While the title of a book is the hook, the subtitle is the explanation. It tells your readers exactly what they’re getting out of the book.


If you’re writing a Nonfiction or an Academic book, sub-titles are an important tool. Although sub-titles for a fiction book are not very common, you should consider using one if you have a one-word title to give it some context or if you plan to write a series of books under the same title.


So, if your book needs a subtitle here is how you should write one-


  1. The subtitle should tell the reader what the book’s central premise is, who the book is for, and what promise the book delivers on or the need it meets. You can choose which combination of these you’d like to have as your sub-title.
  2. The subtitle has the same capitalization rules as the title. Click here to check capitalization rules.
  3. The subtitle should always be separated from the title with a colon or a dash.


Example:

  • The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape The 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join The New Rich
  • Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind


Learn more about preparing your book for publishing here.