me.)
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