Are you writing a sci-fi or fantasy novel? Are you struggling to choose a title for it?

Well good news! I've just analysed the titles of 1,500 DAW sci-fi and fantasy novels, and I think I've found the secret!

Come with me...
It turns out the most commonly used word in a DAW fantasy title is... sword!

Well d'uh. But think about it: 'sword' is being used as a shorthand term rather than a descriptive term here, it tells the reader it's one of 'those' novels...
It turns out the most commonly used word in a DAW fantasy title is... sword!Well d'uh. But think about it: 'sword' is being used as a shorthand term rather than a descriptive term here, it tells the reader it's one of 'those' novels...
It turns out the most commonly used word in a DAW fantasy title is... sword!Well d'uh. But think about it: 'sword' is being used as a shorthand term rather than a descriptive term here, it tells the reader it's one of 'those' novels...
It turns out the most commonly used word in a DAW fantasy title is... sword!Well d'uh. But think about it: 'sword' is being used as a shorthand term rather than a descriptive term here, it tells the reader it's one of 'those' novels...
It turns out the most commonly used word in a DAW fantasy title is... sword!Well d'uh. But think about it: 'sword' is being used as a shorthand term rather than a descriptive term here, it tells the reader it's one of 'those' novels...
...much like the word 'dragon' does. Dragons are a shoo-in for any fantasy book title (assuming there is a dragon in the story!) because it clearly signals to the audience this is a fantasy novel.
...much like the word 'dragon' does. Dragons are a shoo-in for any fantasy book title (assuming there is a dragon in the story!) because it clearly signals to the audience this is a fantasy novel.
...much like the word 'dragon' does. Dragons are a shoo-in for any fantasy book title (assuming there is a dragon in the story!) because it clearly signals to the audience this is a fantasy novel.
...much like the word 'dragon' does. Dragons are a shoo-in for any fantasy book title (assuming there is a dragon in the story!) because it clearly signals to the audience this is a fantasy novel.
For sci-fi books the most popular word seems to be 'star.' Again, it's not a descriptive term it's a signal - This is set in space.
For sci-fi books the most popular word seems to be 'star.' Again, it's not a descriptive term it's a signal - This is set in space.
For sci-fi books the most popular word seems to be 'star.' Again, it's not a descriptive term it's a signal - This is set in space.
For sci-fi books the most popular word seems to be 'star.' Again, it's not a descriptive term it's a signal - This is set in space.
For sci-fi books the most popular word seems to be 'star.' Again, it's not a descriptive term it's a signal - This is set in space.
Sci-fi novels also like to use the word 'world'; it indicates that the reader is going to be fully immersed in an alien setting.
Sci-fi novels also like to use the word 'world'; it indicates that the reader is going to be fully immersed in an alien setting.
Sci-fi novels also like to use the word 'world'; it indicates that the reader is going to be fully immersed in an alien setting.
Sci-fi novels also like to use the word 'world'; it indicates that the reader is going to be fully immersed in an alien setting.
Sci-fi novels also like to use the word 'world'; it indicates that the reader is going to be fully immersed in an alien setting.
Sci-fi and fantasy books do seem to love the theme of darkness. 'Shadow' is always a very popular word for the title...
Sci-fi and fantasy books do seem to love the theme of darkness. 'Shadow' is always a very popular word for the title...
Sci-fi and fantasy books do seem to love the theme of darkness. 'Shadow' is always a very popular word for the title...
...as are 'night', 'darkness', 'twilight' and 'dark'. Gloomy is good for book titles!
...as are 'night', 'darkness', 'twilight' and 'dark'. Gloomy is good for book titles!
...as are 'night', 'darkness', 'twilight' and 'dark'. Gloomy is good for book titles!
'Blood' is a popular word to drop in a dark fantasy title, but surprisingly 'death' is less popular (based on DAW book titles).
'Blood' is a popular word to drop in a dark fantasy title, but surprisingly 'death' is less popular (based on DAW book titles).
'Blood' is a popular word to drop in a dark fantasy title, but surprisingly 'death' is less popular (based on DAW book titles).
And when it comes to colours, the most popular one to put in a sci-fi or fantasy book title isn't black... it's green!
And when it comes to colours, the most popular one to put in a sci-fi or fantasy book title isn't black... it's green!
And when it comes to colours, the most popular one to put in a sci-fi or fantasy book title isn't black... it's green!
'Time' is a popular title word for both fantasy and sci-fi books...
'Time' is a popular title word for both fantasy and sci-fi books...
'Time' is a popular title word for both fantasy and sci-fi books...
...and 'sun' is also a popular title choice that works across both genres.
...and 'sun' is also a popular title choice that works across both genres.
...and 'sun' is also a popular title choice that works across both genres.
When it comes to weather the most popular word is 'storm'.
When it comes to weather the most popular word is 'storm'.
When it comes to weather the most popular word is 'storm'.
But far and away the most popular thing to put in a sci-fi or fantasy title is a compound word!

Creating a new term out of two common words is one of the most frequently used tricks to make a title stand out in these genres.
But far and away the most popular thing to put in a sci-fi or fantasy title is a compound word!Creating a new term out of two common words is one of the most frequently used tricks to make a title stand out in these genres.
But far and away the most popular thing to put in a sci-fi or fantasy title is a compound word!Creating a new term out of two common words is one of the most frequently used tricks to make a title stand out in these genres.
But far and away the most popular thing to put in a sci-fi or fantasy title is a compound word!Creating a new term out of two common words is one of the most frequently used tricks to make a title stand out in these genres.
But far and away the most popular thing to put in a sci-fi or fantasy title is a compound word!Creating a new term out of two common words is one of the most frequently used tricks to make a title stand out in these genres.
So for your next sci-fi or fantasy novel might I suggest calling it:
- Blood Of The Dragonsword
- Fireshadow's Moon
- Timeblood: Dark World of the Greenstar Dragon
- Swordstar: the dragonblood chronicles
- Sunblood: Darkness of the Storm World

Just a though...
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