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Ali Isaac's avatar

I went through a horrible time with my first agent trying to find a better title, my second agent said leave it to the publisher, when I got a publisher, she liked the original title, so that is how it will be published next year! I only give texts working titles now, so I don't get too attached. Thanks for sharing this, I love the backstories and origin stories that underpin books and give context. I really liked that you didn't identify the main themes until after you had collated your stories into a collection, as my deeper understanding also comes after the writing process. For some reason I always felt that was problematic. Wishing you every success with your book!

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Claire Hennessy's avatar

'Leave it to the publisher' is good advice! I know people feel like they need to have something not-entirely-terrible or maybe attention-grabbing, but they change so often between acquisition and publication that it feels wisest not to get too attached.

And thank you so much! Wishing you all the good thoughts for your 2026 book!

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Louise O’Neill's avatar

This is such funny timing because I’m in the middle of Title Hell for my new novel 😂

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Claire Hennessy's avatar

oh god, thoughts and prayers!

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Louise O’Neill's avatar

light a candle!!!!

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Claire Hennessy's avatar

I did a quick google to see could I find a really apt feminist-Shakespeare-type-quote for A LO'N Novel Title and DID YOU KNOW that the line 'holla holla' appears in King Lear? (is this helpful, no, but it was news to me)

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Louise O’Neill's avatar

Okay that made me laugh out loud. I’ll credit you if I ever end up using it!

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