Knowledge Base
Find Answers to Your Self-Publishing Questions: Search Our Knowledge Base and Master the Terminology
Starting
Introduction To Childrens Book Publishing
Creating The Ideal Writing Environment For Childrens Book Authors
The Importance Of Crafting An Effective Book Summary
Brainstorming And Conceptualizing Ideas For Your Childrens Book
Planning
How To Plan And Choose The Right Genre For Your Book
How To Plan Your Story Using Flow
How To Develop Engaging Characters For Your Book
How To Plan The Plot And Key Conflict Of Your Story
Ideal Word Count For Illustrated Books Based On Age And Book Type
How To Define The Time Setting For Your Story
How To Write An Impressive Author Bio For Your Book
Should You Establish Your Own Publishing Company
How To Write A Captivating Book Blurb For Childrens Books
How To Plan The Ending Or Resolution Of Your Story
Setting Your Title And Author Name Before Applying For Copyright
How To Plan Where Your Story Begins
How To Conduct A Competitive Analysis For Your Book
How To Enter The Author Name For Your Book
How To Plan Distribution Options For Your Selfpublished Book
Understanding The Differences Between Fiction And Nonfiction
How To Plan Your Narrative Pointofview Pov
How To Plan The Plot Climax Or High Point Of Your Story
How To Plan The Theme Of Your Book
How To Choose The Right Book Type For Your Story
Typography And Text Design In Illustrated Books Best Practices
Understanding Book Types Formats And Sizes In Childrens Publishing
Structuring Your Childrens Book Plot Climax And Falling Action
Your Childrens Book Tone Theme And Point Of View
How To Define The Place And Setting For Your Story
Writing
Crafting A Compelling Plot In Childrens Books
How To Add Tags To Your Manuscript In Made Live
How To Plan Page Turns With Spread Breaks In Made Live
The Milestone Of Completing Your First Draft
Overcoming Writers Block In Childrens Book
How To Selfedit Dialogue In Your Book
How To Plan The Language And Tone For Your Book
Effective Techniques For Childrens Books
Registrations
How To Set Up And Modify Your Copyright Information In Made Live
How To Secure An Isbn For Your Book A Global Guide
How To Enter Your Isbn In The Section
How To Officially File For Copyright Protection As An Author
Designing
How To Check Your Storyboard And Design For Continuity
Revising Your Books Design And Layout For Optimal Flow
How To Add Back Matter To Your Illustrated Book
Choosing The Right Fonts For Your Book
How To Create A Title Page For Your Illustrated Book
How To Design The Back Cover Of Your Book
How To Set Up And Select Color Choices For Your Book In Made Live
How To Delete Extra Spreads To Avoid Blank Pages In Your Book
How To Add Your Barcode To The Back Cover
How To Check The Visual Appeal Of Your Book For The Target Audience
How To Modify Text Blocks In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Import Final Illustrations For Your Illustrated Book
How To Transfer Your Manuscript To The Storyboard
How To Create Effective Pacing In Your Illustrated Book
How To Use Visual Storytelling In Your Illustrated Book
Basics Of Book Illustration Style And Color In Childrens Books
Creating A Physical Book Dummy For Your Illustrated Book
How To Generate Or Import Placeholder Images In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Design A Book Cover For Your Book
How To Insert Copyright Information Into The Storyboard
Adding A Dedication Or Acknowledgements To Your Book
Prioritizing Accessibility In Childrens Book Design
Selfediting Your Book Layout Fitting The Story To The Format
How To Find And Hire A Professional Illustrator For Your Book
Choosing The Right Illustration Style For Your Childrens Book
Editing
How To Edit With A Final Read Aloud Before Sending To An Editor
How To Selfedit And Proofread For Grammar Punctuation And Spelling
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Illustrations
How To Selfedit For Filler Words
How To Review The Cover Design For Your Illustrated Book
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Clarity
How To Selfedit For Flow By Reading Your Manuscript Aloud
How To Selfedit For Punctuation In Dialogue
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Redundancy
Self Tips And Techniques For Aspiring Authors
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Vocabulary
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Consistency
How To Provide Clear Illustration Notes For Your Illustrator
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Story Structure
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Theme
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Pacing
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Your Audience
Steps To Finalizing Your Manuscript For Childrens Book Publication
How To Find And Hire A Professional Editor For Your Illustrated Book
How To Get Feedback On Your Manuscript
Publishing
Choosing The Perfect Title For Your Childrens Book
Preparing For International Distribution Language Translations And Multiple Formats
Going Global Preparing Your Childrens Book For International Distribution
Understanding Isbn Pcn And Pcip For Childrens Book
Navigating Legal Aspects Of Copyright And Infringement In Childrens Book
Navigating Contracts And Rights For Childrens Books
Navigating Self Vs Traditional In Childrens Books
Marketing
Building An Author Brand And Online Presence
Navigating Book Reviews And Publicity For Childrens Books
Connecting With Key Players Engaging With Schools Libraries And Bookstores
Mastering Book Launches And Promotional Events For Childrens Books
Maximizing Your Reach Utilizing Social Media And Online Platforms For Childrens Books
Mastering Effective Strategies For Childrens Books
Community
Joining Writing And Publishing Communities For Childrens Book Creators
Enhancing Skills With Workshops Webinars And Learning Opportunities In Childrens Book Publishing
Maximizing Your Publishing Success With Made Live Resources And Support
Building Connections Networking With Other Childrens Book Authors
Business
Navigating Literary Agents And Query Letters For Childrens Books
Advanced Marketing Techniques And Analytics For Childrens Picture Books
Leveraging Technology In Childrens Book Publishing
Staying Ahead Keeping Up With Industry Trends And Changes In Childrens Book Publishing
Embracing Diversity Exploring Diverse Themes And Representation In Childrens Books
Mastering The Query Process In Childrens Book Publishing
How to Define the Place and Setting for Your Story
How to Define the Place and Setting for Your Story
The setting of your story plays a crucial role in shaping the world your characters live in and how the plot unfolds. Defining the "place" isn’t just about describing the location—it’s about creating a space that feels alive and enhances the reader's experience. The place where your story takes place can be as fantastical or as familiar as you like, but the key is to make it vivid and specific. Here's how to build a rich, engaging setting for your book.
Why "Place" Matters in Your Story
The place where your story happens provides the backdrop for all the action, but it also does much more. A well-developed setting can:
- Set the Mood and Tone: The right setting can create a specific atmosphere, whether it’s a spooky haunted house, a bustling city, or a peaceful countryside. It sets the emotional tone and gives the reader a sense of the world they’re stepping into.
- Influence the Plot: The setting can play a role in shaping the events of the story. For example, a desert landscape might create challenges related to survival, while a futuristic city might influence the technology available to your characters.
- Reveal Character Traits: How characters interact with their environment can tell readers a lot about who they are. A character who feels at home in a forest may be resourceful and self-sufficient, while one who thrives in a big city may be fast-paced and adaptable.
Get Specific About Where Your Story Takes Place
When defining the place, don’t be afraid to get specific and detailed. The more unique and vivid your setting, the more immersive it will feel for readers. Consider these elements:
- Geography and Climate: Is your story set in a cold, snowy village or a tropical island? Does the geography present challenges (mountains to climb, rivers to cross) or opportunities (rich farmland, lush forests)? Climate can influence the mood and plot, such as characters struggling with heat or snowstorms.
- Time Period: The time in which your story is set will heavily influence the place. Whether it’s a medieval village, a modern-day city, or a distant future world, the time period determines the technology, architecture, and social structure that shape the story’s environment.
- Cultural and Social Setting: What’s the cultural or social backdrop of your story? Is it a world with strict traditions, or is it a place where anything goes? The cultural aspects of your setting can add depth and complexity, impacting how characters behave and what’s important in their society.
Make the Place Unique
Your setting is an opportunity to create a world that feels fresh and unique. Whether you’re writing a fantastical adventure or a slice-of-life story, adding original details can help your book stand out. To make the place more distinct, think about:
- Unusual Features: Consider adding elements that make the place stand out. This could be something as simple as a uniquely shaped mountain or an underwater city, or something more subtle, like a town where it rains every afternoon.
- Magical or Fantastical Elements: If you’re working in the fantasy or sci-fi genre, the place doesn’t have to follow real-world rules. Gravity might work differently, animals could talk, or cities could float in the sky. Use your imagination to create a setting that’s not just a backdrop but an integral part of the story’s world.
- Personal History: If the setting has historical significance in the story’s world, it can add richness to the place. Maybe the castle was the site of an ancient battle, or the town was founded by explorers from a distant land. These layers of history help the place feel lived-in and real.
How Does the Place Affect Your Characters?
The place your story takes place in should interact with the characters in meaningful ways. Think about how the setting influences the characters:
- How do your characters feel about the place? Do they feel at home, or are they out of their element? A character who feels trapped in a small town may react very differently than one who thrives in the open countryside.
- Does the place challenge your characters? Characters often have to adapt to their environment. Maybe they have to navigate a dense jungle, survive in a harsh climate, or find their way through an unfamiliar city.
- Is the place part of your character’s identity? Sometimes the setting is more than just a backdrop—it’s part of who the characters are. A character who grew up by the sea might have a deep connection to the ocean, while one from a large, bustling city might thrive on the fast-paced energy of urban life.
Bring the Place to Life with Details
The most effective settings are the ones that feel real. To achieve this, focus on sensory details that help readers picture the place:
- What does it look like? Describe the colors, shapes, and textures. Is the sky filled with towering skyscrapers or rolling hills? Are the streets wide and clean or narrow and winding?
- What does it smell like? Is the air salty from the ocean, smoky from a nearby factory, or fresh with the scent of pine trees?
- What sounds fill the space? Can your characters hear birds chirping, waves crashing, or the hum of traffic?
- How does it feel to be there? Think about the tactile details. Is the ground soft underfoot, or is it rocky and uneven? Is the air humid and thick, or crisp and cool?
These sensory details help transport readers into the world you've created, making the place feel like a real, living environment.