Help Me Choose a Subtitle

for my book, 'Hiding Inside a Man'

The cover of the book. Needs a subtitle to help clarify who it is for.

Hey dojo gang,

I would love your input.

This November (2024), I’ll be self-publishing a book.

It was published previously by me under a different title in 2011, and I am being more thoughtful about both the title and subtitle now.

The title is decided: Hiding Inside a Man.

But the subtitle needs to help clarify who would enjoy and benefit from reading the book and why, especially because it is formatted like a picture book / graphic novel.

Here’s a peek…

A spread from Hiding Inside a Man (text on the left and image on the right, like a picture book).

Drawing #6 of 48 from Hiding Inside a Man.

Here’s some background for context…

Who is the book’s intended audience?

• Primarily, kindhearted men (ages 28–35*) who experience low self-esteem (i.e. not belonging) and overwhelm with the world around them.

• Men who want to live in alignment with themselves vs. whom society tells them to be.

Marketing Note: *I have heard from men, both younger and older that they resonate with the book deeply. When I clarify “28–35 years of age”, I am simply focusing my efforts, not intending to leave anyone out. I don’t intend to explicitly broadcast the ages, as that could be limiting. But if I were advertising, I’d use that age range to spend resources to connect with people. Of course, allies to men have also expressed appreciation and resonance (one female reviewer wrote: “this book offers a stunning insight into the world of men”). I imagine some “influencer” opportunities through women and counselors—people who might recommend the book if they resonate.

Drawing #7 of 48 from Hiding Inside a Man.

What will men gain from reading the book?

• Through this very accessible and personal reflection, sensitive men will find validation, encouragement, and inspiration to become more emotionally attuned to their true self.

What category will you put it in?

The book will fit into these categories, in this order:

1. SELF-HELP / Personal Growth / Self-Esteem

2. SOCIAL SCIENCE / Men's Studies

3. COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS / Nonfiction / Biography & Memoir

Drawing #11 of 48 from Hiding Inside a Man.

SUBTITLES — okay, so which of the five options below do justice to my intentions?

1. An illustrated journey about healing the rift between a man and himself.

2. An illustrated journey of one man’s emotional healing and self-discovery—in relation to being a man.

3. An illustrated exploration of one man's emotional and inner landscapes, healing from confusion around manhood.

4. An illustrated journey for men seeking to be their true selves despite pressure to conform.

5. An illustrated journey into a man's inner world, seeking deeper connection and authenticity.

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FEEDBACK TIME: Please hit reply with your top two choices or even better—share your choices by leaving a comment online so we can get some collective wisdom going!

Which are your top two? (upgrades also welcome : ) 🔥

Thank you in advance for your thoughtful reflections 🙏

PS: Want to promote the book to your audience when it lands in November? Drop me a note and let’s co-create! (see who’s offered their reflections on the book here)