I just read a draft novel of an author friend of mine. It was post-apocalyptic, paranormal fiction. Last man in the world and has no idea where everyone went. The title of his novel did not sound apocalyptic, but it was true to the story. There was a hidden mystery that unlocked the secret on why he was in the predicament and that was captured in the title.
If you read the great apocalyptic novels, they have titles that are tied to the story itself, not some bold description of a barren landscape—”Earth Abides,” “Legend,” “The Stand,” “The Road,” “The Apartment.” Then, of course, you have the spookier titles that give you chills as you open the book—”The House at the End of the World,” “The Outer Dark,” The Edge of Collapse,” “Unspeakable Things,” etc…
So, it comes down to the vibe you want the reader to approach the novel with. Do you want to tip your hand from the beginning or let the despair and terror slowly capture the reader’s imagination? My preference is for the latter. Hence, give the novel a very unassuming title like “The Door,” “Twelve O’ Two in the Afternoon,” or “The Visitor.” Have that title mean something with regard to the story. When the reader finishes, they should know exactly why you chose the title you did.
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