Unusual Chapter Titles

Question · 09-18-2011, 05:35 PM

This question is a bit different from the usual chapter title questions. I've noticed something in manga that I've always liked. Rather than having Chapter 1, Chapter 2, etc. some mangas use a different label that suits the actual story, like First Night, Second Night (D.Gray-man) or Spell 1, Spell 2 (Majimoji Rurumo). They're usually used in addition to the title of the chapter itself, for example, "41st Night: Premonition".

If I was to do something like this for each chapter of my book, do you think publishers would mind? I get the feeling that they're quite picky (okay, not picky, but... you know) about a book's layout. Or am I wrong? Are chapter labels something that the author has complete (or near-complete) control of?

Dr.Gonzo · 09-18-2011, 06:17 PM

I've seen plenty of books do exactly what you've just described. Chapter titles. Just like any part of your book, it all has to be right. Editors can ask you to change any number of things.

Question · 09-19-2011, 12:14 AM

Thanks!

HapiSofi · 09-19-2011, 10:09 PM

Yup. You can do chapter titles with or without numbers. I know one writer who uses "Chapter the (Number)th: In which (intriguing-sounding description of what happens)". It's a bit old-fashioned, but a lot of fun.

htrent · 09-20-2011, 05:51 AM

I'm reviewing a fantasy book right now that does that, so there are publishers who are fine with it. I'm not sure how I feel about it, though -- haven't decided whether or not I've found the titles useful or if they're adding anything to my reading experience.

WriteMinded · 09-20-2011, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tpridgen

I'm reviewing a fantasy book right now that does that, so there are publishers who are fine with it. I'm not sure how I feel about it, though -- haven't decided whether or not I've found the titles useful or if they're adding anything to my reading experience.

1, 2, 3, 4 . . . doesn't really add anything useful either.

Mandiloo322 · 09-20-2011, 06:40 AM

To me, a highly descriptive or unique chapter title lumps the story into "quirky/light-hearted." I don't mind it, but I would be really thrown if it was for a serious story.

WolfgangDZ · 09-20-2011, 02:13 PM

I have never thought of doing this in my fantasy novel, but it is a good idea to think about. Chapter The First, Chapter The Second. Interesting enough, but using completely different chapter headings has got my brain working!!

09-18-2011, 05:35 PM	#1
Question Soon I will be invincible Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 351	Unusual Chapter Titles This question is a bit different from the usual chapter title questions. I've noticed something in manga that I've always liked. Rather than having Chapter 1, Chapter 2, etc. some mangas use a different label that suits the actual story, like First Night, Second Night (D.Gray-man) or Spell 1, Spell 2 (Majimoji Rurumo). They're usually used in addition to the title of the chapter itself, for example, "41st Night: Premonition". If I was to do something like this for each chapter of my book, do you think publishers would mind? I get the feeling that they're quite picky (okay, not picky, but... you know) about a book's layout. Or am I wrong? Are chapter labels something that the author has complete (or near-complete) control of? __________________ Writers obsess about things that would be amusing if they weren't so crazy. -Miss Snark

09-18-2011, 06:17 PM	#2
Dr.Gonzo Wonderfully Irreverent Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Bat Country Posts: 1,359	I've seen plenty of books do exactly what you've just described. Chapter titles. Just like any part of your book, it all has to be right. Editors can ask you to change any number of things. __________________ In a closed society where everybody's guilty, the only crime is getting caught. In a world of thieves, the only final sin is stupidity. -Dr. Hunter S. Thompson

09-19-2011, 12:14 AM	#3
Question Soon I will be invincible Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 351	Thanks! __________________ Writers obsess about things that would be amusing if they weren't so crazy. -Miss Snark

09-19-2011, 10:09 PM	#4
HapiSofi Hagiographically Advantaged AW Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,855	Yup. You can do chapter titles with or without numbers. I know one writer who uses "Chapter the (Number)th: In which (intriguing-sounding description of what happens)". It's a bit old-fashioned, but a lot of fun. __________________ Winner of the Best Drycleaner on the Block Award.

09-20-2011, 05:51 AM	#5
htrent practical experience, FTW Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Colorodda. Posts: 298	I'm reviewing a fantasy book right now that does that, so there are publishers who are fine with it. I'm not sure how I feel about it, though -- haven't decided whether or not I've found the titles useful or if they're adding anything to my reading experience. __________________ @holleytrent website

09-20-2011, 06:40 AM	#7
Mandiloo322 [Shhhh....I'm writing.] Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 832	To me, a highly descriptive or unique chapter title lumps the story into "quirky/light-hearted." I don't mind it, but I would be really thrown if it was for a serious story.

09-20-2011, 02:13 PM	#8
WolfgangDZ figuring it all out Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: England, United Kingdom Posts: 62	I have never thought of doing this in my fantasy novel, but it is a good idea to think about. Chapter The First, Chapter The Second. Interesting enough, but using completely different chapter headings has got my brain working!!

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