Ursula Le Guin has profoundly influenced what it means to be a fantasy writer. What stuck with me from her speech at the Children's Literature Breakfast BookExpo in 2004, while not directly related to fantasy world-building, defines its purpose. She believed that...
A writer's journey can often be isolating, especially without a writer's group for support. It's great to have people to share ideas with, get feedback, or discuss story elements and character development. Self-publishing authors often need more guidance than those...
Creative book cover design involves a tough balancing act. The design must communicate several things: what kind of book it is, its main themes, and what type of writer you are. At the same time, it also should grab potential readers' attention. You might be...
Is it important to maintain consistency in your book series design? Let's have a thought experiment. If someone bought one book from your series, how will they be able to recognize other books from that series in the bookstore? Of course, they can research your name...
Urban fantasy is a unique genre where magic meets the modern world. Urban fantasy book covers open the door to the magical universe within. Your book cover is the first thing a reader sees, and it can sway them to pick up the book or pass it by. Creating excellent...
Formatting your ebook is a key step in self-publishing. It's what turns your finished manuscript into a book that's easy and enjoyable to read on digital devices. After you've finished writing and editing your book, the next big task is making it look good on...
Pull quotes are one of the elements that can make a nonfiction book layout more visually interesting. They are sections of text pulled from a book and displayed in a larger or different style to stand out on the page. Like highlights, pull quotes draw attention to...
Growing up, my parents were ardent Stephen King fans, and our bookshelves were lined with his books. I remember being intrigued and intimidated by these dark, haunting covers as a child. The unsettling artwork seemed too scary, making me wonder why my parents didn't...
Regardless of the edition, The Hobbit book cover has always had a magical allure, drawing readers into the world of Middle-earth even before they turn the first page. The first time I read The Hobbit was long before I became a Tolkien fan. I don't remember...
When you hear someone talking about a 1984 book cover, you have quite a good idea about how it looks. You probably imagine a bold red background, clear, large letters, and images like eyes or cameras that make you think of being watched. These aren't just...
Have you ever wondered why some titles immediately grab your attention on the shelf while others don't? A lot of this has to do with the book cover. The cover of your book is not just a protective layer—it's a crucial marketing tool. It's the first thing a potential...
When designing your book cover, it's important to be aware of the current typography trends, among other things. Typography is one of the key elements of a great book cover, and the cover determines whether or not your book can attract readers in the first place....