Vibrant Nation

work & money

Sandy Dumont's avatar
from
Sandy Dum…
Help me tweak my book title
posted 10/01/2008, 12:00AM new!
The title of my new book (due for publication early to mid-2009) is “Powerful Women Don’t Wear Pink." What do you think? What is your first impression? Would you want to pick it up to see what it’s all about? http://www.theimagearchitect.com/

responses (11)

Deborah Godin's avatar Deborah G…
Deborah Godin said to Sandy Dumont 10/01/2008, 12:00AM new!
Have you thought about using a subtitle to help further define the book? As it stands right now, a potential buyer doesn’t know if your book is a serious guide to professional dressing, a humor book, a little of both, or perhaps even about cancer, as the previous commenter pointed out. I think a subtitle could be especially helpful since your title seems to be patterned after the 1982 humor book, “Real Men Don’t Eat Quiche” – which spawned a lot of humorous snowclone (see Wikipedia) titles. People might automatically be expecting humor, and that may not be what you’ve written. These days, it seems that just about every non-fiction book on any subject employs a subtitle. It’s one way to use a clever, attention-grabbing title and still let a book browser know something about what’s inside.
hummerfriend's avatar hummerfri…
hummerfriend said to Sandy Dumont 10/01/2008, 12:00AM new!
If I wear pink I don't necessarily have breast cancer! How pink has been hijacked by the breast cancer industry! Pink: It doesn't mean illness anymore. Pink: How did we lose our most beloved color to cancer?....! Pink power, not pink cancer. Pink , pinky, pinkest... Just because you like pink it doesn't make you a pansy.
thinks alot's avatar thinks al…
thinks alot said to hummerfriend 10/01/2008, 12:00AM new!

Yes, I so agree with you!  I happen to look good in pink and I am a successful woman in the work world.  I don't look good in red (the power color) and want my pink back without the connotations of late.  The whole pink 'thing' is funded by the very makers of the pharmaceutical drugs for the disease. Not much progress in healing it either...hmmmm!

AKA_Mommy's avatar AKA_Mommy
AKA_Mommy said to Sandy Dumont 10/01/2008, 12:00AM new!
For me the title wasn't inviting because I regard pink as a symbol of feminity and to hear 'Powerful women don't wear pink' is like hearing that a woman has to, in some way, desert her femininty to be powerful - At least in a man's world. So for me the title made me feel like I wouldn't be interested in the contents of the book because the very title was contrary to my beliefs. However, as a previous responder posted: A subtitle might be a great way to emphasize an idea within any title that you choose. Good luck with your literary venture(s)!
ppc's avatar ppc
ppc said to Sandy Dumont 10/01/2008, 12:00AM new!
Hi Sandy, Wow! How true if you ask someone what they think, they'll tell you! Without knowing the genre, my first impression was that the book is about cancer survivors. After looking at your website, I assume it's a "business self-help" or "how to" book. An author myself, I appreciate the impact a title (and cover) have on the potential audience for a book and know that you will choose the title you feel best suits the story/information and the potential readers. Best ! PC McCullough www.pcmccullough.com
Sarah L. M.'s avatar Sarah L. …
Sarah L. M. said to Sandy Dumont 10/01/2008, 12:00AM new!
My first thought upon reading the title was that this was a book about breast cancer. I agree with the other responder that a subtitle would immediately clarify that misconception. Looks like a great book, can't wait till it comes out!
mariagraziaswan's avatar mariagraz…
mariagraziaswan said to Sandy Dumont 10/01/2008, 12:00AM new!
I love pink, I have a pink outfit I wear to my most important events, like media interviews, booksignings, etc. The title would be a turn off for me. I'm happy to see you have input regarding choice of title, I didn't and I feel that my 'Boomer babes' sort of limit the appeal. Also my cover gets much bad reviews from business women who find it demeaning. So, yes, I think you are smart to seek feed back. Good luck to you. Maria Grazia Swan
Marilyn - VN Staff's avatar Marilyn -…
Marilyn - VN Staff said to Sandy Dumont 10/01/2008, 12:00AM new!
Sandy, don't miss Jennifer Blair's recommendation related to this topic.
Indylady's avatar Indylady
Indylady said to Sandy Dumont 10/01/2008, 12:00AM new!
As a breast cancer survivor, my automatic response was "hmmm...does that mean breast cancer survivors aren't powerful?" Of course, that's ridiculous but it was a first impression. Yes, the color pink has been hi-jacked by many breast cancer awareness groups, but that helps put it at the forefront of research, donations as well as those whose families have suffered a loss due to that disease. Happily, breast cancer has a stronger survival rate, and I think its due to the fact that PINK has helped promote good health practices, better insurance coverage, etc. I would prefer your title be: "Powerful women smart AND in style"
Sandy Dumont's avatar Sandy Dum…
Sandy Dumont said to Sandy Dumont 10/01/2008, 12:00AM new!
Dear Grace, Pink symbolizes femininity and females in general. While a limited number of men do get breast cancer, it is a disease that is normally associated with women-- thus it was a logical color to choose for the pink ribbon of remembrance. However, I doubt that when people look at pink, they think of cancer, unless you're wearing the ribbon or have a tee shirt on that is stating the fact, I strongly believe that Pink still symbolizes femininity-- by the way it's also symbolic of love. I'd just like to remind all the women out there that it is the washed out baby-pink that women need to avoid in a business environment. It's washed out and suggests timidity and passivity. Don’t stop wearing pink, just make sure it’s a bold pink like magenta, fuchsia, shocking pink, and all shades in-between!
hummerfriend's avatar hummerfri…
hummerfriend said to Sandy Dumont 10/01/2008, 12:00AM new!

Thank you for your response. I guess I am just overly sensitive to how groups have taken colors and made them a symbol of what they stand for. Then whenever you see that color others automatically think you are heralding their cause. That happened to me when I used rainbows to advertise my business. It wasn't that I didn't support the gay movement, but I wasn't gay and everyone thought I was. I feel like the same thing has happened with pink and the cancer movement. And while there have been many advances with breast cancer I continue to feel at odds with the medical communities approach to cancer treatment as such. Hence my sensitivity to the color being used on all products pink. Good luck with your book and I am going to google you know to see where you are with it.

Pure and Natural