Hi Michael,

I got a survey about your book, and I’ve been thinking a lot about it.  I was pretty candid in that I think the title “Be Famous” doesn’t work.  After kicking it around in my head, the reason for my rejection is some literature I’ve read on narcissism that says all but the most self-obsessed people don’t want to be seen as self-obsessed.  

My two cents are that the following title works MUCH better: 

“Fame: How to Get It, Use It For Good, and Not be Destroyed By It”

That appeals to everyone.  I’d even buy a copy or two.  🙂
 

Dave

Most people will agree with Dave. His title feels better. No question about it. But after 30 years of spending a few hundred million dollars in thousands of real-world experiments, I can promise you the title on my quickly mocked-up cover would sell a lot more books.

His simple noun “Fame” isn’t as attention-grabbing, as disruptive, as jarring as “Be Famous.”  

“Be Famous” demands a second glance. This is what a title and a cover must do. “Fame” alone does not accomplish this.

When one glibly assumes the public will notice them, one begins to concern oneself with “giving them


a warm impression.” You are now on your way to failure.

In the world of marketing, it’s dangerous to worry about “what people might think of you.” Worry about it and you wind up with people not thinking of you at all.

In the words of E. M. Cioran, “If we could see ourselves as others see us, we would vanish on the spot.”

I am tired of making this point. I’m not going to do it any more.