When it comes to books, most people think about paper and ink – but that is just the surface of the subject. There are so many different types of books, and each one has its advantages and disadvantages. One thing is for sure: If you want to sell lots of books you should not underestimate the importance of the cover. In this blog post, you will discover everything you need to know about writing and publishing books, including:
The Differences In Genre, Format, And Editing Risks
If you are just beginning to explore the publishing world, it can be a little overwhelming to learn the ins and outs of every type of book. The good news is you needn’t be an expert in all things literature to become a successful author. One of the first things you need to learn is how to write a good book. Although there are many similarities between book writing and e-book writing, there are some key differences that you need to know about. Let’s take a closer look.
Genre
As mentioned above, there are many different types of books. The most popular ones include: fiction, non-fiction, and science-fiction. If you are just beginning, stick with what you know best and write a book in the genre that you are most familiar with. Let’s look at each one briefly:
- Fiction is usually defined as stories that are not true. The reader usually has to make do with what the imagination provides. While this type of book can be quite entertaining, it can also be quite frustrating if you don’t manage the creative aspects properly. Because there is no real limit to what readers can imagine, it is often quite difficult to write a compelling fiction story. In most cases, the author needs to have a fairly good imagination, coupled with an incredible knack for storytelling. Fiction also includes plays, poetry, and comic books. If you decide to go this route, be sure to add an innovative spin to your work so that it will stand out. There is also no rule that says you need to publish in a particular genre to be able to write fiction. However, sticking too closely to what is considered “common” will certainly make it harder for you to be accepted by publishers and readers alike. In most cases, publishers prefer unpublished writers to send their manuscripts to, as it takes a lot of courage to put your work out there for the world to judge.
- Non-fiction covers a wide variety of topics – from history to science – and it is usually formatted in a consistent and uniform way. This makes it a bit easier to grasp the topic at hand, but also makes it less creative. When writing non-fiction, you need to take into consideration that the end goal is to educate your audience about a particular topic. For this reason, you should avoid using too many facts and figures as you would in a fiction piece. Instead, pack as much information as possible into your narrative. When deciding on the format of your non-fiction book, keep in mind that it needs to be reader-friendly. In most cases, authors will choose to go with a simpler and more straightforward layout so that the information is not lost on the audience. In order to make the process easier, many non-fiction book writers will choose to write in third person, using the omniscient point of view. As the name suggests, this type of narrative viewpoint allows the author to provide a complete overview of all the characters and events. In addition, the author can choose to address the readers directly (first person) or use a limited third-person perspective.
- Science-fiction deals with the relationship humans have with technology and the dangers that come with it. For this reason, authors will often use real-life events as a backdrop for their stories. Some of the most popular sub-genres of science fiction are: cyberpunk, steampunk, and space opera. If you decide to write a science-fiction book, be sure to add a futuristic twist to your work so that it will be accepted by readers. The biggest difference between traditional science fiction and the modern-day variety is that today’s science fiction is somewhat realistic in its depiction of advanced technology. In most cases, the science-fiction author will choose to tackle contemporary themes and issues. Be sure to check out the science-fiction section of a bookstore or library in order to get an idea of what is currently being published. This way, you can choose the right theme for your work, and make sure that it stays unique and interesting. If you can pull it off, it will be a best-seller in no time!
Format
Now, let’s discuss the format of a book. As mentioned above, there are many different types of books, and each one has its specific format. The most popular ones include:
- Hardcover: This is the most common type of book. Usually, they are printed on heavy paper stock and bound in cardboard. As the name suggests, a hardcover book is quite hard to break. This makes it ideal for shipping and storing. However, if you want to read the book then you will need to acquire a copy. This is also the type of book that publishers and bookstores prefer, as it is easy to shelve and find desired volumes quickly. The disadvantage is that this format takes up a lot of space. If you decide to go with a hardcover book, make sure to get a fat one for storage. This way, you will not have any issues keeping all your books organized and accessible. If space is an issue, then opt for digital publication instead.
- Trade paperback: This type of book is usually thinner than a hardcover. However, it is still made of paper stock and bound in cardboard. Trade paperbacks are ideal for travelers and people on the move. In most cases, authors will choose this format so that they can divide their work into smaller, more manageable chunks. This makes it easier for the reader to consume the content in a more convenient manner. The disadvantage is that this format is less durable than a hardcover. Because of this, it is more vulnerable to damages from water and excessive rough handling. This is especially the case for young readers and children. If this happens then it will likely result in the loss of some of the content. In most cases, this can be difficult to recover from.
- Mass-market paperback: This is the middle ground between a hardcover and a trade paperback. Basically, the mass-market paperback is designed for people on the go. Like its title suggests, this type of book is meant to be inexpensive and disposable. This is usually achieved by using lighter paper stock and thinner boards. Because of this, a mass-market paperback can be quite flimsy and easily damaged. However, for the intended audience, this does not pose a problem. People who choose this route usually do so because they want to save money and get the content quickly. If you decide to go for this format, make sure to get a copy that has a plastic cover. This will make it easier for your books to stay protected from water damage and other external sources of harm. This is especially the case for book bloggers and reviewers who become immersed in their “craft.” In most cases, a good mass-market paperback can be read and re-read with enjoyment. These books are also great for showing off your creative side, as they are quite easily customizable with pens, markers, and other types of stickers.
- E-book: This type of book does not need to be printed. Instead, it can be accessed and read in a variety of ways. You will find all the necessary equipment to format your e-book at home – including a computer and an e-reader device. The most popular e-books are: Kindle, Nook, and Apple Books. E-books do not need to adhere to any particular format – meaning they can be any length, have any number of pages, and can be used for any purpose. One of the main advantages of e-books is that they can be downloaded and read at anytime and anywhere. This makes them quite portable. In most cases, this type of book will be protected by a digital rights management (DRM) system so that it can only be read by the authorized user.
- Audiobook: This is a recording of a book. Typically, an audiobook is composed of either: a narrated performance by a single individual or a group; or complete solos, duets, and trios performed by well-known professionals. Although this is an innovative and interesting way to experience a book, it has its downsides. The biggest one is that an audiobook is quite a bit of information to process. In most cases, the listener will need to pull out his or her phone or mp3 player to listen. This is not an easy feat when driving or walking somewhere. If you choose to go with this type of book then make sure to get an audiobook that is compact and easy to carry around. In most cases, this will mean sacrificing some of the quality so that it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.