View Full Version : Help Mojo Name His Tarot Book
OK folks. My manuscript is close to being ready to submit to the publisher, but I'm still not set on a title. No doubt that the publisher will have their own ideas, but before I send in the manuscript, I want to have a title in place.
The first entry in this poll is the working title, and it helped get the publisher interested, but I'm not sure it's the right one. So I thought I'd get the Aeclectic folk to help me consider the options and/or suggest new ones.
The book is a combination of a how-to book and an exposé on the Tarot approach used by infamous Tarot readers like me and Miss Cleo (yes, I proudly put myself in the same category as her... I'm just more honest about it).
The target audience for the book is beginner or intermediate tarot enthusiasts who want to be able to pick up a deck and do readings for money without a lot of study, journaling, or memorization. The book shares a lot of the "tricks of the trade" such as how to maximize intuition and ask probing questions to help formulate the reading. Again, the focus is on people who want to read for money, not those who want to use Tarot for meditation, self-exploration or any other metaphysical purpose.
It is written with humor and a lot of self-mocking, but it is a proven method of teaching Tarot - this is the main content of Tarot classes I've been teaching for years. It is a book for people who don't really believe that Tarot has any special powers and who just want to entertain and make a little extra money on the side amazing their friends and acquaintances.
If none of my proposed titles work for you, please feel free to recommend one. If I choose your title, I'll send you a complimentary autographed copy of the book when it gets published later this year (or early 2005).
The Complete Charlatan’s Complete Book of Tarot is my vote. But remove one of those Completes... unless youre going for redundancy - it may be a complete idiot who needs this complete book of tarot, but two completes still bug my eye. This title sounds more light-hearted, if humor is your manuscript's emphasis in tone and style, when presenting its content.
Noteworthy second however....
Tarot Exposed: Revealing the Secrets of Reading Cards for Money
This title will get you more sales, frankly. It reads like an "expose" and will garner more than just the casual Tarot user's eye, and sale. It will speak of conspiracy, and people love conspiracy theories.
Just my thoughts, and congratulations on your impending publication!!! I'm sure it took a lot of work to produce the work it will be, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to pick up one for myself! ;)
I voted for the Charletan's Complete Book of Tarot. I think you can get beginners and skeptics with that title. Good luck Mojo!
Mojo: Speak of the devil--I was just thinking about ye & your book!
Since books of the Tarot genre have a lot of competition, the more eye-catching a title, the better the chance to arouse a prospective customer's curiosity to take a look at its contents.
I like best "Tarot Exposed: Revealing the Secrets of Reading Cards for Money" for the sheer sensationalism of the title. It speaks of an insider's view of the reading profession. Suggestive of providing the nitty-gritty on reading techniques for pay & also information on even the less savory practices. Folks tend to be nosy & to be drawn to that suggestive of exposing the dubious--which is why the unmitigated success of all those tabloid publications.
Next is "The Complete Charlatan's (Complete) Book of Tarot". It seems to express a humorous & self-deprecating approach. If the writing style is from a humourous standpoint, it would serve well as a title & prompt more than a passing interest from those looking for a light-hearted or easy excursion into Tarot & also pick up some pointers.
I also like "Tarot Tricks of the Trade". It is short & its alliterative quality is catchy. Suggestive of the same features as the first choice & of not a lot of study involved for those not interested in the metaphysical or esoteric aspects.
Despite those titles, I chose "None of the above". I have a fondness for the word "mojo" & what it means. Besides meaning a spell or a charm, it refers to magical powers; is pidgin for "magic". With apologies for possibly the fractured English:
"A Mojo Guide to Tarot".
Melissa`
20-05-2004, 18:12
The Complete Charlatan’s Complete Book of Tarot - the one I voted for..
I agree with Alissa.. take one of the completes out, maybe just -
The Charlatan's Complete Book of Tarot?
Good Luck!
Melissa
Le_Corsair
20-05-2004, 18:12
Professor Marvel's Book of Tarot or Humbugging the Gullible For Fun and Profit.
That way you have an excuse to use a photo from The Wizard of Oz on the cover! :D
Bob :THERM
Shake that Money Maker: Tarot for Fun and Dollars
Sounds kind of sexy doesn't it?
Macavity
20-05-2004, 19:14
Go for the Mathers pretentious approach:
"Tarot Denudata" (The Emperors New Clothes?)
or sumpin like that... :D
"The King is in the alltogether etc. etc."
Macavity
Rhiannon
20-05-2004, 19:15
Definitely have to go with the Charlatan on this one.
R :)
firemaiden
20-05-2004, 19:18
I like the charlatan one the best too :P
How about combining some of your suggestions (I'm just after a free copy :D):The Complete Charlatan's Tarot: Unmasking Secrets of Reading Cards for Fun and Profit
Cerulean
20-05-2004, 20:19
Penny for Your Thoughts - reading for fun and profit
Tarot Trick$ & Treat$ - quick tricks to learn and earn
Since you're probably a natural diviner on the who-what-when-where kind of questions to ask and give a great conversational and story-style reading, I was thinking you'd want something snappy and savvy for a probably friendly, conversational book?
I look forward to hearing about it.
Regards,
Cerulean
Khatruman
20-05-2004, 20:33
I voted none of the above. Don't strike me as catchy enough:
How about....
Gypsies, Trumps, and Thieves: The money maker’s guide to Tarot, without the mumbo jumbo.
Trump’s Heart of the Deal: or the art to being a Tarot Apprentice.
Tarot for Show: How to win Ten$ and influence people.
Le_Corsair
21-05-2004, 00:34
Originally posted by Khatruman
I voted none of the above. Don't strike me as catchy enough:
How about....
Gypsies, Trumps, and Thieves: The money maker’s guide to Tarot, without the mumbo jumbo.
That one's brilliant. Regrettably, it shows my age that I recognize the reference. :(
Bob :THERM
Voted: none of the above.....
MOJO'S TAROT MAGIC
:)
Major Tom
21-05-2004, 03:33
How about: One Born Every Minute - Tarot Secrets Exposed!
firemaiden
21-05-2004, 03:42
If it were up to me (and girls, I'm not just saying this because I like him, so stop that twittering!) ... If it were up to me... the free copy would go to jmd, hands down.
Ravenswing
21-05-2004, 07:54
I've just thrown all the words into my random book title maker and it came out with:
Complete Mojo: The Charlatan's Tarot
best of luck
fly well
Raven
Mojo:
Keeping Tarot to the Right!
Congratulations and Good Luck with your book.
Mojo,
I voted for:
Tarot Exposed: Revealing the Secrets of Reading Cards for Money
However, a close second would be some form of The Complete Charlatan's book. Both of these titles would attack the attention of more people. The Tarot Exposed book sounds like you are blowing the cover off of a deep dark secret and people love to learn the inside story. The Charlatan book also has the appeal of letting people in on the inside story. I think either one of these titles would be good! I look forward to reading it! Keep us posted on your progress.
fairyhedgehog
21-05-2004, 10:51
Originally posted by Khatruman
The money maker’s guide to Tarot.
Sounds good. I really like the working title (and voted for it, before I read any of the posts: duh!) but I also like Tarot Exposed: Revealing the Secrets of Reading Cards for Money. I think that might be the one to grab the punters (I mean, readers).
Moonbow*
21-05-2004, 11:32
I like jmd's
It's got all the essentials - Charletan, fun and profit
Chronata
21-05-2004, 12:04
I really like the first one! I would so buy that book...based on the title alone!!!
I also really like jmd's suggestion!
And I want to say, mojo...that I am really looking forward to this book!
I have a feeling it will be right at home on my shelf with the "Cold Reader's Guide","How To Be (A Fake )Kreskin" and my books by Penn and Teller!
laura_borealis
21-05-2004, 12:43
I voted for "Tarot for Skeptics" because of all the titles, that is the one that would most make me pull the book off the shelf at the bookstore. Skepticism is healthy, and it would be refreshing to see that title among all the other tarot books. Plus I like the sly play on the "...for Dummies" series.
I'm going to go against the grain, and say that I don't like the Charlatan title. To me, "charlatan" is a bit too far on the negative side -- past the humor value into somewhat uncomfortable territory. Charlatans are about exploitation -- not a quality I wish to embody. I might look at a book with that title out of curiosity, but I think I would feel too put off to buy it.
Of course, this is my personal reaction to the word, and is not meant to condemn anyone else who likes that title.
Moongold
22-05-2004, 01:47
I voted none of the above but suggest this:
The Tao of Tarot
A Guide for Charlatans and True Believers
Moongold
Moongold
22-05-2004, 02:13
Or
TAROT TIPS AND TRICKS
For Believers and Deceivers
Moongold
22-05-2004, 02:23
Or:
THE TWOPENNY TAROT
The Common Mystic's Guide to Making Money
Phoenix Rising
22-05-2004, 02:36
THE TAROT IDIOTS GUIDE TO MAKING A PROFIT!
Idiot guides are always catchy on a book shelf. Gives it more humour. Where as other ones seem too serious.
northsea
06-09-2006, 14:33
the complete charlatan's tarot guidebook
.. did the book get published yet?
Grizabella
06-09-2006, 15:59
I haven't read all the responses, but I think Tarot Mojo: Learn to Capture the Magic is a good name.
Can't wait for the book to come out!
From the website:
I've even written a how-to book called "Tarot for Skeptics, or How to Be a Gypsy Fortune Teller for Fun and Profit (and without any hard work)" The manuscript is currently under review by at least 2 potential publishers.
The Hanged Man
06-09-2006, 17:37
'The Complete Charlatan's......'. That's the best because I found it amusing.
However, I'm not sure whether to feel offended or not. Some of the title's you've suggested seem to presume that anyone who reads for payment is some sort of con-artist, namely: 'How do they do it? Tarot Readers Exposed.', and 'Tarot Exposed: Revealing the Secrets of Reading Cards for Money.'. That's not fair. Personally, I read for people with one-hundred percent sincerity and belief in what I'm doing. Yes, I'm actually one of those naive idiots that does in fact believe that the Tarot is a psychotherapeutic and spiritual tool which can provide some fascinating and startling insights. There is a genuine need for this sort of service in the world.
I wish you luck with your book, but I'm disappointed that you are trying to promote us all as con-merchants. Some of us (all too few it would seem) actually believe in what we do.
x
Charlatan is just one of those great words that doesnt get used anymore.
Mojo's last response on this forum was in 2004. I don't believe he will find this thread revival to respond to, but I could be wrong....
Grizabella
06-09-2006, 18:07
Well, for Pete's sake! When will I ever learn to check out the dates on these posts? ROFL
Did Mojo ever get the book published?
The Hanged Man
06-09-2006, 18:12
LOL. I wasted my energy on that rant! :)