Chapter Name Generator
Generate captivating chapter titles that draw readers deeper into your story. Choose your genre, set the tone, and get unique chapter names in seconds.
Chapter Name Generator
Generate compelling chapter titles that keep readers turning pages. Perfect for fiction and non-fiction alike.
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The Power of Great Chapter Names
Chapter titles serve as mini-hooks throughout your book. A great chapter name creates anticipation, sets the emotional tone, and gives readers a reason to keep turning pages. Think of each chapter title as a promise of what's to come.
Amazon's "Look Inside" feature displays your table of contents — meaning your chapter titles are a marketing tool. Readers browsing your book on Amazon will see your chapter names before they buy. Compelling titles can be the difference between an "Add to Cart" and a bounce.
📖 Chapter Naming Strategies by Genre
Fiction Genres
- • Fantasy: Use world-specific terms, locations, or prophecy fragments
- • Mystery/Thriller: Create urgency with time references or ominous phrases
- • Romance: Capture emotions and pivotal relationship moments
- • Horror: Foreshadow dread — "The Thing in the Basement"
- • Literary Fiction: Metaphorical or thematic titles add depth
Non-Fiction Genres
- • Self-Help: Action-oriented — "Break the Cycle", "Start Before You're Ready"
- • Business: Clear and descriptive — readers use chapters as reference
- • Memoir: Evocative of time, place, or feeling
- • How-To: Step-based — "Chapter 3: Setting Up Your Workspace"
- • Academic: Descriptive and searchable for reference
5 Chapter Naming Formulas That Work
1. The Teaser
Hint at what happens without spoiling it. "The Letter", "What She Found", "The Morning After". Creates curiosity that pulls readers forward.
2. The Character POV
Name chapters after the point-of-view character. Used in "A Song of Ice and Fire" and "Gone Girl". Helps readers track multiple storylines.
3. The Timeline
Use dates, times, or countdowns — "Day 1", "72 Hours Before", "June 1944". Adds urgency in thrillers and structure in historical fiction.
4. The Quote or Epigraph
Pull a key phrase from the chapter itself. "I Never Saw It Coming", "Run". The best dialogue or narration lines make gripping chapter titles.
5. The Simple Number
Sometimes "Chapter 1" is all you need. Numbered chapters work well for fast-paced stories where titles might slow momentum. Used by most thriller authors.
Should You Use Chapter Titles or Numbers?
There's no universal rule, but here are some guidelines:
- Use titles when your table of contents is a selling point (non-fiction, fantasy, literary fiction)
- Use numbers when pacing is everything and you don't want to break flow (thrillers, action)
- Use both ("Chapter 3: The Betrayal") for the best of both worlds — structure and intrigue
- Use character names for multi-POV stories where readers need to track perspectives
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should chapters have names or just numbers?
Both approaches are valid. Chapter names add personality, create intrigue, and help readers navigate your book. Numbered chapters feel more modern and streamlined. Many successful books use named chapters for fiction (especially fantasy and literary fiction) and numbered chapters for thrillers and non-fiction. Some authors use both: "Chapter 3: The Reckoning."
How do I name chapters without spoilers?
Use evocative language that sets the mood without revealing plot points. Instead of "The Villain Dies," try "The Final Reckoning." Use metaphors, emotions, or settings rather than specific events. Many authors name their chapters after they're written, choosing the most thematic element.
How long should chapter titles be?
Most effective chapter titles are 1-5 words. Short titles have more impact and are easier to remember. Occasionally, longer titles work for humorous or literary effect. Consistency in length across your book creates a polished feel.
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