Chapter with titles or no titles?
What do you think is better? A chapter that is simply a number, or a title? Let's say either 'Chapter one' or perhaps, 'Dead man walking'. What do you prefer and why?
Posted Feb 14, 2019, 8:47 PM UTC
524
I like numbered chapters to read, personally. I like seeing creative and related titles, but I hate losing my spot in a book and having no numerical way (aside from pages) to figure our how to get back.
7
You don't use a bookmark?
2
Sometimes. It depends on where I start the book, sometimes I forget to bring a bookmark with me and end up starting a book in the most inconvenient setting and I hate dog earring. But idk. I just find numbered chapters easier.
1
I dislike foreshadowing chapter titles, or titles that spoil the chapter. Like, why on earth eould you do either???
Numbers can only serve you well.
7
It's just a style thing. I think most times chapter titles are sorta meaningless, but sometimes they add a lot of flavor, or perhaps let you add a bit of the author's voice where it would otherwise be difficult.
2
I pay zero attn to chapter titles. Frankly, i dont even read the name if it’s an alternating POV book. If it’s well-written, it’s easy to tell from the prose which character it is.
4
It's up to you. It really doesn't matter either way. Sometimes I do titles, sometimes I don't. My current WIP has them. The one before did not. Your story, your rules.
4
I hate coming with them so I don't.
2
I don't really have a preference.
2
I find titled chapters annoying most of the time. Or confusing, if they're too abstract. Numbers are good, as are separated parts when they make sense.
On a related note, maybe someone can help me with my conundrum. I'm working on a historical fiction novel that centers heavily around medicine and surgery. I've thought about including illustrations of vertebrae next to the chapter numbers, starting with the top of the spine (C1) and working downward with each chapter, eventually ending in the coccyx. There's not really a purpose to it other than that it's fun. All of my friends I've asked about it (which is only about 4 people) have thought it's a really cool idea, but a part of me can't help but thinking it's a really stupid, superfluous idea.
2
I think it'd be interesting if: you have the same number of vertebrae as chapters (idk what you're planning to do with the sacrum and coccyx though) and if the work dealt with anatomy or the spine itself.
If I were the type to read fiction regarding medicine and surgery I would probably appreciate it. Especially considering the change in vertebral structure and spinal cord cross section as you go downwards, something that your readers would appreciate if they recognized it.
Cool idea, go for it.
2
Depends on if you are good at drawing or not. I wouldn't pay an artist to do it, but I think it is a cool idea if you can do it yourself.
2
Try it out. Sounds cool to me.
1
I expect all chapters to be numbered in some way for organizational purposes, but I enjoy chapter titles because it's just a little flair. They're totally unnecessary, but sometimes they can be a fun little addition from the author.
2
I have yet to see chapter titles work out well. They either reveal too much, or spoil my immersion.
2
I like numbered chapters.
2
Personally I prefer no titles as they can be spoilery.
2
Depends. I personally like having Titles. I am able to give reader some idea of what the chapter will be about. So Names would be Vague, only making sense after the chapter is read.
2
Depends on the story.
When I write thrillers, I generally have numbers. When I write dramas, I write chapters. When I am writing a combo of both - I do the same. Chapters, divided into numbers.
2
Try titles. If you don't like them, do numbers only.
2
Actually, if you put a title to the chapter, you are basically making a "teaser" of what is going to happen untill the next chapter.
Normally, I just put a number to tell the reader in which chapter is at the moment.
1
I put titles during the first draft for myself to remember what that chapter is about and then remove them when I am done.
1
[removed]
1
My opinion on this is essentially you do you. I really don’t think it matters either way.