Jul 26, 2025

Why I’ll Never Title a Book “XYZ for Dummies”

I’ve never liked the “XYZ for Dummies” format.

Not because I thought the books weren’t helpful—but because the title made me feel small even before I opened the first page. I wasn’t dumb. I was just curious. And like most of us, I turned to a book not because I lacked intelligence, but because I wanted to learn.

Words matter. The language we use—especially in learning environments—can either open the door or quietly close it.

I’ve always gravitated toward titles like:
XYZ Made Simple
XYZ for Everyone
XYZ for the Curious Mind
Explain Like I’m a Smart 5-Year-Old

These titles respect the reader. They spark confidence, not insecurity.

As someone who creates learning products and writes to serve others, I hold this close:
Never assume your reader is dumb. They are brave enough to learn. Meet them there.

Let the book mean something because the reader already does.