Is using something on PastaQueen out? That sounds more unique to me. And, also plays on the chick-lit theme as well. Maybe Adventures of Former a Pasta Queen - A Weight Loss Memoir?

By the way, I really like "weight loss memoir". I think one thing many of us have found so thrilling/helpful/addictive in your journey is that we can see how it is done and that it ain't perfect or pretty. And memoir really is the right word "a record of events written by a person having intimate knowledge of them..."

I loved your old title... but I hear that you cannot use it... I am with commenter above - I wonder if you can play with being the former queen of pasta... because basically you have gone from pounding pasta to pounding pavement.... I did love breaking up with LB -- mainly because it reminded me of one of my all time favorite posts -- the one about the LB bejeweler child care program... it was like you were starting afresh without the mandated quota of sequins, beads and other dazzlers...

Sorry, its easier to be a critic than a creator...

Maybe instead of "A Weight-loss Memoire" as a subtitle, you could do something like, "My struggle to put down the fork and pick up the pace." That sucks, but you get the idea.

I love the idea of "Half of Me" with a punchy subtitle. I LOVE the design of your blog, and I think it would be a really good idea to keep that half picture of yourself on the cover.

How about "Hello Jicama"? Or will that not work because people can't pronounce "jicama"? Or you could always say something like "Out With the Fat Pants".

Dethroning the Pasta Queen: A Weight-Loss Memoir
or
The Pasta Queen Surrenders Her Crown: A Weight-Loss Memoir

Just some suggestions! Whatever you choose, I'm sure it'll be great!

From Pounding the Pasta to Pounding the Pavement: A Weight Loss Memoir

Or

From Pounding the Pasta to Pounding the Pavement: How I Lost Half of Me

If not Half of Me, maybe "Finding My Better Half" or some other better half joke?

As for the cover picture, maybe the old half on the front and the opposite new half on the back? Or, do something where the old/new you are super-imposed... i.e. new you with an outline of the old you... if it's hard-cover, have a transparent paper book cover with the old you, with the new you underneath... (last thought) keep the website pic for the cover, but on the inside of the cover have a full pic of the old you on the left and a full pic of the new you on the right.

A Pasta Queen divided against herself stands, runs and kick-boxes! No more cleaning plates, she's cleaning clocks? Now she's splitting sides instead of pants? "Less" really is "More"?(Lousy attempts at a title or a sub-title but it's my best attempt at humor--sad, sad, sad).

The other thing about the word "pound" is that one of my obese friends said she would be hesitant to pick up a book that had the word "pound" or "fat" or similar in the title. I don't know if that's just her or if that's how other overweight woman also feel.

(I rather not put that in my mouth)
a weight loss memoir

The Square Root of Pie=PQ/2? or The Square Root of Pie=Half of Me?

Surely someone out there knows how to make math fun.

I'm home after a long hellacious day so all I can come up with for now is:

Bye Bye Booty: A Weight Loss Memior

I'll think more and try to help you out. Usually I'm pretty ok at this sort of thing.

* Lbs - half my weight lost
* Lard Butt
* Lane Bryant
* (etc. you get the idea)

Thank you for sharing all of this, you are incredible, both as a writer and as a weight loss guru! I'm so glas I found such great inspiration!

I was thinking about your title today after I read your entry, and I really do like both the "Half of Me", but I loved the breaking up with Lane Bryant too...I understand your want for the title to reflect the comedic tone your book (and blog) will have. I was thinking maybe something like "Breakin' Up With The XX's: A Weight Loss Memoir." You know, the XL, XXL, XXXL...

Just a thought! I'll be watching/reading!

The "Dear Doughnuts" title is an attempt to keep what you liked about "Lane Bryant" rather than a strong title in its own right. And there is no three-word sequence that can do all the things you are hoping your title can do! Sadly.

I would stick with "Half of Me," which is a strong, intriguing title and builds on your existing community. Failing that, I would read through your own old postings and search for turns of phrase you used then, ones that could bear a broader construction.

I think of the posts from the months around the time that you moved into your new apartment as some of the ones that show you in your strongest, most self-confident and appealing writer's voice, so that's where I would start looking.

(The most recent post, which I would guess--and I could be totally wrong about this--represents an attempt at kicking things up a notch, stylistically, for book publication, may come across, by contrast, as overwritten or even manic, like the verbal equivalent of typing all in capital letters. I'd stay with the voice you found through trial and error on this blog--and if your editor is actively steering you away from that, he or she may need to take a deep breath, then have lunch with someone who has more experience cultivating talent, and not rolling over it.)

As soon as someone picks up this book and flips through it, they will get how amusing it is. Though my Platonic idea of your book is that it should be at least as much a thoughtful and inherently interesting one--not many people lose so much weight, so simply, or learn so much about themselves in the process--as a Laff Riot.

Won't word of mouth and store placement be the main things that drive sales at first anyway? Trying to build a joke into the title seems more likely to backfire than to help.

The title "Half of Me" suggests songs (like "All of Me"), is close to all sorts of sayings ("my better half"), and it's blessedly short, memorable, and intriguing (which half? How do you divide someone in two? It suggests sawing a woman in half, the old stage magic trick).

The cover graphics could easily do the work of announcing "Funny Book Here," preferably not too heavy-handedly. Most of the commenters are suggesting that you already have your title, if you can get your editor to trust it and go with it.

How about "Half of Me: How I lost 200 pounds (and found myself) in fat blog land"? Or you could even just call it "Jennetti Spaghetti, the Queen of Pasta" per your About page.

Do You Have this in a 55" Hip? A Weight Loss Memoir

Half-A**ed and Grateful: A Weight Loss Memoir

BTW, did any of you read The Other Schulman? He does some funny things with the idea that by the time he's lost and gained weight so many times, he could have another Schulman walking around out there, causing trouble. It's a good read.

My Cup(s) Are Half-Full! A Weight-Loss Memoir

Smaller Portions = Smaller Ass. A Weight-Loss Memoir

Just What are YOU Looking at? Oh, yeah, ME! A Weight-Loss Memoir

I fear I have no wonderful inspirations, or not ones that are funny.

(Btw, Square One is not totally retired. It still drags itself in to work from time to time -today, for example...)

I did not read all the posts so if this is a repeat forgive me.

Diaries of a Pasta Queen, how I lost the pasta and found myself...

Dang it, I can't think of anything. So I guess I'm not going to be credited in your book. But I also put my vote with Half of Me. You spent some thought titling your blog, I'm sure, so why reinvent the wheel?

I don't like the donuts title either. The Lane Bryant title was brillant. How about "Breaking Up With My Fat Pants" ?

Breaking Up with The Fat Girls Store: A Weight-Loss Memoir

Which Way to the Petites?: A Weight-Loss Memoir

Good luck - I'm sure you'll come up with something great!

Stick with the winner *Half of Me: PastaQueen blogs her way to fame and fitness* See story inside...

Sadly, I'm not funny enough to think of anything else funny. But what about some kind of reverse play on "Supersize Me" or is that dated?

Like "Unsupersize Me: A Weight Loss Memoir." Or "Alone and Unsupersized" or "Unsupersized At Play" or something.

I think also that you HAVE to have the cover somehow have an old, really bad pic of you and an "after" pic. The before-after pic grabs the eye like NO other.

Here is my idea for a title...

"Coming out from behind the fat rolls"
A Weight-Loss Memoir

On the bright side of not being able to use your original title is, that when your book goes international you won't have to change the title... I am from New Zealand and had to google Lane Bryant.

"Losing My Butter Half - A Weight Loss Memoir"

Or

"Everything Must Go!: How I Took 50% Off And Saved Myself" [Picture the Everything Must Go on a big Red Sale tag].

Some ideas ...

Half of Me: Losing fat and gaining self worth

Half of Me: How I blogged my way out of the plus size section

Half of Me: A former fat girl's tale

Half of Me: How I lost 200 pounds

I would buy the book no matter what the title. Anything about someone losing a lot of weight will get me to look at it - then just browsing your writing I would buy--even with the donut title. (Which I don't mind - if YOU love donuts) Maybe Breaking up with pasta: How I lost half of me (was this said already? Perhaps)

You're funny as all get out - but if the title is too cutesy funny then it does get that "Cathy" feel to it which I would dismiss outta hand. Wouldn't read it: "Who needs jokes about fat and fluffy diet tips?" would be going through my head if I saw a cutesy title.

There is so much MORE than funny to your story. There is wisdom and insight and all that good stuff. I would read your blog if it wasn't funny. You're a wonderful writer and have a lot to share.'

"Half of Me" shows the incredible-ness of your journey. It's absolutely compelling. Then the subtitle could be something else that's a little cuter like the very good "PastaQueen . . . " or "Out of the Plus section" suggestions above.

Halftime.

Lost & Found.

or... just spell Lane Brryant wrong ;-D

thanks for the inspiration! You rock!

I don't necessarily associate donuts with being fat, that's why I don't like the other title.

I don't like the donut one either - it left me cold for some reason.

What about something like breaking up with the plus size...I'm a lame arse, sorry! No creative spirit here today!

Have you considered approaching Lane B and seeing what they say? If you got their permission, it's still the best title...

I 'm not any good at this kind of thing.I am in USA right now but am Scottish. The word 'Pants 'makes me laugh because we use it differently. I agree with the rest I will buy the book anyway and spread the word but that doesnt help you this week find the title. All the best in your quest though!

Half of Me is true to yourself and catchy.

or

Pasta Queen goes lean:...

I would use the Pasta Queen thing, some people might recognize it.

or how about-

Half of Me: How I fought my way out of Woman's World to the land of Juniors! a weight loss odessy...

I think the donuts theme is a little lame, I think women would respond more favorably to the idea that you are wering a much smaller size, we all know what it's like to have to fight the urges not to eat a donut, thats the problem, you want to show case the outcome! Thats what will sell more books!

:-)

Fighting Weight
(an allusion to the weight that boxers have to maintain in order to fight)
or,
Light Living
(an allusion to being 'light' vs. 'heavy' and 'living' vs. dying by slow suicide)

I liked the "Breaking Up With My Designer Fat Pants: A Weight Loss Memior" suggestion.

Breaking up with My Bathroom Scale: A Weight Loss Memoir

From Pasta to petite: A Weight loss queen's memoirs...

yea, im not too good at these!

Or something along those lines, stick to the names people know you by!

I think Half of Me with either the A Weightloss Memoir or Confessions of a Former Pasta Queen as subtitles. Half of Me caught my attention. I found you while looking for Laila Ali's stats--you mentioned them in one of your entries or someone mentioned them in one of the comments. I saw the Half of Me title and the half picture of you and it intrigued me to investigate further. That's exactly what you want a title---catch a person's attention so that they look closer.

Sure, I didn't think it was going to be necessarily funny, but was pleasantly surprised to find your wit and little gems. I think a Title is supposed to draw people in--get them to look at the book a little closer. Humor is a good way to do that, but it's not the only way and it's rarely done well. Most of the time it comes off as corny, cheesy or simply not funny. So I'd just stick with something that draws the eye or catches the attention---and Half of Me (with either subtitle) and the graphics do just that. Then once the fish is on the line, dazzle them with your wit, humor and general eloquence on the dustcover or back side of the book (and more graphics--before and after picks are a must).

A title only needs to attract and humor isn't the only way to do this, especially with a somewhat sensitive subject. You've got the winner already----now your publisher just needs to understand that as well.

Half of Me: a weight loss memoir

and don't like the donut title.

I also like the photo of half of you as graphics on the cover.

I'll buy your book no matter what the title.

It is possible that the funny titles smack too much of self-loathing, which definitely doesn't describe you.

What about the superhero dynamic? One of my favorite posts from this blog is the one about the Birds of Prey and Black Canary (and there was another one about role models for young girls--like Buffy). And it is sort of like you went from mild-mannered wallflower reporter to comic book heroine through this journey. Black Canary's meta power is in her voice . . . you found your voice through this blog . . . . is this an idea you could play with?

Cookies Were My Kryptonite: How the Queen of Pasta cut the crap, got moving, and lost half her body weight

Or:

I Had to Fit in the Phone Booth Before I Could Fly: A Weight Loss Memoir

Anyway . . . .

I, too, like the "Half of Me" suggestions. I wish I had something clever to suggest for you!

Brian

"Breaking Up With My Butter Half: A 200lb Weight Loss Memoir"

"200lb Off My Chest: My Weight Loss Memoir"

"Fat Pants, Let's Dance" not enough of a meaningful connection to you I suppose but you do like dancing with the stars???

Also I felt resistent to the title (& thus the book) My first thought was that I feel like the title is telling me what I can't eat. Even after my 80 lb loss down to my 115 lb goal, I still have an occasional dount, and have maintained my loss for 16 months now.

I think your "Half of me" Title is amusing and catching. Like the song "all of me"..."Half of me, why not take half of me...." etc.

I was amused by the Lane Bryant title."Breaking up with Plus sizes" is the same thing (but doesn't have the same comedic punch...to a fat person), but comfort yourself with the loss of the use of Lane Bryant by thinking about this:....Although fat people are familiar with Lane Bryant. and what it is...most of the thin population isn't.

"How Losing Half of Me Made Me Whole"

I agree you need the before and after pics on the cover too.

You are such an inspiration to so many people. I can't wait to read the book.

(okay back in my box :)

Considered as dispassionately as possible, though, it's still probably not so much an improvement on "Half of Me" as a change for change's sake.

Anyway, what a clever way to choose a title--open-source it!

I, too, like the Half of Me title.

*Bye Bye Booty: it's funny, although maybe a tad generic.
*Half of Me: Confessions of a Former Pasta Queen: Like everybody else, I don't think you can really improve on the title and the half-of-me image you've already got on the blog. I think your particular angle, aside from a sensible attitude and a funny, intelligent voice, is the whole cutting-yourself-in-half bit. I know that the story of you, as someone who had so much weight to lose, inspires me a lot more than some chick's whining because she had to trade in her size 4 bikini for a size 8 suit.
*I Had to Fit Into the Phone Booth Before I Could Fly: this is cool, and inspirational if that's the tone you want the book to convey

As for length, book subtitles are getting really long these days, mini mission statements. Check out our diet book reviews page. There are even sub-subtitles now. My favorite is the ever popular "Water: For Health, for Healing, for Life: You're Not Sick, You're Thirsty!" by that Iranian health crank. I think these long subtitles started in the Amazon age, when so many books are sold online.

I think you'd be better off spinning the book as a how-to, I-did-it-so-can-you book rather than a "memoir." Diet memoirs as a genre seem to be mostly from vanity presses. I'm having trouble thinking of a book in that category from a major publishing house.

Trading Ding Dongs for Dumbells: A Weight Loss Memoir

Owning it in Onederland: A Weight Loss Memoir

I like "Half of Me" and the myriad of variations on the subtitle. The back of the book is just as important to me in buying a book, so put some funny quips from the book there. And the picture/artwork, as you know, is just as important to selling a book.

Your book will rock the bookshelves, girl, because it's REAL and you are talented and you ARE funny. And, you're a true success on so many levels. Good luck on picking the title!

Could you not print the comments here out for your editor and the marketing team?

When things try to be funny, they usually don't work, which I think is what the reaction to the donuts is also about.

Half of Me is subtly funny, and almost all of the over 90 comments here agree that it should be part of the title.

I browse bookstore tables a lot, and if I saw something even like the donut title, I probably wouldn't even pick it up. Half of Me, with the appropriate graphic, would, though.

I asked a couple of my co-workers and friends and they hate it too.

Sorry I do not have a better suggestion. I will keep thinking.

If you were going to use "Pasta" in your title, I would make sure I get some money from South Beach for advertising their diet.

The donuts title and the Lane Bryant title seem too silly and maybe too geared to people who are overweight. (I was unaware that Lane Bryant was a clothing store for larger sizes.) Also anything with "breaking up with..." in the title seems a little too relationship-oriented, self-help at first glance, and wouldn't catch my eye. You want a title that would generate interest across the board.

I think you've acquired such a big fan base with your current title- obviously something works there. Also, if anyone has read your blog even once, they would notice the book and pick it up. Why change what isn't broken?!

But when I picture a book that is just white, titled "Half of Me" with a smaller, funny/sarcastic subtitle (made basically to look just like your blog with the picture of half of you on the side)--assuming it was very clean and stark visually, I think that would be really arresting and I'd pick it up for sure. I'm not sure you can improve much on the great design of your site. I would keep the front of the book clean, simple and striking to hook readers, then lay some of your humor on them on the back for when they pick the book up.

I love your blog, and will buy your book no matter what the title.

"donuts" = sucks
"Half of Me" is the catchy title that brought us all here in the first place.
Trying to be too clever with a play on words - I think it's all been done before. There are so many WL blogs, every combination of cutsie phrase has already been done.

Anyway: I agree with some of the other comments that "Pasta Queen" is not quite The Thing to use in the title, especially since its origin seems to be more a play on your first name than something to do with your weight loss.

Also (picking up on Mark's comment), here is at least one weight-loss memoir from a major publisher, one that seems to have done well commercially: William Leith, The Hungry Years: Confessions of a Food Addict (2005), published in London by Bloomsbury Books and in New York by Gotham Books, both imprints of Penguin.

It's a pretty good book--but he 'only' went from a B.M.I. of about 32.0 to one of about 27.5. Leaving him so much less to talk about than you have. He did it exclusively by following Atkins. And it is pretty vague on all the details that are so much fun for any reader who is actually trying to lose weight--he was more of a wannabe James Frey than the clear-eyed, deeply funny observer of weight loss that you are.

The Lane Bryant title would be your best choice. Like another commenter suggested, have you considered approaching them and seeing if they would agree? The worst they can say is no, after all.

My second choice would be Half of Me: Confessions of a Pasta Queen or Half of Me: A Weight Loss Memoir. For loyal readers of this blog, we would instantly know it's your book. Plus it is kind of funny and clever.

My third choice would be Bye Bye Booty: A Weight Loss Memoir, suggested by another commenter. Funny.

Choice number four would be Pasta Queen Surrenders Her Crown: A Weight Loss Memoir.

I do not like the donut title. Show your publishers all of these comments and they are bound to agree with the Half of Me title. Good luck and can't wait to read your book!

To further the same pun, you could extend it within the subtitle, something such as:

"Losing My Butter Half: My Divorce with the Couch"
"Losing My Butter Half: How I Divorced Refined Sugar”
"Losing My Butter Half: The Demise of My Waistline”

Something along those lines, perhaps substituting the word couch for a specific type of food.

I liked the title "I Had to Fit in the Phone Booth Before I Could Fly," because it seems to speak to your intelligence and your "geek" side as a web developer (though it may not catch the eye of everyone). I liked the idea of using something with math as well. The title "Half of Me, Twice the Laughs" is a cute suggestion.

I disliked the donut title. In addition, I agree that the word "memoir" sounds too heavy and serious. In my opinion, a title only needs to be catchy, not descriptive, because I will read the jacket cover or the description of a book if it catches my eye.

Those are my two cents! Congratulations on the book, I hope it is a smashing success.

Sigh.

I cannot wait to get my hands on your book, though!! CANNOT WAIT! :)

How about "A Tale of Three Exes: [insert subtitle here]"? Sorry. That's the best my normally creative mind could conjure up at the moment. Haha.

I'm going to BlogHer and hope to get a chance to meet you in person while I'm there. :)

Excuse me, does this motivation come in a size 24? : How I lost half of me

Half of Me, Pasta Queen, none of that is funny if you are purely looking for comedy in the title. Everyone is so accustomed to your blog I think they want some of that in the title. But if you are looking to sell this book you need other suggestions from a different source. And even though Half of Me is what may have brought people to your blog, they still had to read it and see if they wanted to continue reading... and if they did, it was for free. Actually picking up a book, opening it, reading a few pages and then deciding if you want to spend $ on it is a different story.

I wish you good luck! Cindy

1) Breaking up with the Fat Girl : A Weight Loss Memoir
2) I can touch my toes! : A Weight Loss Memoir
3) So, that's what my toes look like : A Weight Loss Memoir
4) From crawling to running : A Weight Loss Memoir
5) Naturally Fat : A Weight Loss Memoir
6) A Portly Girl's Journey to Physically Fit: A Weight Loss Memoir
7) From the Couch to the Treadmill : A Weight Loss Memoir
8) Desperation to Dedication :A Weight Loss Memoir

I am sure you will have some very clever title in no time, I just hope we helped you brain storm in one way or another

breaking bread to breaking molds: a weight loss memoir

As someone who always randomly buys books I've never heard of before--- I think Half of Me WOULD catch attention -- and then you have the back cover (or inside flap, wherever you intend on putting the description) to show how amusing it is!

Half Of Me
This aint no magic trick

With a cover image of the lady in the box being sawed in half.

Just a few to suggest! LOL

I think Half of Me or any of the variations thereon reaches not only the folks that would have gotten the Lane Bryant allusion, but also those of us who have less weight to lose but can still relate to a lot of what you write about.

Also, without the Lane Bryant title, you will also be able to reach more men. I know men probably aren't an overwhelming part of your core audience in general, but they probably are still rather significant number-wise. I think many more men would be attracted to the Half of Me title than any of the other suggestions (especially the over the top girly ones).

NYT Bestseller, here you come!

Also, I didn't like the donut name at all. I wouldn't buy it, because I didn't get fat through binging on donuts constantly, and actually tend to resent the stereotype many people have that this is the sole cause of overweight (and not metabolic issues, food intolerances, etc. contributing); I've gained far more weight not-eating than eating. I see that title and I expect someone to tell me about how they were so psychologically messed up they just couldn't quit binging on a dozen donuts every morning, and how they kicked that habit. Turns me off totally. I'm far more interested in someone "real" who has grit and humor and makes it seem possible for others. Which you do.

Half of Me: A Weight Loss Memoir doesn't catch the eye. Did you lose five lbs? 50? Did you get gastic bypass? Did you come down with bubonic plague? I have no idea why I should read this.

BUT something that really has the "wow" factor is referencing the 200 lbs you lost, your young age (20s, single, "chick lit narrator" style), and the fact you did it without surgery. So:

Half of Me: How I worked off 200 pounds

Half of Me: How I lost 200 lbs without losing my mind

Half of Me: How one girl lost 200 lbs and got on with living.

You get the idea.

"Shocking Confessions of an Ex Fat Girl"

One commenter worried that you wouldn't be able to do any other follow-on books with that title, though, and I beg to disagree. How about "My Other Half: Further confessions of the Pasta Queen," or recognizing another earlier commenter, "My Butter Half: Pasta Queen Loves to Eat... now;" or "Half a Glass...: When it's water, you can drink all you want," and so on.

It's too confusing to someone who doesn't know the backstory. Are you some kind of lady chef? A former compulsive eater of pasta? A wanna-be Martha Stewart? Is this some kind of 2003-era, outdated Atkins reference? Or did you lose all your weight by ONLY eating pasta? People will be confused and put off by the reference. It's not accessible -- it's too needing of explanation.

The great thing about the Lane Bryant reference was that it conveyed, in pithy fashion, that you are a young, formerly-fat woman, because, for the most part, Lane Bryant is where young fat women at the mall have to go to shop.

So references to "girl" or "chick" might work in the title.

Warning: Contains Food
I No Fear Tank Tops
Willpower is Overrated
I'm a Diet Superhero
Kicked in the Fat Pants
I'm not fat *and* crazy
Carbohydrates are from Saturn

Half of Me has it all--it's obvious it's about losing a sh*tload of weight, and it's obvious it's a first-person account. So you don't need the word memoir in the subtitle.

I agree that "pastaqueen" is confusing, and just raises a bunch of questions. "Half of Me" is snappy and to the point. And easy to remember!

From Big Boned and Bulky to Fit and Fabulous
Half of Me: A Weight Loss Memoir

From Food Junkie to Fashion Junkie
Half of Me: A Weight Loss Memoir

Finally Meeting My Better Half ... Me!
Half of Me: A Weight Loss Memoir

My Love Affair With Elastic Is Over!
How I lost Half of Me and Threw Out the Fat Pants!

Well, that's about all I can come up with. Good luck. I hope that when you have a book signing it will be in MY town.

I think you've just been too close to it for too long.. I wouldn't want to pick up anything with a too zany title - makes me feel like I would be reading an airport book or similar. Make the blurb and cover witty, that is the right balance for me!

I like the Half of Me idea, also something with "Another day, another ounce". I'm afraid I'm not being terribly helpful here, but then I'm not a fancy pants writer with a book deal.

Best of luck and can't wait for the book!

I like that.

Farewell to Fat Pants

or

Big Girls Don't Fry

Allright, here are my two cents for your Book's title :

1. Drop that NOW! : Really, you should
2. Be a Loser : and be Darn happy about it
3. Darn it, I'm a loser : and it feels great
4. I Lost a Close Friend : and I'm happy she's gone

There it is, hope you like it.

yours truly,
Ar'Nath

How I Divorced Half of Me
and
Gained My New Best Friend
Memoirs of Pasta Queen
Facist Regime Ruler of The Macaroni Military

P.P.S. "Pasta Queen" is endearing too, especially since you follow a lo-carb diet. That might deter some readers though, if they think your book is preaching a particular diet.

How I broke up with my other half.
Breaking up with half of me.
How I dumped my other half.
Good riddance to half of me.

"Half of Me: A Weight Loss Memoir" does sound good, despite the relative lack of funny.

If your publisher wants humor, you could go a bit more in that direction with a change to "Half-Assed: A Weight Loss Memoir."

"Half of Me: Motivation Schmotivation. (A Survivor's Guide to Weightloss)"

the second part has your humour, the first half (the half of a half of a half?) would appease your faithful following and I think it's pretty funny, amusing, intelligent all in one! Good job whoever it was that posted it :P

But fat people do eat a lot. How do you think she lost 200 pounds? By eating more than she used to?

How about: "Chub Rub: A Weight-Loss Memoir" or
"No More Chub Rub: A Weight-Loss Memoir"

It's simple, kinda silly, and won't offend us foodies.

Donuts--meh. I wouldn't buy it, because it sounds annoyingly cutesy. Which would be okay if you were annoying and cutesy.

I really liked the "True Tales" bit that someone suggested, and I agree with the 7-book-titles poster about how words referring to the first-person account ("memoirs" etc) are unnecessary if you use "Half of Me" (which seems like a no-brainer). So, how about:

"Half of Me: True Tales of How I Lost 200lbs"

All the T's are interesting...? Though granted, not funny.

"Half of Me: TT of How I Ate Catfood and Other Weightloss Adventures"

"Half of Me: Motivation Schmotivation. (A Survivor's Guide to Weightloss)"

Best of luck!

SO why don't you make the second half the funny part?

Half of Me: Memoirs of a De-throned Pasta Queen
Half of Me: Memoirs of the Uphill Battle Wearing nothing but Fatpants
Half of Me: The Memiors of My Unthin-ness
Half of Me: Memoirs of the Mahem that is Weight Loss

Ok again, I cant think of anything else. I'll be back if come up with something more

So: no to the "Doughnuts..." title. It's too narrow in its appeal. I also don't find it funny at all.

Also no to the Lane Bryant title for its similarly narrow appeal. Lane Bryant just doesn't have the same brand recognition as Walmart. Yes, most of the blog-readers know the brand, but readers in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Britain don't. If you're thinking about international book sales - which you and your publisher should be! - you would then have to the change the title anyway. Ditto if the book gets translated.

If it comes to that, although doughnuts are certainly known in other countries, their ubiquity seems particularly North American. And in the UK, "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" has already been used as a book title! [smile]

I'm with the majority of your respondents: Half of Me is an excellent title. Catchy, smart, informative, and witty. Much like your writing, in fact. As "yo" suggested, perhaps what your publisher needs to do is work on the subtitle and the graphics.

Best of luck with its publication!

Similarly, the Lane Bryant title isn’t a good one. Lane Bryant has neither stores nor name recognition outside the United States. English-language readers in Canada, Britain, Australia, etc. won’t have a clue who Lane Bryant is: divorce attorneys, perhaps? Furthermore, if you’re thinking of future international translations - and you should be! - you’ll probably have to change the title anyway.

Also, I wonder if “Donuts...” is also too specific to North America. Of course, readers in other regions may know what doughnut stores are, but - for example - the UK fattening fast food counterpart would probably be a “chippie”. And “Goodbye, Mr. Chips” has already been used as a title [smile]!

So. A strong vote for Half of Me:... . It’s witty, expresses the theme, is memorable, and brief. As other readers have suggested, perhaps your publisher could work on the cover design and subtitle. Get “blurbs” and quotes to highlight the humour, and “half-portraits” (perhaps the “before” half on the front, the “after” half on the back?) to point to the theme. Those paired half-portraits, combined with the title, will really “pop up”!

The title also works in another way. You are more than your body, overweight or otherwise. And the title alludes to the fact that the “real you” is also your personality, intelligence, smarts, humour, and spirit. There’s more to you than those 200 or so lbs.

Best wishes with your book’s publication!