Many readers don’t know this, but rarely does an author get to choose the title of her book. That was a shock to me when my first book, Just As I Am, was published. I like that title better than my working title, which was Uniquely Mayla. (The publisher did go with my suggestion for the second book, Sincerely, Mayla.)

I’m almost halfway through my new book (#36 for those who keep count, which includes me!), which I’ve called Honey, Bee Mine as a working title. My editor at Annie’s Publishing has already told me that title won’t fly because the book is a mystery and that’s too romantic. I get it, but since the book is about honeybees and includes a marriage proposal, I kind of like it. The final title will probably end up being Love Stings or something similar. I am permitted, and even required, to submit possible alternate titles. My current list includes:

Like a Bee to Honey (too sweet, pun intended)
Flight of the Bumble Bee (pretty sure that’s been taken)
Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a Bee (too long)
Thorns, Bees, and Flowers, O My! (way too cutsie)
As the Bee Stings (possible)
The Sting of Love (possible)

The the main character in this book owns a flower shop. So it would be cool if the title could be a play on words about flowers and bees. I’ll have to keep thinking about it.

Some might get a bit irritated with not being able to choose the titles of their own books. I admit the first time it was an unpleasant surprise. But after writing 35 books I’ve learned to trust my publisher. They’re the experts. Publishers have marketing departments who study trends in books and readers, and its their job to know what will appeal to readers. My job is to write the best book I can. And I’m good with that!