I have a new trilogy coming out beginning this fall. It is a contemporary, small town romance series involving veterans of the Iraqi war who face difficult challenges as they reintegrate into society while coping with PTSD. It’s mostly about the journey they take toward healing, and the love they find while on that road to recovery.
I recently got an e-mail from my editor, who asked me if I’d given any thought to an over-arching brand title for the series. Normally, a trilogy like this would be named after the town where the story takes place, but in this case, it sounds a bit presumptuous. “A Perfect Novel.” It would read like this:
Far From Perfect: A Perfect Novel
The Difference a Day Makes: A Perfect Novel
Next to Nothing: A Perfect Novel
(OR… Far From Perfect: A Perfect Novel, The Difference a Day Makes: Another Perfect Novel, and Next to Nothing: The Last Perfect Novel?) Ha! Just kidding. A writer can dream, though.
Now, I kind of like that sound of the above, and I suggested we use A Perfect Novel. My editor just laughed. I think she thought I was kidding.
I’ve been tossing ideas around in this salad bowl of a brain of mine, and here’s what I’ve come up with so far:
A Love in the Heartland Novel -or- A Love From the Heartland Novel
A Hearts in Indiana Novel
A Love in Perfect Novel
A Perfect, Indiana Novel
And a friend suggested: A Hoosier Hearts Novel
I’m interested to hear what the rest of you think. Somehow, I accidentally deleted my previous post, and “A Love in Perfect Novel” has already gotten one vote. Leave a comment and let me know which you find the most appealing.
LONGLEY'S LITANY 
If you can work in the Indiana aspect, I think that would be good — provides instant identification. I am glad you’re avoiding the Perfect Novel — that really wouldn’t go over well, I don’t think. How about “A Hoosier Hearts Novel”? I don’t think you need “love” — it’s implied by “hearts”.
A Hoosier Hearts Novel. I like it! Good one, JL. thanks!
Perhaps something focussing on the military hero aspect? Wounded Heroes, Wounded Hearts, Mending Hearts…
That’s a good idea. I’ll run it by my editor. Thanks, Nicole.
I think A Perfect Love Novel would be perfect. 🙂
I like that, too. Thanks, David.
Having grown up in Indiana, I’m not sure I would use it as a marketing strategy. Most people have a rather hick view of us. I’d go with the Heartland theme, whether it’s love in the heartland, or warriors in the heartland. Though I do like David’s idea of A Perfect Love Novel, too.
Cool, Ellen! I grew up in Haubstadt, Indiana, which is about 45 minutes from Evansville. Where did you grow up?
I like the heartland theme too.
I’d brand this series with the veterans angle. I think that’s what will most appeal to readers about these stories. Something like Heart of a Veteran Series or Love After War.
Tami
That seems to be the trend coming through here. Thanks, Tami.
I like Tami’s idea. Heart of a Veteran is good.
Thanks, Brenda. My only concern with the veteran’s angle, is it leads the reader to believe the stories are veteran dominant, and the heroine’s have their own distinctive journeys as well. Hmmm. Pondering.
Barb, i like A Love in the Heartland Novel –
i think it will appeal to readers who are drawn to small town stories
good luck
SO EXCITED FOR YOU!
Thanks, Neroli. I’m think I’m leaning toward Love in the Heartland as well. I sent the ideas to my editor, so we’ll see.
I heard from my fabulous editor today. We’re going with: A Love from the Heartland
Thanks for the comments, guys.