title feedback?

[ApK]

Originally Posted by Froide

I'd go with something more on the order of:

Why God is Still Great (101 Critiques of Organized Religion)

Without knowing either the content of the book, or what's really in Gregg's head, and going only by the comments made in this thread so far, Froide's suggestion seems perfect. Not only should you use it, Gregg, but you should thank him in the acknowledgments!

Note: There is probably a huge audience that would like your original title much better, but I have no idea if they'd like the content or if they are the audience you're going for.
Your original title would probably generate more controversy, and that's good for business.

[varlog]

Originally Posted by Gregg Bell

Thanks. That's nice and simple. Not sure most people will get Screwtape though.

That's the point of it. "The Screwtape Letters" (yes, Crich70!) is one of the best books about religion I've read. Anybody who's read it will be tempted to take a look perhaps. For those not knowing it is enigmatic enough to wake some interest?
Perhaps "Screwtape revisited" will be more simple and appropriate?
I am a fan of strong simplicity .

[Gregg Bell]

Originally Posted by ApK

Without knowing either the content of the book, or what's really in Gregg's head, and going only by the comments made in this thread so far, Froide's suggestion seems perfect. Not only should you use it, Gregg, but you should thank him in the acknowledgments!

Note: There is probably a huge audience that would like your original title much better, but I have no idea if they'd like the content or if they are the audience you're going for.
Your original title would probably generate more controversy, and that's good for business.

Thanks ApK. Yeah, Froide's suggestion was awesome, but now you've got me wondering if my original title isn't better. See, I was afraid that nobody puts 'what's wrong' in Amazon's search engine. People seem to always want to know 'how to' or want something encouraging.

My book is definitely hard on organized religion but it's also hopeful (after the hardness is over). And actually using Froide's title is slightly problematic for two reasons. One, it starts with 'why God is still great,' "still" indicating an antecedent, which, again in Froide's suggestion, follows, rather than precedes. And two, because the flow and order of the book is 1) the 101 things wrong with organized religion 2) why God is still great.

When people see a title they think that's what the book is about, the subtitle is just elaboration. A title of "Why God is Still Great..." in that sense is misleading.

[Gregg Bell]

Originally Posted by varlog

That's the point of it. "The Screwtape Letters" (yes, Crich70!) is one of the best books about religion I've read. Anybody who's read it will be tempted to take a look perhaps. For those not knowing it is enigmatic enough to wake some interest?
Perhaps "Screwtape revisited" will be more simple and appropriate?
I am a fan of strong simplicity .

Yeah, varlog, Screwtape is a seminal book, but I would still say most people are clueless as to its existence or meaning. The enigmatic element granted is there.