We are thinking about titling our new anthology of literary nonfiction, which collects essays with the theme of transformation and inclusion.  Some of the changes are

big--death; some are impactful in less obvious ways--a shift in how we see the racial divides expressed in our family.  This is a literary collection, and we need to reflect this in the title.  We know that prescriptive non-fiction can be a big seller.  So "ten awesome ways to channel change for a successful life" might be the kind of change book that can be monetized by key words and targeted selling. That kind of book would offer a specific path, not a personal one.  You wouldn't own that path.

Literary nonfiction is different.  It can't make claims about how it will help your life.  But it will.  Literary nonfiction seeks to offer the reader an experience, wherein a reader thinks for themself.  The reader and writer come to conclusions.  The writer may craft, manipulate, and guide a specific thread of meaning, but the reader has his or her own journey and conclusion.

The conclusion may be delayed and obscured.  The meaning may start as a space opening up in the mind and the conclusion may be experienced later, on a third reading or during an event that the reader doesn't even tie to their reading life.  All types of literature open our minds and may balance the specific, black-and-white messaging our political, cultural, and consumer culture shoves at us.

We want our book title to be part of the contract with the reader.   Salesmanship requires that we tout benefits instead of features. Yet, we really can't say how our next collection of literary essays on personal change will impact you.  We can't claim you are 22 essays away from firmer thighs, obedient children, and an inclusive society.  Here's what we offer: artful explorations of ideas and personal stories. So for now our working title is "Corners: Voices on Change."   We will keep you updated on our final title and release date.  ALJ