A Reluctantly Accidental Research

For some strange reason, accidental and reluctant seem to be among publishers' favorite adjectives. Once I noticed the pattern, I began spotting them everywhere: novels, biographies, romances, thrillers, business books, even movie titles. They cut across genres, trends, and media with surprising consistency.

Perhaps there is something about these 2 words that instantly creates curiosity. An accidental hero, president, tourist, or genius suggests the trope of an ordinary person thrown into extraordinary circumstances. A reluctant detective, entrepreneur, or fundamentalist hints at a conflict before the story has even begun. In a single word, the title promises a journey. 

What started as a casual observation soon turned into a full-blown obsession and an unexpectedly long list of books and films carrying one of these two adjectives. I'm sure there are many more than the ones I've shared below.

I don't know whether publishers gravitate towards the use of these words due to a statistically proven study or whether authors independently arrive at them because they so effectively sell the premise. Either way, they seem to have earned a permanent place in the title-making toolkit. So, the next time you browse a bookstore or a streaming on OTT, keep an eye out. Maybe once you notice these two words, you too will begin seeing them everywhere.

And, how I stumbled across this is another accidental story that I am reluctant to delve into right now.

Here is a list of titles I found -

Books 

1. The Accidental Apprentice - by Vikas Swarup (2013) Fiction
2. The Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson - by Paige Toon (2014) ebook,  Fiction
3. The Accidental Billionaires - by Ben Mezrich, (2009) non-fiction
4. The Accidental Tourist - by Anne Tyler (1985) novel [Finalist for Pulitzer Prize]
5. Nathan Abercombie, Accidental Zombie (series) - by David Lubar,  Horror
6. The Accidental Sorcerer - by Karen Miller (2009) - Fantasy novel
7. The Accidental President of Brazil - by Fernando Henrique Cardoso (2006) - Memoir
8. The Accidental President (Trilogy) - by Dixie Swanson

1. The Accidental Senator (2011)  
2. The Accidental President (2012) - 
3. The Accidental President Returns (2012) - 

9.  The Accidental Killer - by S L Walker ( ) - Series
10. The Accidental Librarian - by Pamela H Mackellar
11. The Accidental Library Manager - by Rachel Singer Gordon (2004)  * Similar book cover designs
12. The Accidental Library Marketer - by Kathy Dempsy (2009) * Similar book cover designs
13. An Accidental Seduction  - by Michelle Willingham (2009) Harlequin Romance
14. The Accidental Countess - by Michelle Willingham (2009) Harlequin Romance
15. The Accidental Princess - by Michelle Willingham (2010) Harlequin Romance
16. The Accidental Prince - by Michelle Willingham (2013) Harlequin Romance
17. The Accidental Genius - by Mark Levy (2010) Business insights, self-help

There are titles with a slight variation that range from The Accidental Werewolf, The Accidental Romeo, The Accidental Genie, The Accidental Vampire, Accidental Cowgirl, Accidentally Yours, Accidentally Demonic, Accidentally Catty, Accidentally Dead,  Accidental Abduction, Accidental Magic, The Accidental Heir, and believe it or not, Accidentally Dead, Again. 

The list is simply exhaustive. Am still recovering from reading the titles of some.

*****
1. The Reluctant Economist - by Richard Easterlin (2004)
2. The Reluctant Duke - by Carole Mortimer, Harlequin Romance
3. The Reluctant Surrender by Penny Jordan, Harlequin Romance
4. The Reluctant Surgeon - by John Kobler (1960)
5. The Reluctant Widow - by Georgette Heyer (1946) Regency Romance [Adapted into a movie with the same name]
6. The Reluctant Fundamentalist - by Mohsin Hamid (2007) novel
7. The Reluctant Detective - by Kiran Manral
8. The Reluctant Detective - by Finley Martin
9. The Reluctant Entrepreneur - by Michael Masterson
10. The Rise of the Reluctant Innovator - by Ken Banks (2013)
11. The Reluctant Empress - by Brigitte Hamann (2000), A Biography
12. The Reluctant Entertainer - by Sandy Coughlin (2010)
13. The Reluctant Dragon - by Kenneth Grahame (1988)

Movies

1. The Reluctant Fundamentalist - Movie Directed by Mira Nair

2. The Reluctant Infidel - by Josh Appignanesi (2010) British Comedy
3. The Reluctant Debutante - directed by Vincente Miinneli (1958)
4. The Reluctant Saint - directed by Edward Dmytryk (1962)

*****
1. The Accidental Husband - Uma Thurman starrer, directed by Griffin Dunne (2008)
2. The Accidental Spy - Jackie Chan film directed by Teddy Chan (2001)
3. The Accidental Kidnapper - Japanese  (2010)

There are a lot more titles that can be dug up if one has the time and inclination. I, however, have reached my limit of interest. And the point I am trying to make seems evident now. 

Have you noticed similar patterns in book or movie titles? Words that seem to crop up again and again, regardless of genre? I'd love to hear them. Perhaps a few more favourites are waiting to be discovered.

So here's a pro-tip: If you are seeking to publish your work or be recognized, you know what titles might actually get accepted.