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