As a reader, what’s your take on descriptive chapter titles? By that I mean, titles that go beyond the standard “Chapter #” format and say something about the chapter they head. In the past, I’ve avoided the practice.

First, I don’t like to spoil what the chapter is about. I certainly disdain anything more than a one to two three word header. A mini-summary is out (e.g., “wherein we learn how Ringo picks what pants to wear based on how they impact his love life”). Second, in part because of that first consideration, it’s often hard if not impossible to find a one to three word combination that adequately fits the chapter. It’s hard enough to title the book or story, but each chapter? Third, I fear I have this tendency to get too clever and pun’ish, and I fear I will come up with something that turns off readers.

On the plus side, though, after trying this out on a couple of shorter stories, I’m really liking it. First, with the right, precise wording my chapter title does not only avoid the spoiler pitfall, but also provides a hook, a reason for the reader to keep reading–in case the last chapter’s cliffhanger wasn’t enough. Second, and this is more for me as a writer, I am able to focus my chapter to fulfill the implied promise in that title. When I really go after that, I’m writing tighter, more concentrated chapters. Finally, when I go back to edit, those titles give me a handle to recall what happens in a particular chapter.

But those last two considerations benefit me as a writer. If that first benefit doesn’t pan out for the reader, then maybe I should replace my chapter titles in my final draft with plain ol’ Chapter 1 through Chapter N headings. So I want to know how you, a reader, have enjoyed (or not) stories that use chapter titles. What worked and what didn’t? How do you think those titles affected you and how you perceived the story? Looking forward to what you have to say!