Your work is too thorough and perfect for such a bland title! Writing the Perfect Cozy Mystery would be a much better title, so WRITERS would see the title come up in a search (rather than mystery READERS).
Discoverability vs. a cool title. Use The Perfect Crime for your cool title and a searchable subtitle for discoverability. The Perfect Crime: Plotting and Writing a Bestselling Mystery, The Perfect Crime: How to Write an Unputdownable Mystery Novel, The Perfect Crime: The Science of Plotting and Writing Mystery Fiction... You get the idea.
The introduction made me want to read the whole thing. I have loved following you on YouTube and suggest your videos for my writing groups. I agree with what everyone is saying, you are really good at the science of the cozy mystery. Janet’s title is spot on. Have you thought of doing a test to see what the world thinks? I’d put it on your channel. Good luck and I am looking forward to getting my copy!
New sub here. I haven't read a word of the 'script. I have to say that "The Perfect Crime" is *much* more likely to get me to investigate the book. Thanks for the opportunity to read it.
New title is a bit more clear on what the book is promising, helps contextualize the book as instructional in nature. Wheres The Perfect Crime, while it is undeniable more interesting, is less clear that it's a primer on how to write mystery.
I still don't think Simple Mystery is especially clear in communicating what this book actually is, but it is clear-er than The Perfect Crime
I don't know if you want unsolicited feedback on titles (I wouldn't!) but here are some brainstormed suggestions
Obviously, if you wanted to make it 1000% clear what the book is, a long subtitled title would be a dull but effective choice: "The Perfect Crime: How to Write Your First Mystery Novel," "Simple Mystery Writing for Adults" etc.
Some more condensed choices that are still clear on what the book offers:
Writing the Perfect Crime
How Mysteries Work
Mystery Writing Simplified
Sorry none of those are great, just offering my 2 cents. IMO it comes down to whether you want the book title to perfectly communicate the promise that the book pays off to readers (who don't already know your brand), or whether you want the book title to act as a more poetic / evocative magnet for the overall brand of the substack/YouTube/bookwriting. If the former, I feel like a title that simply and plainly promises that by reading this book you will learn how to write mysteries is in order. If I didn't already follow you, a more demonstrative title would probably connect better with my interests in learning to write. If however it's the latter and you wish to do more with this title than merely attract strangers to the book, and you're willing to risk missing readers who don't instantly grasp what the book is from the title, then The Perfect Crime or Simple Mystery are potentially just as good
Thanks, Mark, I very much appreciate your thoughtful comments. I have to confess that I'm still not "there" on "The Perfect Crime." What I'm looking for is a short, brand able phrase that can be used in the title of subsequent books, such as "Simple Mystery Twists the Plot" or "The Perfect Crime Loves Tropes." Something short and unique like "Save the Cat--" but perhaps not quite as cryptic. :-) I'll keep noodling on it.
This makes perfect sense. I think having the book's chapter titles / topics all in one place to look at could prompt some good brainstorming, i.e., finding words / phrases that are taken from one or more of the most iconic lessons you offer.... and seeing if that language can be massaged into a scale-able brand-able title. Maybe by trying to condense the lessons into memorable/colorful commands a la Save the Cat
FWIW, I feel like the word "alibi," explored in many of your most memorable chapters, has always had a poetic / evocative allure
Congratulations on completing your book, Jane! I’ve enjoyed every chapter and each chapter has helped my book get better (in my very humble opinion). I can’t wait to purchase the finished product. I love everything you create and am looking forward to your book and your new videos when you get back to it.
I hope your book will also be in print, not just digital?
Regarding the title, I agree with the majority. Perfect Crime is the better title. But if you'd like to think on it some more - because maybe you're tired of the title, having read it a gazillion times already - perhaps give yourself some key words to brainstorm on.
What came immediately to my mind: Unraveling (Unraveling the Mystery of Writing a Mystery); Hiding (Hiding & Go Seek; Hiding In Plain Sight): Crime (Crime & Clues; Clues to Die For; Clue Dropping; Here a Crime, There a Clue).
Hey, no judgment - this was a 15 second brainstorm session! 😂
That being said, I think The Perfect Crime does say it all without wondering what it's about, and the title is brief and catchy.
Kirsta, thank you so much for taking the time to give me some ideas! Still mulling it all, but I appreciate the help. The book will definitely be in print!
This book is way way too good for such a simple title. I agree with everyone else! I think The Perfect Crime is...well...PERFECT! Thank you for all your hard work on this and be sure to let us know when we can preorder and review!!
I absolutely love you and your teachings which have helped me so much. The Perfect Crime was exactly what I was looking for in learning the specific needs of this genre.
For requested comments on your updated title: I think Simple Mystery is a little too tame. It lacks the subtle suspense that The Perfect Crime has (and what immediately drew me right into your new classes). I understand your explanation for wanting a different title, but maybe a bit of a "punch" is needed for Simple Mystery ~ idea starters: "Clues for a Sensational Mystery" ; "Clues for a Perfect Mystery" . Whatever you choose I will be eagerly waiting to purchase. Thanks for all your hard work on presenting these chapters to us, Jane ! Well done !
I agree with Sandy. @Jane, you've created the best available resource for mystery writing. I've read them all, all the books, all the sites, I know. Your title should reflect that fact and "Simple Mystery" undersells it. I'm afraid I don't have a better suggestion though.
I'm enjoying your videos and subscribed this month to read your chapters. My vote is for Writing the Perfect Crime/Mystery depending on which titles are already taken. My question is, do you have a pen name? I can only find one mystery novel under Jane Kalmes.
Yep, there's only one mystery online right now--but that will be changing shortly! Jane Kalmes will be the name for mysteries, and I'll probably publish The Perfect Crime under Jane E. Kalmes, or some other variation of my name (for algorithmic reasons).
Your work is too thorough and perfect for such a bland title! Writing the Perfect Cozy Mystery would be a much better title, so WRITERS would see the title come up in a search (rather than mystery READERS).
Thanks for your thoughts, Janet! Sill mulling...
Maybe a title like Cozy Mystery Casebook: Plotting the Perfect Murder?
Hmm... I do like "Casebook." Thank you very much!
Sure thing!
Discoverability vs. a cool title. Use The Perfect Crime for your cool title and a searchable subtitle for discoverability. The Perfect Crime: Plotting and Writing a Bestselling Mystery, The Perfect Crime: How to Write an Unputdownable Mystery Novel, The Perfect Crime: The Science of Plotting and Writing Mystery Fiction... You get the idea.
Thank you very much for your thoughts, Maaja!
The introduction made me want to read the whole thing. I have loved following you on YouTube and suggest your videos for my writing groups. I agree with what everyone is saying, you are really good at the science of the cozy mystery. Janet’s title is spot on. Have you thought of doing a test to see what the world thinks? I’d put it on your channel. Good luck and I am looking forward to getting my copy!
Appreciate your thoughts very much, Sherri! I'm looking forward to getting that copy into your hands.
New sub here. I haven't read a word of the 'script. I have to say that "The Perfect Crime" is *much* more likely to get me to investigate the book. Thanks for the opportunity to read it.
Thanks, Charlie, very much appreciate your thoughts! I hope you enjoy the book!
New title is a bit more clear on what the book is promising, helps contextualize the book as instructional in nature. Wheres The Perfect Crime, while it is undeniable more interesting, is less clear that it's a primer on how to write mystery.
I still don't think Simple Mystery is especially clear in communicating what this book actually is, but it is clear-er than The Perfect Crime
I don't know if you want unsolicited feedback on titles (I wouldn't!) but here are some brainstormed suggestions
Obviously, if you wanted to make it 1000% clear what the book is, a long subtitled title would be a dull but effective choice: "The Perfect Crime: How to Write Your First Mystery Novel," "Simple Mystery Writing for Adults" etc.
Some more condensed choices that are still clear on what the book offers:
Writing the Perfect Crime
How Mysteries Work
Mystery Writing Simplified
Sorry none of those are great, just offering my 2 cents. IMO it comes down to whether you want the book title to perfectly communicate the promise that the book pays off to readers (who don't already know your brand), or whether you want the book title to act as a more poetic / evocative magnet for the overall brand of the substack/YouTube/bookwriting. If the former, I feel like a title that simply and plainly promises that by reading this book you will learn how to write mysteries is in order. If I didn't already follow you, a more demonstrative title would probably connect better with my interests in learning to write. If however it's the latter and you wish to do more with this title than merely attract strangers to the book, and you're willing to risk missing readers who don't instantly grasp what the book is from the title, then The Perfect Crime or Simple Mystery are potentially just as good
just imho from a longtime fan
Thanks, Mark, I very much appreciate your thoughtful comments. I have to confess that I'm still not "there" on "The Perfect Crime." What I'm looking for is a short, brand able phrase that can be used in the title of subsequent books, such as "Simple Mystery Twists the Plot" or "The Perfect Crime Loves Tropes." Something short and unique like "Save the Cat--" but perhaps not quite as cryptic. :-) I'll keep noodling on it.
The Perfect Crime: Plotting and Writing Unputdownable Mysteries
This makes perfect sense. I think having the book's chapter titles / topics all in one place to look at could prompt some good brainstorming, i.e., finding words / phrases that are taken from one or more of the most iconic lessons you offer.... and seeing if that language can be massaged into a scale-able brand-able title. Maybe by trying to condense the lessons into memorable/colorful commands a la Save the Cat
FWIW, I feel like the word "alibi," explored in many of your most memorable chapters, has always had a poetic / evocative allure
This is an excellent suggestion, thank you! One more title I was workshopping--"Freebies, Lockboxes, and Whispers." Worried it's too long, though.
Congratulations on completing your book, Jane! I’ve enjoyed every chapter and each chapter has helped my book get better (in my very humble opinion). I can’t wait to purchase the finished product. I love everything you create and am looking forward to your book and your new videos when you get back to it.
I hope your book will also be in print, not just digital?
Regarding the title, I agree with the majority. Perfect Crime is the better title. But if you'd like to think on it some more - because maybe you're tired of the title, having read it a gazillion times already - perhaps give yourself some key words to brainstorm on.
What came immediately to my mind: Unraveling (Unraveling the Mystery of Writing a Mystery); Hiding (Hiding & Go Seek; Hiding In Plain Sight): Crime (Crime & Clues; Clues to Die For; Clue Dropping; Here a Crime, There a Clue).
Hey, no judgment - this was a 15 second brainstorm session! 😂
That being said, I think The Perfect Crime does say it all without wondering what it's about, and the title is brief and catchy.
- Krista S.
Kirsta, thank you so much for taking the time to give me some ideas! Still mulling it all, but I appreciate the help. The book will definitely be in print!
This book is way way too good for such a simple title. I agree with everyone else! I think The Perfect Crime is...well...PERFECT! Thank you for all your hard work on this and be sure to let us know when we can preorder and review!!
Wow, ok... I was not expecting all the pushback! :-D I guess I've got some thinking to do...
Congratulations, Jane! You're the best plotting teacher ever. I am so glad you are sharing all your wisdom with the wider world.
Meredith, it's been a pure delight to work with you! Much affection and respect!
I absolutely love you and your teachings which have helped me so much. The Perfect Crime was exactly what I was looking for in learning the specific needs of this genre.
For requested comments on your updated title: I think Simple Mystery is a little too tame. It lacks the subtle suspense that The Perfect Crime has (and what immediately drew me right into your new classes). I understand your explanation for wanting a different title, but maybe a bit of a "punch" is needed for Simple Mystery ~ idea starters: "Clues for a Sensational Mystery" ; "Clues for a Perfect Mystery" . Whatever you choose I will be eagerly waiting to purchase. Thanks for all your hard work on presenting these chapters to us, Jane ! Well done !
I agree with Sandy. @Jane, you've created the best available resource for mystery writing. I've read them all, all the books, all the sites, I know. Your title should reflect that fact and "Simple Mystery" undersells it. I'm afraid I don't have a better suggestion though.
Thanks, it is really good to know your thoughts! I'm delighted that you're enjoying the book; thank you for the lovely compliment!
Thanks for the kind words, Sandy! And I very much appreciate your thoughts on the title!
I'm enjoying your videos and subscribed this month to read your chapters. My vote is for Writing the Perfect Crime/Mystery depending on which titles are already taken. My question is, do you have a pen name? I can only find one mystery novel under Jane Kalmes.
Yep, there's only one mystery online right now--but that will be changing shortly! Jane Kalmes will be the name for mysteries, and I'll probably publish The Perfect Crime under Jane E. Kalmes, or some other variation of my name (for algorithmic reasons).