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.

The Benefits of Publishing with Other People

Writing does not have to be a solitary activity. While many people may gravitate towards writing and publishing alone, there is a whole world of writing with others. Typically, these works come as either anthologies or collaborations, and each has a unique place in the literary world.  Anthologies and Collaborations are similar concepts, but they are often independent of one another.

An anthology is a book that contains multiple pieces of relatively short writings. Instead of telling one larger story, anthologies share several unique pieces, often unrelated. Common anthology pieces include poetry, essays, short stories, and one-act plays. Most anthologies have multiple authors. These writers contribute to their sections but do not work on others. An anthology can be all new material, or it can be compilations of previously published work in one collection.

A collaboration is when multiple authors work together on a book to tell one story. Instead of crediting sections to different authors, the writers of a collaboration are on equal ground. Unless otherwise specified, collaborators are credited together. Instead of writing separate pieces, a collaboration is one larger cohesive book.

Writing an anthology or a collaboration both involve working with others. The extent and details vary by genre but can be helpful for both new and seasoned writers. This article will discuss the benefits of writing with others to publish an anthology or collaboration.

Building a Bond with Loved Ones

One immediate benefit of publishing an anthology or collaboration is that you can work with people you know. You can write with family, friends, co-workers, peers, or anyone else in your life. Writing about your shared lived experiences with family or friends can be an especially intimate process. Just make sure you are on the same page as and trust anyone you collaborate with.

Working together in this context is likely going to be new for you and your co-authors. This can be a time to build your bonds and grow closer. You can also write with people you do not know and make new connections. This shows that writing can be used for interpersonal connections and as an individual creative outlet.

Publishing a Longer Book

Writing a book is more than just having an idea; you actually have to get the words on the page. Someone can have the greatest idea in the world, but they might not have the capacity to write it. That is where co-authors can come in handy.

In a collaboration, they can help you effectively get the ideas out. Alone, you might be able to write a short story, but together you might be able to write more. In an anthology, you can write your shorter section and flesh out the book with others’ stories. For example, you can publish a short story on its own, but you can also publish several stories together.

Expanding Your Readership

When you publish with others, you gain instant access to their audience base. No two writers have the same exact readership, so combining two or more boosts potential. If you publish a short story alone, it might be easy for it to get lost in the shuffle. However, if you publish with someone else, you can create a more appealing book for a wider audience.

This is an especially powerful benefit for first-time writers working with published authors. It gives some credibility to the newcomer, while allowing the professional to get more work out there. People do not only publish books to gain huge followings, but it does not hurt to do so.

Building Points of View

Publishing can allow for multiple perspectives to enter the text. Instead of having a single author’s point of view, anthologies or collaborations can feature multiple. In anthologies, that can mean the individual parts are distinct and unique. Anthologies should avoid being overly repetitive. For collaborations, a co-writer can help you shape the text and see issues you may not.

This allows the book to keep the reader’s attention and not blend together. Specifically, for audiobooks, this is crucial. An audiobook of a short story published alone will be relatively short. But, if it is part of an anthology, there will be different elements to listen to. 

Publishing Together

When you publish with others, there are many technical benefits. Financially, you can share any of the expected publishing costs. That gives you more bang for your buck when publishing longer works rather than shorter ones.

During the publishing process, your co-author will also be able to provide input. There are many steps of the process that require author approval, and you do not have to do it alone. When you publish with Cloverly, we will work to craft individual cover art, in-book illustrations, and press releases. We also provide full-service editing services. Nothing can be finalized without your approval, and two sets of eyes ensures the highest book possible.

How Social Media Became the Most Important Marketing Tool in Publishing

Just about everyone uses social media, according to the Pew Research Center. It is inescapable in today’s digital world. The billions of social media users around the world are potential readers or listeners for your new book or audiobook. Therefore, you need to fully understand the nuances of social media to maximize your book’s marketing.

Social media has been gaining in prominence since they were introduced more than 20 years ago. As such, there are billions of users ready to be introduced to your book. However, they cannot learn about your book if you do not successfully market it. This is an important extension of the publishing process.

This article will review today’s most popular social media platforms and how to use them to market your book. Even long-time social media users can advance their skills to more efficiently get their book in front of more readers.

Today’s Social Media Platforms

Pew Research Center conducted research on Americans’ social media habits. They found a significant amount of Americans use at least one social media platform daily. The eleven most popular platforms are YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, Reddit, Snapchat, X, and Threads, Bluesky, and Truth Social. The first eight here are used by at least 20% of all Americans, but all eleven are influential platforms.

Each platform has its unique purpose and style to engage its users. Some social media platforms are defunct (like Google+) or fell in popularity (like Myspace). Others have increased in popultarity over the last two decades, some more than others. Each platforms incorporates a unique blend of text, photo, and video content.

Social Media Based on Text

Text-based social media platforms are the clearest types of social media meant for people to share thoughts with others. Some of the oldest platforms use text at the core of their services. These include Facebook, WhatsApp, Reddit, X, Threads, Bluesky, and Truth Social, which all incorporate visuals too. Features of each have evolved over time to adapt to new technology.

The purpose of text-based platforms is to directly speak to those in one’s network. This can be done through posting status updates, captioning photos, commenting on other’s content, or sending private messages. This can be done as standalone feature or combined with visuals.

Social Media Based on Visuals

All social media platforms include some visual component, usually in combination with writing. Visuals on social media have become even more important in recent years. Content produced by artificial intelligence has increasingly saturated the market, making it harder to tell fact from fiction.

Instagram was something of a pioneer for image-based social media. It originally allowed people to post photos on their profile to share with their network. Users can also post videos, and it has evolved even more since then. Facebook was also an early pioneer in sharing photos in public photo albums.

Snapchat further revolutionalized the social media industry. Instead of posting pictures for everyone to see, Snapchat allowed users to send pictures directly to others. These pictures were only viewable for one or two views. They also created the concept of “stories” where people can share content with their network for just 24 hours. Nearly every platform since has included stories in their interface.

A recent social media pioneer is TikTok, a platform that shares videos with users. Users scroll through their feed to go through videos that appear on their algorithm-based “For You Page.” BookTok is a community on TikTok that focus on reading and sharing book recommendations with others.

Short video content has spread to other social media platforms in response to TikTok’s success. Notably, Facebook and Instragram have “Reels” that evoke TikTok.

Creating Personal and Professional Accounts

As Pew found, nearly everyone has at least one social media account. For most people, this is their private account to share updates with their friends and family. This is a great place to start marketing your book or audiobook. Your friends and family will want to support your literary efforts.

Beyond that, you can also create a separate account with a more professional leaning. On this account, you can mostly limit your content to marketing and promotional material. This will allow your writing to spread past your personal circle and grow an ever-expanding fan base.

What to Post on Social Media

How you decide to promote your book on social media is up to you. There is no one-size-fits-all type of content to post, just make sure it fits the book you are promoting. You always want to reach your intended audience.

Standard content to post include video teasers, any media appearances you make, art work, and retailer links. For audiobook, you can post snippets of the audiobook recording to give listeners a hint of what’s to come. Post whatever you think you target audience needs to become interested in your book.

Incorporating Foreshadowing and Plot Twists Into Your Writing

Every author wants to hook their audience from the first page to the last. How you accomplish that feat is up to personal preference; there is not one way to write a book. When starting the writing process, you will want to carefully consider which literary devices you employ. The genre of book and audience you are writing for can help guide your creative process.

Two devices and plot components you can include to increase engagement are foreshadowing and plot twists. These keep readers on the edge of their seats while reading your book. While not all books are suitable for thematic turns, many are. If you are able to successfully write foreshadowing and plot twists into your work, you can grow your following. Additionally, this could make for an engaging listening experience for audiobooks.

Foreshadowing and plot twists both add intrigue to books. They get readers attention and make them eager for what comes next. Without them, the conflict or tension in your book could come across as pointless. The parts of your book should build to a larger, satisfying whole.

While authors should never overly rely on shock value or twists in their writing, they can elevate the work. This article will discuss how and when to use foreshadowing and plot twists in your writing without overusing them.

What Are Foreshadowing and Plot Twists

Foreshadowing and plot twists serve similar purposes, but they are technically quite distinct. They can be used together or separate and can play off one another, but do not have to.

Foreshadowing is when something earlier in the text subtly hints at a later development. The hint should never be directly stated to lead to the payoff. Instead, it should be a breadcrumb for readers to connect later in the text. Authors can use foreshadowing at any point in their text to build a foundation for later on.

Plot twists, on the other hand, are unexpected reveals later in the text. These are often a surprise to the reader but should not be completely out of the blue. There should be a narrative building up to the reveal that sets the story apart. Plot twists can also act as the glue that binds other components of the book together.

The most memorable plot twists in literature are the ones that catch the reader off guard but add to the story. These twists can be the enduring effect your book leaves on the reader. However, make sure to use plot twists with care; never let your plot twist be a gimmick without artistic value. As with all parts of your book, any plot twists should serve the larger story being told. Further, likely never intentionally misdirect your audience then reveal that is the twist; that is just a lie.

Plot twists and foreshadowing can interact, but they are not always together. Foreshadowing earlier in a book can pay off as a plot twist later. But, foreshadowing can also simply tell what may happen later in the narrative without being a twist. There is always room for creativity in writing, so use these tools with care and attention.

Using Foreshadowing and Plot Twists in Fiction and Non-Fiction

Since foreshadowing and plot twists are literary devices, they are a natural fit for fiction. Authors can craft their story as they see fit, and fiction often has more creative freedom. However, non-fiction books can use literary devices as well, telling a variety of stories in well-written ways.

Mystery and crime novels are likely the primary fiction genres people think of when they hear “plot twist.” The twist can be the truth behind a crime or the reality of an investigation. Indeed, those are great fit for the device, but it is not limited to them. Any genre can have plot twists and foreshadowing. A romance can feature a deadly accident, a fantasy can end on a shocking reveal, etc. It is all about making sure the writing is strong and compelling.

In non-fiction, an author can choose to tell a real-life story any way they see fit. This can include foreshadowing details that are more important later. In a memoir, an author could use foreshadowing to introduce a character from their life who becomes more important later. Everyone’s lives have twists, so they can be the “plot” twists in a true story.

Putting It All Together

The difficulty of writing a book depends on each author’s ability. When using any literary devices, it is crucial to use it correctly and serve the story it is enforcing. Writing consistently well-written books will grow your audience.

However you decide to use foreshadowing and plot twists in your book, make your writing consistent and coherent. You do not want readers to leave your book with distracting and unnecessary unanswered questions. Make sure any foreshadowing you set up pays off at some point in your book. Similarly, do not include a plot twist just to include a twist. Make sure it is relevant to the plot.

You can plan how you will use foreshadowing and plot twists in your book starting from your first outline. In that outline, you can insert any elements of your story you want to plan ahead. That makes it helpful to inform your writing from the start. After your first draft is completed, you can further add elements during the revision process. Each new draft provides a fresh opportunity to strengthen your writing.

Why and How Copy Editors Adjust Their Work Between Genres

No published book that has ever been published has been a first draft. Instead, authors will often go through multiple rounds of edits throughout the publishing process. The author is not the only one to edit the books; seasoned editors review all professionally published books. Having a second (or third or fourth) set of eyes on your book will only make it better). Each round of edits can yield new insights into your manuscript.

There are usually two types of editors who professionally review books before publication. There are general editors who are more responsible for the big-picture ideas of the book. This can include suggesting structural, thematic, or other creative changes. These editors often work closely with the author.

The other type of editor is a copy editor. Copy editors are responsible for reviewing manuscripts for more technical errors. These are typically in the realm of proofreading. Significant typos and other errors can be distracting for readers and take away from their experience. When a copy editor does their job well, no one will see the traces of their work.

When releasing an audiobook, thorough copy editing is crucial. If the text of the book is laden with errors, the voice artist narrating the book will struggle. That can result in delays, subpar vocal work, or confusing audio for the listener.

Even within the copy editing field, there are nuances. Copy editing fiction and non-fiction books carry certain intricacies that must be considered. And further, within the realms of fiction and non-fiction, there are individual genres that require additional considerations.

Copy editors learn about the process of proofreading and editing the more they work. This article briefly discusses the slight variations in style between fiction and non-fiction editing.

The Book’s Tone and Themes

Each book is a unique creation from the author’s mind. A copy editor’s job is to assess the book in front of them and make the appropriate edits. Even though the copy editor does not necessarily change the thematic content of the work, it still matters. Understanding the tone of the piece allows a copy editor to focus their work to the intended audience. In the broadest sense, this can be broken down into fiction and non-fiction categories.

Non-Fiction

Non-fiction books tend to be fact-based, informative, and relatively serious. The information presented in non-fiction literature is designed to be accurate and with purpose. As such, copy editors must take care to ensure the book is being reviewed to maintain the work’s integrity. No suggested changes should be too severe or change the meaning, especially direct quotations. The copy editing here would mostly be limited to surface-level proofreading for clear prose.

However, there are subsets of non-fiction that are more flexible, such as devotionals, comedic memoirs, or cookbooks. The copy editor’s job is still the same: edit for clarity and grammatical errors.

Fiction

When reviewing fiction books, copy editors have a wider domain. While still bound to the parameters of the text, fiction copy editors can make more creative suggestions. This is not in the job title, but a copy editor can provide guidance on more structural concerns. A copy editor should never interfere with the intention of the writing.

There are countless fictional genres with unique tones and audiences. In assessing these works, copy editors should remain aware of the intended audience when editing. Accessibility and reliability are the two greatest concerns when editing a fictional text.

The Book’s Characters

Characters make up the backbone of many books, even non-fiction ones. Many may associate “characters’ with literary creations. However, non-fiction books have characters as well, often real-life people. A character is simply anyone in a book, and copy editors can approach fictional and non-fictional ones slightly differently.

With non-fiction characters, copy editors should respect the real-life person. When writing about real people, authors write with intention and purpose to portray that person accurately. In turn, copy editors must keep that portrayal the same. Even if a copy editor disagrees with how a character is written, it is outside their job to say so. Authors have discretion to write about people with true facts anyway they see fit.

Fictional characters are not bound to the same strict standards as real people. Copy editors should never significantly alter a character’s portrayal, but they can suggest some clarifying edits. This can include making dialogue smoother, easier to understand, or more detailed. The job of a copy editor is to offer suggestions; an author does not have to accept them. The author’s artistic vision always takes top priority.

The Overlap Between Fiction and Non-Fiction

A copy editor always has the same core job: edit and proofread manuscripts. This is true for all genres of books. Even poetry and other lyrical texts need a copy editor to ensure consistency. All genres of books are copy edited for grammar and style to conform with industry standards. Usually, this is using the Chicago Manual of Style.

When you publish with Cloverly Publishing, a team of professional copy editors—not artificial intelligence—will review your manuscript. You will want your book as polished as possible if you decide to release an audiobook as well. Cloverly Audiobook’s team of narrators will deliver the highest quality work when your book is professionally edited and error-free.

Understanding and Minimizing the Use of AI in Publishing

In today’s modern age, we are confronted with artificial intelligence (AI) seemingly everywhere. It has become nearly impossible to scroll on any social media without consuming “AI slop,” or low-quality AI content. AI goes back decades to early computer software, but recent developments have caused its rapid and immense expansion.

This sudden shift in technological dynamics can seem useful on its surface, but the truth is murkier than that. Creative circles have been particularly affected by the uptick in AI usage. In the publishing industry, for example, AI software is “writing” and “illustrating” entire books. This displaces human creativity and can cause a massive ripple effect across the industry.

This article will briefly discuss the potential pitfalls of AI use in the modern publishing and writing industries.

AI Comes in Different Forms

Not all AI is the same. There are two broad groups that most AI falls within: generative and non-generative. These categories have some overlap, but their functions, purposes, and outputs tend to be vastly different. Neither is perfect, and both should be carefully monitored and reviewed in the publishing industry.

Generative AI is that which produces concrete output based on a user’s prompt. This is commonly text, images, videos, or chat responses. Rudimentary generative AI was noticeably low quality, often to a comedic extent. In recent years, however, generative AI technology has advanced to startling levels.

There are larger implications of everyone having the ability to produce false content, including in writing. Primarily, using AI to write takes away much of the creative control from the “author.” Further, just because an AI software produces content, that content does not have to be accurate. AI is trained from human behavior, and this can be manipulated or altered.

Non-generative AI is more focused on processing pre-existing information, often to make it more digestible for the user. This type of AI can quickly take complex data and run analyses or tests. This is also not completely perfect, but many people use it to ease overbearing workload. However, this should never be left unchecked. This is the more traditional type of AI that traces its roots back decades.

There Is no Replacement for the Human Mind

Using generative AI takes creativity out of art. Entering a prompt into AI software is not the same as writing a book or painting a picture. Throughout history, the human mind has created impossibly beautiful art across all mediums; computers have not. Since AI models have to be trained on pre-existing material, there is no room to meaningfully expand its creative world. 

Computer programs can never replace human creativity, even when humans produce flawed work. Creativity goes deeper than just thinking of ideas. People’s creative muscles are flexed when they practice their craft; writers grow when they write. The story you are telling can also change throughout the writing process, but AI does not naturally evolve or adapt.

Even though AI is less detectable now than in the past, it is still often noticeable. Consumers who recognize AI generated content can be turned off from the entire brand. Without human creativity at its core, art is hollow. People should always be the driving force behind art.

Publishing Without AI

Publishers are responsible for mitigating the impact of AI in the publishing industry. When publishers let AI go unchecked, the entire industry suffers. It is a privilege to publish a book, and they should only be published when they are human made. Letting AI books freely into the market can overwhelm consumers with subpar content.

It is up to publisher discretion for what, if any, AI use is allowed in their process. While generative AI raises the most serious concerns, non-generative AI should also be monitored. People use this form of AI to ease an overbearing workload, but it should never be a shortcut.

In the audiobook world, generative AI should never be used for narration. The text of a book may be finished, but some may want to use AI to quickly create audio. This is an extremely slippery slope. While AI voices can sound mostly human-like, it is rarely perfect. Further, it takes jobs from the voice actors who traditionally narrate books. These actors add a human touch to the process to create a stronger product.

Here at Cloverly Audiobook, we never use AI in the process of creating your audiobook. We work with a team of narrators to select the right one for your book. Your audiobook will be the highest possible quality and worked on by real humans every step of the way. Your input is always the most important, and nothing is finalized without your final approval.

How to Use Criticism to Your Advantage in the Writing Process

All writers are artists with individual processes. No two writers could write the same book, just as no two painters can paint the same picture. Art always comes down to personal taste; no piece of art will be universally beloved. For books, in particular, there is a greater time commitment in reading over other art forms.

Writing a book takes time—from writing to editing to publishing and beyond. At the end of this long process, it is natural to want everybody to love your writing. That is not always the case. Even beloved classics have haters. No matter how perfect you think your book is, there will always be someone who it does not work for.

Never let criticism you receive deter you from your passion for writing. Instead, use negative feedback to its utmost potential and let it strengthen your writing now and in the future.

Feedback from Friends and Family

As with all areas of your life, feedback from your friends and family should be some of the most valued. They should be the people who will tell you the truth. When they read your writing, they will naturally have opinions, including negative ones. Do not let any negative feedback get to your head. Instead, use their comments to strengthen your writing or finesse the themes in your work.

Learn how to balance your artistic integrity and criticism. That is a part of growing as an artist. If you cannot trust the opinions of those closest to you, you will be stifled. You are never going to be forced to change your writing style or content, but consider others’ opinions. Often, negative feedback is not intended to discourage you. It is designed to be constructive to your creative process.

Like all parts of the writing process, learning how to accept criticism is a skill. You can train this skill to become an integral part of your process. Do not underestimate the value of critical feedback, especially from those closest to you.

Unlocking New Perspectives

Another aspect of criticism is that it unlocks new perspectives on your writing. You may think that you know everything about your work. However, creative works often contain multitudes that go deeper than what is on the page.

For fiction stories, the plot of your book is only the beginning. You almost certainly know the plot beats of your story. However, there may be thematic components that you have not initially intended. Feedback on your work can guide your future writing to naturally lean into these elements. For nonfiction stories, reader feedback can shape what is missing. Your intention may not be clearly conveyed, so it is valuable to hear from an outsider. Art does not exist in a vacuum. Hearing others’ opinions on your work unlocks your full potential.

Criticism to Improve Writing

The publishing process is a time-consuming endeavor. You start with writing, go through rounds of editing, and design your book before it’s out in the world. If you plan on recording an audiobook, the process is even more involved. When you get feedback of any kind, that helps this process along. Your opinion gets the final say at all times, but hearing from others is a boost. Your finished product will be stronger when you have more perspectives on it.

Even receiving feedback on your published work can help your writing. Even though you likely will not change your published book, you can take those lessons forward. Using your criticism to hone your writing for future works will make your catalog stronger. If you are a writer with recurring themes or ideas in your writing, this is especially helpful. It allows you to adjust between books to make your themes clearer for the audience.

Gaining Insight Into the Entire Process

Any published author knows that the path to getting their book to the market was not easy. It often requires rounds and rounds of edits that scrutinizes every part of a text. That is tough for some people to stomach. When you get feedback, it gives you a wider picture of the entire publishing industry. Instead of only focusing on your writing, you can see what connects with diverse audiences.

Negative feedback does not make you a bad or worthless writer. On the contrary, it means you have potential to grow and become even more resonant for your readers. When you start writing, it can be easy to get lost in the weeds. Understanding the entire process from first draft to marketing can guide your writing in any genre.