Honoring America’s History Through Literature on Its 250th Anniversary

Every Fourth of July, Americans around the country celebrate the true American spirit. It was on July 4, 1776, that the Founding Fathers approved the Declaration of Independence. This document announced the intention of the American colonies to split from the oppressive ruling power of Great Britain. The American Revolution quickly followed, in which the American colonies fought for their freedom. They won the war, and the rest is history.

Now, exactly 250 years later, people all over the country are celebrating the continued legacy of the American spirit. Every Independence Day is a cause for celebration, but this year is especially potent. Whether you are grilling, watching fireworks, or spending time with loved ones, the Fourth is a special day for Americans.

An under-appreciated way to celebrate American history is through literature. All sorts of books can deepen our collective understanding of this country, both fiction and non-fiction. This article will guide you on your journey to embracing the impact of Independence Day through the literary world.

History and Historical Fiction

When diving into the literary world, there are two larger categories: fiction and non-fiction. Within those parameters, there is nuance and individual differences. Obviously, as a general rule, fiction applies to made-up stories, and non-fiction is about real things.

Historical works can also fall within these two categories. Both are valid ways to embrace America’s history with literature, with their own unique features. This all applies to both readers and writers of historical books.

Non-Fictional Works of Historical Literature

Non-fiction is the most traditional form of literature to read and write to learn more about history. In all its creative endeavour, non-fiction works teach both the reader and writer about the world. These can take the form of historical biographies, accounts of events, memoirs, reference materials, or anything else that is factual. The most important thing is that everything is true and based in fact.

When writing a non-fiction historical book, the most important thing to do is research the subject. Who would want to read a book written by someone who gets information wrong? You can research online, in books, through interviews, or anywhere else; just do your homework. Once you have a substantial understanding of the topic, you can begin the actual writing process. This can start with an outline, a storyboard, or free writing.

For readers who embrace historical non-fiction, they are drawn to books about their favorite subjects. Everyone has their own individual tastes, but history is crucial to understand. In light of America’s 250th birthday, it becomes even more important to learn about the country’s past.

Fictional Works of Historical Literature

Historical fiction carries some notable similarities to non-fiction. However, fiction tells a story that is not true; it comes from the author’s imagination. With historical fiction, the author takes a real-life era or event and writes a fictional story about it. These books can be any genre in the literary canon, so long as real-life history is incorporated. There is always a balance between the fictional elements and the things based in reality.

As a non-fictional writer, only you know your specific process. However, research is key to creating a powerful and enduring historical fiction. Once you have the research done, the process will follow any other fictional story’s creation.

Incorporating your imagination into history is a powerful creative tool for readers. Some people might have difficulty focusing or absorbing historical non-fiction, so fiction is where they will be drawn to. When searching for a historical non-fiction to read, readers can use their favorite eras, events, or authors as a start. Their imagination can run wild and teach them about history.

Spread Patriotism Through Literature and History

For America’s 250th birthday, understanding the history of this country is crucial. If you are reading or writing this Fourth of July, share your passion for history and literature with others. People trust and rely on the opinions and motivation of others when interacting with culture.

As both a writer and a reader, promote any historical books you have read to friends and family. You can even share your appreciation of history with young readers. Audiobooks are one additional way to spread historical stories with others. As a highly accessible form for reading, audiobooks can reach the entire potential audience who process audio differently.

Writing Your Author Biography for Your First Book

After you write your book, your writing process is not quite finished. After the editing process, preparing your book for publication, there is one last thing to finalize: your About the Author. Your About the Author, or ATA, is the short biography about yourself for your book’s readers. Once you have a solid ATA, your book will be fully ready for publication.

Every ATA is different because they are tailored to their author’s individual personality and life. Therefore, there is not a one-size-fits-all guide to writing any author bio. This article will serve as a basic framework for how to write your ATA. There is no right or wrong way to do it, just make it a reflection of yourself.

The Technicalities and Formalities of an ATA

Even though there is not a singular template for an ATA, there are some technical aspects to consider. These are industry norms, not strict requirements, so use your discretion when writing. You know the best way to convey your life through a short writing sample.

The first thing to note going into writing an ATA is the length. So you know what to plan for, an ATA should not be more than one printed page. This provides enough space for sharing the important parts of your life without going overboard. Knowing the general length parameters allows you to balance the parts of your ATA. Grab any book off your shelf and you can refer to that ATA to get an idea of the length.

After knowing the length, you can start thinking about the actual writing. Your ATA should be written in complete, proper sentences; avoid bullet points or lists. In the same vein, write your ATA from a third-person perspective. Even though you are writing about yourself, let the reader immerse themself in learning your story. This will create a professional ATA that fits in with the industry norms.

Finally, the last thing you will notice in an ATA is the author’s accompanying photograph. This gives the reader a face to picture when learning about their life. Your headshot should be high resolution, clear, and only feature you. You can take the photo at home or use one you already have, just make sure it is current.

What to Write About

When it comes to the substance of an ATA, there are many directions you can go. These are just some suggestions and common information to include. The key for everything is to not overshare sensitive information about your life.

Firstly, you can write about your family and personal life. To avoid oversharing, this can be your hometown, where you live now, or if you have a spouse or children. This shows the reader that you are a real person with lived experiences. Similarly, you can include information about your favorite pastimes or hobbies. You do not want to bore the reader, so limit it to your most defining passions.

Secondly, you can write about your education or work history, especially if it is relevant to the book. This gives you some level of authority to make the reader trust your writing. Your academic history can be any schooling you completed, degrees you obtained, or certificates earned. Work history should be limited to long-term careers or important jobs in your life. Do not include too much information because it can bog down the entire ATA.

Finally, definitely include any of your previous writing credits. Doing this is an easy way to build a reader base because it allows readers to find your other works. If this is your first book or writing project, you can add this for your next book. This is a simple way to convey your writing and literary experience.

How to Get the Most Out of Your ATA

While your new ATA is for the book you are currently writing, it has other practical uses. Most directly, your ATA can be reused for future books you publish, including audiobooks. Even if you make tweaks, having a uniform ATA makes your life a lot easier. If you have a personal or professional author website, you can use your ATA there, as well.

For the book at hand, your ATA can be used across marketing, social media, and other events. You may be asked to provide an author bio for book signings, media appearances, or other events. You can use some or all of your ATA for those purposes. This gives you a consistent identity across the board.

Since you will use your ATA multiple times and in different ways, make sure you put care into it. It is not always natural to write about yourself, but you will be well-served to try your hardest.

How to Use Your First Writing Experience to Become Stronger

Your first time writing a book can be immensely scary. The thoughts will start racing around your brain. You progress through the writing process, putting your thoughts into words. When this is your first writing venture, that could be scary. But, at the end of the process, you did it; you wrote a book.

If you enjoyed your experience writing and publishing your debut book, what comes next? Do you want to continue your life as an author? If that is the case, you will want to start writing as soon as an idea comes to you.

Whether you want to write a direct follow-up to your first book or something entirely new, your writing will evolve. You can use your first experience to elevate and advance your writing in all aspects. The tips and tricks from your first book can be invaluable when writing your second. This article will discuss some of the ways your first book will inform your second book.

Elevate Your Writing Style

When you write a book for the first time, you are new to it. Some debut books are stellar and regarded as literary classics. No matter how good someone’s first book is, their style will evolve with experience. This evolution might be of the same quality, but it is still a change. These changes can be about content, style, themes, age range, or anything else. It is the natural progression of a writer’s journey.

For your second book, do not shy away from honing your writing, whether in the same or a different genre. You do not want your writing to become stale or static over time. If you keep your writing fresh from the very beginning of your journey, you are on track for success. Never sacrifice your authenticity — learn more about yourself as a writer as you gain experience.

Embrace and Listen to Your Audience

While we often write for ourselves, as a published author, you are also writing for the general public. Without these readers, your book will stay private to you. Gaining this audience is one of the most satisfying parts of being published. You get to send your book into the world and know that people are reading it.

Do not be afraid to embrace your newfound audience. These are the people who will have the most honest and valuable feedback to your work. Feedback from those close to you are important for personal reasons, but the public is different. Your new audience are people who discover your writing because of what you write. As such, their feedback is worth listening to. 

You do not want to repeat yourself too much, just lean into what best works about your writing. This is something you can learn from learning from and interacting with your reader. They are the ones who like your writing and will come back for more.

Learn from Other Authors and Industry Folks

Besides your readers, you will meet many people in the publishing industry who can help you along your journey. From publishing your first book, you will be able to hone your networking skills. The people you meet are those with experience, likely more than you have. Their experience will be invaluable in giving you advice. You might even learn things about writing and publishing that you had never considered.

From fellow authors, they can read your work and offer their feedback. As authors themselves, they understand what makes for a good book. Likewise, you can give them feedback. This cycle can be an invaluable tool in networking and building close relationships with other writers.

You will also meet publishing executives, illustrators, editors, and others while publishing your first book. While offering different types of advice, these people can help you significantly. They can give you advice on marketing, notes on your manuscript, information about metrics, and general guidance. Fostering these relationships will help you immensely during the publishing process of your second book when you know the ropes.

Improve Your Marketing Going Forward

After your book is published, it is time to market the book. When you publish your first book, this can be a daunting experience. During that marketing process, you will learn the how, where, when, and who of book promotion. For first-time authors, it can be a shock.

When approaching your second book’s promotion, you will have a headstart from your prior experience. Publishers will often give you a preliminary boost — i.e., social media posts, a website, promotional materials, press releases, etc. However, it is incumbent upon you as the author to get your book in front of the masses. There can be a learning curve when you start marketing your first that eases with the second.

It is crucial to use and analyze all your experiences from writing and publishing your first book. If you are interested in writing more books, you will learn immensely from this. Your debut book was only a launchpad for the rest of your life as an author.

Understanding Imposter Syndrome and the Tools to Mitigate It

In your life, professional and personal, there are times when you might feel like you do not belong. This can be from any source, but it makes you feel like an intruder in your life. You might even doubt your abilities and skills that got you to where you are today. Most people know this feeling as imposter syndrome, and it is very common in any field.

Writers are in a uniquely personal art form, but there is still a larger community. It is only natural to compare yourself to others and their writing. Comparing yourself to others is a brewing ground for imposter syndrome. Even if you are an accomplished writer, you can feel like an outsider. This article will review all about imposter syndrome in the literary world.

The Big Picture of Imposter Syndrome

As mentioned, imposter syndrome (or imposter phenomenon) is when someone feels like an imposter in their environment. Often, this will be at work or school and stem from comparing yourself to others. People with imposter syndrome feel that they are not worthy of being in their space. They see others’ successes and can feel inadequate. However, people can internalize their imposter syndrome in different ways.

In the publishing and literary worlds, this often presents as insecurity about one’s writing. For example, if you are a moderately successful author, you may compare yourself to bestselling authors. Everyone has their own version of success, but sometimes other people’s success can intimidate you. You might also feel inferior because other people have more formal training than you.

Who Is Most Likely to Have Imposter Syndrome?

While anyone can experience imposter syndrome, there are certain groups of people who can be more sensitive to it.

Often, this is based on identity or membership in a specific group, especially when it is a minority group. Being a minority among the larger majority group can give someone imposter syndrome. Some of these groups are minorities in race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, and class. However, just belonging to one of these groups does not mean you must feel imposter syndrome.

Outside of identity, people’s personalities can affect their susceptibility. People who experience anxiety in other aspects of their life are, naturally, more likely to be anxious about fitting in. These already-anxious people could easily feel like they do not measure up to others’ expectations of them.

The final factor that often plays a role in imposter syndrome is one’s experience level. People who are new to an environment are more likely to be unsure about their place. When others have been there longer, it can be intimidating to join an already-established group. This source of imposter syndrome can hopefully subside as the person gains more experience in the field.

Tackling Imposter Syndrome Head On

Just because you suffer from imposter syndrome does not mean you have to struggle with it. There are many ways to mitigate the uncertainty and discomfort that comes with imposter syndrome. This is a sample of potential solutions, but the sky’s the limit with managing your mental health.

The biggest tactic to manage imposter syndrome is to practice mindfulness and intentional thinking. Of course, you cannot completely control the places your mind goes, but you can try to practice it. Various forms of meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises can center you. This might not completely change your mindset, but it can help open your mind. Self-care is at the root of each of this mindfulness.

Try to focus your thinking on the logic and facts of the people around you. Everyone started somewhere, including the successful people who intimidate you. You deserve to be in the space you are in — do not let imposter syndrome let you think otherwise. Nobody knows your worth better than you. Breaking down your imposter syndrome can reveal the logical fallacies and truth of your imposter syndrome.

Further, there are different metrics of success for everyone. As an author, you might have peers who win awards or are national bestsellers. However, your writing can have different aspirations. You could also strive to achieve that kind of success, but recognize that you do not have to.

There are always ways to become more confident and self-assured. Do not be afraid to seek out resources or professional help to support your journey. You are never alone, and your friends and family are also there to support you.

A good publisher will also guide your journey to overcome imposter syndrome. Here at Cloverly Audiobook, we work to make sure you feel like you belong.

The Various Ways to Write Autobiographically and When to Use Them

No matter what genre you are writing, your book will contain pieces of your soul. Your personality will be in everything you ever write. When you write about your own life experiences, however, you are sharing even more of yourself to the reader. People seek out autobiographical works because of the humanity in them, so that should always be at the forefront.

There is no one correct way to incorporate autobiographical elements into your writing. Some people write straightforward autobiographies, while others channel their life into works of fiction or mix genres. You are the only person who can dictate how to share your story with the world. This article will help you decide the best creative outlet for your autobiographical writing.

Books Directly About Your Life

The most direct way to write about your life is through a book about your own life, or an autobiography. A biography is a book about someone’s life, but adding the auto– prefix makes it about your own life. When you write this kind of book, you are telling your story as only you can tell it. There is no one else telling your story for you; you are in control of the narrative.

A standard autobiography is a comprehensive account of one’s life. The scope is generally wide and covers many years and situations in one’s life. You still share interesting stories from your experiences, but it shows a large section of your life. When someone’s whole life has been a series of worthwhile stories, this is a great option. Plainly telling your story without any curation or editorializing can be powerful for the right person.

However, within the general genre of autobiography, there are some subgenres. The most prominent one is a memoir. When writing a memoir, the author tailors what is shared to hone in on a specific theme or time period. Rather than share the big picture of one’s life, a memoir is more selective. It builds to a larger thematic purpose that still teaches the reader about the author, just not everything about them.

Some topics that a memoir can encompass include careers, notable historical moments, family matters, or any specific recurring events. Authors who feel that their most important contribution to the autobiographical world is thematic should write a memoir. Knowing your personal history, strengths, and weaknesses is crucial for being a successful writer, especially of autobiographies.

Essays or Short Stories

Sometimes, authors find it easier to write short-form essays or short stories rather than one longer chronological narrative. This can be another creative autobiographical outlet. Writing essays or short stories allows you to jump around various topics and themes while telling your story. Each can often be read independently of one another. It still teaches the reader about your life and experiences, but more as a patchwork.

Writers who write short-form pieces may not even want to publish their work as a book right away. Whether starting off with a blog, newsletter, or personal diary, you could accumulate material over time. With a collection of material ready to go, you can curate the writing into a collection to be published. This allows you to write as a creative outlet without being pressured to publish immediately. Follow your heart and write how you see fit.

Autofictional Books

A less direct way to write about your life is to incorporate elements of it into fictional works. This is also known as autobiographical fiction, or autofiction. Autofiction is a creative way to process and write about your life without having to specify that. It provides a layer of protection for authors writing about particularly vulnerable emotions or experiences. 

Often, elements of your reality will seep into your fiction without realizing it, but this is more intentional. Fictionalizing elements of your life gives you material to write about and reference, even if you keep that private. The people in your life never have to definitively know the reality behind your book. This is one way to rewrite your history, share valuable lessons, and live out your fantasies through literature.

Poetry and Songwriting

The most creative and abstract way to write about your life is to write poems or songs. Anyone can write poetry and make it personal and true to life. It is almost harder to write lyrical prose without any of your life in it. All writing comes from the soul, but poetry and songs are especially revealing. There are people who channel their emotions best through this kind of writing, and they can publish these in collections. Doing so will allow others who are similarly lyrical to connect to the author.

Publishing your autobiographical work can be intimidating. It is a direct piece of yourself that you are putting out to the market. Your writing deserves to be out there, and readers are always looking for new books to read. If you have already published an autobiographical work, consider converting it into an audiobook. At Cloverly Audiobook, we will work with you to turn your book into a compelling, well-produced audiobook. This will allow your story to reach the biggest possible audience.

The Purpose and Potential Benefits of Hiring a Ghostwriter for Your Book

As every author knows, writing a book is an immense undertaking. When you write a book, you start with an idea, but it can become a time-consuming and massive process. It all starts with an idea. This becomes the basis for every part of your book; it is all traced back to this.

Authors who need a little help turning their idea into a book have options to help them. Hiring a ghostwriter is one way to take your story over the finish line. Many authors use ghostwriters’ services to assist with the writing process. The key thing about using a ghostwriter is that you always stay the credited author on the book. That is because it is not a cheat code — it is a resource. This article will examine the use of ghostwriters in the writing process.

An Overview of a Ghostwriter’s Job

As their title implies, ghostwriters are often unseen. But, that is by design. Their primary job is to work with authors to help write their book. It is not a shortcut for authors who want a book without doing the grunt work; it is a collaboration. All professional ghostwriters know what the job entails, and they work on similar contracts.

Ghostwriters are not limited to one specific genre or type of book. Any author can use the services of a ghostwriter to create the best possible book. The specific details of the ghostwriter’s contract determine their fee. Writing a book is hard work, and ghostwriters’ pay reflects that time and effort. Individual ghostwriters can set and negotiate their wages, and there is no one-size-fits-all fee. Longer books and those that require substantial research will cost more. Conversely, shorter books with a lower word count will cost less.

The Process

Each ghostwriter has their own process and methods. Generally, however, the most important part is the first meeting with them. At this meeting, you will present your idea to them. Bring as much material and as many thoughts as possible. The more you come into the process with, the more the final book will match your vision.

Some things to create beforehand include a brief summary, a general outline, and some sample chapters or sections. You can also show your ghostwriter some of your prior writing to match your style and inspirations to guide them. Your ghostwriter might want more, but this is a good starting point. Different types of books may require different information, so be prepared for anything.

Throughout the writing process, you will have more meetings with your ghostwriter. The main purpose of these meetings is to check their status and make revisions or suggestions. Your contract with the ghostwriter should specify how often these meetings should ideally occur. Always keep in contact with your ghostwriter, and be open with them. Your book will always be your book; your ghostwriter just needs to know what to help you with. The end result will be a manuscript that feels like yours that you want to share with the world.

What a Ghostwriter Brings to the Table

When you write a book alone, you rely on your specific set of skills. For many, that is enough, and you are ready to write the book. Sometimes, having a helping hand goes a long way in ensuring that you finish the complete draft. These are some general benefits of hiring a ghostwriter.

Human Experience

Each ghostwriter is their own person with unique lived experiences: academic, work, family, etc. They bring professional and life experiences with them to every project, not artificial intelligence. Through their experiences, your ghostwriter can help expound your book in unexpected ways. 

No matter their background, however, the one thing all ghostwriters share is the expertise needed to write a book. Identifying what specific parts of the writing process are holding you back can help tailor your working relationship. Even if the roadblock is within the bones of the book, your ghostwriter can provide their unique insight. They will take your idea and make your completed book reflect the spirit of that idea.

Logistical Know-How

As mentioned, ghostwriters know how to write a book. They bring that to each and every project. This means they know the logistics of the writing process. Your book will not be finished after the first draft is completed — there will be rounds of edits and revisions. These changes range from small typos to larger thematic shifts. Your ghostwriter can make this process smoother with their guidance. This is a collaborative effort that can teach you more about the writing and publishing worlds.

Hiring a ghostwriter can also be a huge time-saver without losing your identity as an author. You might have an immensely creative imagination but are too busy to let that fully flourish. Your ghostwriter will work with you, not instead of you to help complete your book.

Using the Visuals in Your Book to Further Your Creative Vision

When you write a book, the finished product is always going to be a combination of text and visuals. If you are publishing an audiobook, there is even an additional audio element. No two books are the same, and your book’s visuals will complete your vision.

The type and extent of your visuals vary based on your creative vision. Nothing is set in stone until your book hits the shelves, so you can always adjust your visual palette. The most important thing about your book’s visuals is that they reflect your writing and creativity. Always stay involved in the creation of your book’s visuals. This article will review some of the factors to consider during the publication process.

Your Book’s Eye-Catching Cover Art

No matter where your reader or listener buys your book or audiobook, the cover will be their first exposure. It can make or break your book’s entire legacy. The saying goes, “Never judge a book by its cover,” but that is not often the case. Some classic books are remembered for their covers just as much as they are for their prose.

Your book’s front cover will be the very first impression your reader makes of your book. Nothing can ever change a first impression, so make sure you leave a positive one. Most front covers convey the most important information of the book. Specifically, the front cover includes the title, author, and some cover art. The visuals of your cover should, at the very least, convey the tone of your book. It can be hand illustrated or feature real-life photographs. You control the creative direction of your cover, so make sure it suits your book, whether bold or more subdued.

Your book’s back cover is the other external element your audience will see. After the front cover attracts someone, they will turn it over for more information. Often, back covers will include your book’s blurb or quotes from praising reviews. This will be your chance to fully hook your new reader. The visual design will complement the front cover, whether literally or conceptually.

The Images Inside Your Book

Your cover is only the first impression a reader will make of your book. What’s inside comes next, completing the visual design of your book. Some books use full-page or otherwise significant illustrations or photographs to tell their full story. When telling a story through visuals, there are some specific factors to consider.

For books, often aimed at children, that are nearly entirely illustrated, the quality of the illustrations is crucial. The illustrations in a picture book should work hand in hand with the writing to tell the story. As such, the words should work with the drawings, and neither should clash with the other. Your youngest audiences will either be new readers or those being read to. No matter how they are reading your story, the drawings should engage them. High-quality illustrations will compel readers to come back to your story time and time again.

Other books might be art books that showcase real-life photographs. The process of compiling these pictures is different than with illustrations. Primarily, you will likely enter the publication process with the photographs already; no independent illustrator is needed. As the author, you will arrange and compile the pictures as you see fit, including any accompanying text. Your creativity will guide how your reader will process your book.

Limited Illustrations Specific to Your Book

There are also ways to incorporate visuals into books in which the images are not at the forefront. While the text is the driving force here, there are still unique ways to incorporate visuals.

Including illustrations should be based on the specific book and what would be appropriate to include. One common type of limited illustration is a small picture at the start of each chapter. This could be a small symbol that ties into the narrative or a sneak peek of what the chapter contains. Another option is to include a relevant graphic at the beginning of the book. For example, you could include a map of a fantasy world to keep readers oriented during your book.

All the elements above apply to print books, but that is not where your story’s journey ends. When you release an audiobook with Cloverly Audiobook, our team will help you prepare for release from start to finish.

Considerations to Take Into Account When Book Shopping for Mother’s Day

Throughout the year, mothers are the backbone of many families. Their work is often unrecognized most days. But, there is one day a year where every mother is recognized: Mother’s Day. It is celebrated on the second Sunday in May in the United States and most countries. You can honor any maternal figure in your life on Mother’s Day.

The history of Mother’s Day goes back more than a century. The first official Mother’s Day celebration was a service at a church in Grafton, West Virginia, honoring Ann Jarvis. That was on May 10, 1908; six years later, President Woodrow Wilson declared it a national holiday. Ann was an activist for women in the late 19th century, and her daughter Anna Jarvis continued her work. Anna advocated for a day to honor the mother in everyone’s lives. Ann and Anna’s legacy lives on to this day.

Modern-day Mother’s Day looks different than it was in the early 1900s. Today, people treat their mother to brunch, buy them flowers or other gifts, and show their love to her. They also celebrate the other mothers in their lives. A book is a common gift for mothers on their special day. This article will look at what to consider when buying a book for the mothers in your life.

The Genre of the Book

A basic factor to consider when buying a book for your mother (or anyone else) is the genre. Your search should begin by focusing on genres you know she likes, if you know them. This is a natural direction to guide your search to something like her old favorites. New releases are especially good gifts because there is a better chance your recipient does not have it yet.

Most retailers have some sort of bestseller section, which shows the most popular books. Some even break these up by genre. You can search online or in person at a bookstore. There are even specialty bookstores that can make your search even more refined. There are pros and cons to shopping for books in person or online. Do whichever you are more comfortable with, but it can help to physically examine potential books. Something surprising can draw you in if you are in person. No matter where you shop for this book, there will be endless options.

Shopping for Specific Authors

If you know your intended recipient’s favorite authors, you can start your search there. You can look for their older books, new releases, or even books about the author. People are often drawn to familiarity, and when they like someone’s writing, they will want to read their writing again.

Keep up with your mother’s favorite authors. When they release a new book, you can be ready to get it as a gift. Your mother might also be tracking this author to buy new books, so include a gift receipt for easy returns.

Expanding Your Mother’s Horizons

It is not always necessary to buy books for your mother that are safe choices. You can branch out into new, unexpected areas. For example, instead of focusing on one specific genre, think of subgenres or other genres that are compatible. There is no need to stay inside the parameters of one genre. Similarly, maybe there are authors with a similar writing style or overlap of fan base as her favorite. She can discover a new favorite genre or author this way.

Always keep in mind the content of the book you are buying. You might want to consider what material is in the book you are buying your mother. For example, a steamy romance novel might not be a good choice based on your relationship.

Another great opportunity for buying a book is if there are any upcoming life events in your mother’s life. You can buy her a travel book about an upcoming vacation destination or a cookbook from that region. 

You can also expand how your mother reads books. If she usually reads print books, you can get her started on eBooks or audiobooks. These are more accessible ways to read books in today’s digital age, and you can share that with your mother. Check out Cloverly Audiobook’s catalog of new releases for some fresh ideas.

Putting Care into Your Gift

As long as you put care into your gift, your mother’s Mother’s Day will be successful. The actual gift is less important than the time you spend with your mother. Building your connection is the most important, and literature is just one way to foster that relationship. You have known her your whole life, so show her how important she is.

A Guide to Making a Strong Setting for Your Book

Imagine your favorite book; it can be any genre. Now, picture the locations and time period the story takes place in. That is the setting of the book. Often, these settings become classic books’ lasting legacies that stay in the cultural consciousness for decades to come.

Every book’s setting has two components: the where and the when. These are the physical space of the story and the time the story takes place in. Put together, this forms a full picture of the story being told. The characters of your story interact with their setting in ways that define their arcs.

As an author, you should have a full understanding of your book’s setting, both where and when. This can be planned and established from the very beginning of your writing process. When you have an understanding of setting, you can write a story that fits within the world you are imagining. This article will detail some considerations to take into account when building your book’s setting.

Where Your Story Takes Place

The location of your story is the physical embodiment of the setting. This is where the action of your story will be and where your characters will interact. When a reader is visualizing the story while reading, they will likely imagine a picture of the setting. Your job, as an author, is to describe the physical setting of your book so your readers can picture it. This goes for whether they are reading the text on the page or listening to an audiobook.

You should have a clear sense of your physical settings early in the writing process. This is especially important for stories that feature one or a few prominent settings. For example, if your book takes place largely in a home, your writing should describe it. When you have direction on your story’s settings, you can properly draw it out for the audience. You can even draw a map for your personal use to make sure your writing is consistent.

Your book’s setting should be well thought out, preferably beginning at the outlining phase of writing. When you include location details in your outline, that helps guide your writing process. It also allows you to direct your entire process to fit the locations. You can always change details during the drafting and editing processes; just make your work intentional.

When Your Story Takes Place

The time of your story is the temporal setting; this is when your story takes place. Every story takes place at a given point in time, it is just not always stated. There is often an assumption that fiction takes place at an unspecified point in the modern day. That is a safe assumption you can use, unless your story explicitly does not take place now. If you are writing a period piece, make that clear to the audience. They will be confused if they think a story is modern but actually takes place in the past or future. All character actions and thoughts should fit their time period, unless you are intentionally subverting expectations.

However, non-fiction (specifically biographies) is assumed to be in the past to tell a specific person or event’s story. As an author, you should make any important dates or time periods known. This allows the reader to have the full context of the book.

The outlining process is a great place to plan the temporal setting of your book. If necessary, you can put years or specific dates directly on the outline to keep it organized. You can also create a storyboard to keep track of time periods. The more you plan the setting of your book, the stronger it will be.

Writing About History

You may write a book about prominent historical events or people. In these cases, the setting of the book is often pre-determined. You typically have to be bound by the parameters of the real-life event. To do this accurately, you should research any necessary details about important locations or times. Some readers may not be fully well-versed in the historical era, but some will be. It is always best to be as accurate and respectful of history as possible.

Writing About Your Own Life

Many authors write autobiographies, memoirs, devotionals, or other deeply personal stories. With these stories, you know the time and places better than anybody — you are the expert. Share everything the reader needs to know with them. You want everyone who reads your book to have a full understanding of your life’s important real-life events. A reader should not finish your book with lingering questions that hamper their experience.

Everything about your book’s setting applies to both print/digital books and audiobooks. Your audience uses their imagination when reading to fully picture the story you are all telling. If you are planning on releasing an audiobook, make sure your text makes sense when spoken aloud. Your book should be crafted with all potential audiences in mind.

Reviewing the Formats in Which Your Book Could be Published

After spending months writing and perfecting your book, it is time for your book to be published. However, how will your book look on the shelf? All books have nearly the same information on the outside of a book: cover art, title, author, blurb, quotes, etc. However, the binding is what differentiates the print formats, while some have no physical binding at all.

There are a few common formats for books in the modern-day publishing industry. These are paperback, hardcover, digital, and audiobook. Each format and binding have their purposes in the market. This article will outline how each of these formats is used in the publishing world.

Paperbacks

Paperbook books make up a majority of the book sales today. These books are the ones whose bindings are flexible. When you hold a paperback book, you can bend the cover. The cover is also typically only a little thicker than the inside pages. The soft cover makes these perfect for taking on the go.

Paperback books are the cheaper form of physical book to produce. This lower production cost means that the retail cost is lower. That makes paperback a more economical option for consumers.

In the subset of paperback books, there are trade and mass market paperbacks. They are often similar to most consumers, but they have technical distinctions.

Trade Paperbacks

Trade paperbacks are the most common type of paperback book. These are the standard paperbacks that look similar to their hardcover counterparts, just with soft binding. The cover art is often identical to hardcovers and are printed as a first or second edition. There is not one uniform size for trade paperbacks; they are typically between 5-6 inches by 8.5-9 inches.

Mass Market Paperbacks

Mass market paperbacks are often recognizable because they are smaller than trade paperbacks. They often measure around 4.25 inches by 6.87 inches, making them much more compact than trade. These are the most accessible books for readers looking to read outside the home; they fit in nearly any bag. They are also the cheapest to produce and therefore the cheapest to purchase.

Despite the accessibility, mass market paperbacks have some trade-offs compared to trade paperbacks. Primarily, the font of the text is tighter and smaller to fit on the more compact pages. Mass market paperbacks also are typically limited to certain “pulp” genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery, etc. As a result, the covers of these books are often more showy and not as refined as other books.

Hardcovers

Hardcover books have the same exact content as paperback books, but the binding is rigid and inflexible. These are more durable and have higher reuse value than paperbacks. Hardcovers are perfect for libraries. There are often dust jackets to go around the front and back covers to protect the book itself.

The major limitation of hardcover publishing is the higher cost. It is significantly more expensive to produce hardcover books, which then is passed on to the consumer. Some readers may prefer hardcover books, especially when they plan on rereading or displaying it. Not every book is best suited to being published in hardcover, but it greatly benefits more established authors. 

eBooks

The first non-print format your book can be published in is as a digital eBook. This is a digital file of your book that can be read on an eReader: Nook, Kindle, iPad, etc. The content of the eBook is exactly what is printed in paperbacks or hardcovers, just digitally. Consumers can purchase this eEbook directly from the online retailer of their choosing. Since there is no significant production cost, digital books result in the greatest profit per purchase for the author.

Consumers of eBooks are typically loyal to the format. There is the most flexibility because anyone can bring their entire library of books anywhere. Individual eReaders can also have accessibility features that make reading easier, such as different font sizes and colors.

Audiobooks

The final potential non-print format your book may be published in is as an audiobook. This is a fully recorded and produced narration of your book, from the first page to the last. The audiobook market is not new, but it has been gaining steam in the digital age. Anyone can listen to audiobooks wherever they go, whether driving, commuting to work, or on a plane. It lets them “read” with their eyes closed, which is easier and more convenient for some people.

Audiobooks often carry a significant production cost. That goes into hiring professional narrators and audio engineers to create the highest-quality product. Therefore, the retail cost of an audiobook can be higher than print. But, the people who like audiobooks are devoted to the format.

When you convert your book to an audiobook, Cloverly Audiobook will be there every step of the way. We help you select narrators, finalize the final recordings, and put it up for sale. You will have total input at every point, and you will be proud of the final product.