Many authors write outstanding books but struggle to sell them—primarily because of the title.

Writing a book is deeply fulfilling and even more rewarding when the proceeds start coming in, whether as royalties or direct sales. It becomes truly inspiring when you receive accolades, calls, emails, and heartfelt feedback from readers whose lives your book has touched.

Just as you wouldn’t want to associate with someone who bears a name that feels uninspiring or meaningless, no reader wants to buy a book with a title that doesn’t resonate with them.

I remember a personal experience that taught me this lesson. Years ago, I wrote an educative and engaging play set in northern Nigeria. I titled the fictional work “The Struggles of the Poor.” I thought the title would pull my audience in and make them eager to read it. Unfortunately, I couldn’t sell a thousand copies in five years.

After gathering feedback, we changed the title to “When Fortune Smiles.” The demand and sales skyrocketed—we sold over a thousand copies in the very first season. Same content, different title. That shift made all the difference.

Here’s my conclusion: You need to think like your readers and understand what they are willing to pay for. Make your book title relatable, easy to understand, and undeniably attractive to your target audience.

Remember, you’re not writing the book for yourself. You’re writing for a vast population of readers—fast thinkers, upwardly mobile individuals, and people searching for solutions, even when they read for pleasure.

I hope this helps someone out there on the journey to becoming a bestselling author.

Thank you.