Are chapter titles important in novels eg fantasy novels? If yes, then why?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 14, 2022 4:21 pm

Greetings to you all fellow writers, I have a question disturbing my writing: Are chapter titles important in novels eg fantasy novels, if yes, then why?

Ann · Post by **Ann** » Wed Dec 14, 2022 4:22 pm

No. I have yet to hear a reader say "I think I'll start with Chapter 16, Another Fine Day. I like that Chapter title".

Aja · Post by **Aja** » Wed Dec 14, 2022 4:22 pm

Some books have them, some don't. It can be another way of adding a little icing to a book, but if your book has trouble working without chapter titles, you've got bigger problems than chapter titles.

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Wed Dec 14, 2022 4:22 pm

They can add something, but they aren't needed.

KJ ~ · Post by **KJ ~** » Wed Dec 14, 2022 4:23 pm

Chapter titles are always optional. In a series like Song of Ice and Fire it helps because you know which character you are focusing on (as their name is the title of the chapter.) But I will say Fantasy is the one genre where you can go crazy with chapter titles and no one will bat an eye. You can emphasize a plot point, or just highlight how cool some name is, or really play with the mood - like Neil Gaiman when he does fantasy will sometime do something like Chapter 3: In which Titanius travels abroad and a great secret is unearthed. So if the idea appeals to you, go for it. If it doesn't just number them and be done with it.

Dana · Post by **Dana** » Wed Dec 14, 2022 4:23 pm

Do as you think best. Some writers use chapter titles (I do. I mean, could you resist a chapter called Headless Horseman?) Some don't!

Perry · Post by **Perry** » Wed Dec 14, 2022 4:23 pm

Important? I would say no. However, I like them. A title can give an idea of what the chapter is about. It can also provide insight into the author's ideology.

Rebekah · Post by **Rebekah** » Wed Dec 14, 2022 4:23 pm

I've found them helpful during my revisions process. I take out chapters that aren't working and add a few to kick the tension up a notch. This has required renumbering my chapters repeatedly and I've lost a few files temporarily. A copy of chapter twelve might change it's number but it's title stays the same and makes it easier to identify.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » Wed Dec 14, 2022 4:23 pm

I think chapter titles are important in fantasy 'cause it helps the reader understand what's to come. But I also believe that not having a title in the chapter is also not necessary, it helps to have a bit of mystery.

Post by **Batman** » Thu Dec 22, 2022 1:54 pm