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 Time Setting for Your Story
How to Define the Time Setting for Your Story
The time in which your story takes place is a critical aspect of its setting. Whether your book unfolds in the past, present, future, or an ambiguous time, the time setting affects everything from your characters’ behavior to the plot's events. Defining the time setting clearly (or purposefully leaving it vague) can shape the tone, pacing, and overall feel of your book. Here’s how to think about time as part of your story’s world.
Past, Present, or Future?
The first step in defining your story’s time setting is deciding whether it takes place in the past, present, or future. Each choice brings its own set of rules and influences the story in different ways.
Past Setting
A story set in the past brings with it certain historical or cultural contexts that impact how characters think, speak, and act. If you choose a past setting:
- Historical Accuracy: Depending on how far back you go, it’s important to think about the details of life in that era—technology, clothing, social customs, and language all play a part.
- Sense of Nostalgia or Distance: A past setting can evoke nostalgia or a sense of distance from the present. It can also highlight how life and values were different in another time.
- Historical Events: Major events of the time, like wars or social movements, might influence the plot or character motivations.
Present Setting
A story set in the present is the most familiar to readers, which makes it easier for them to connect with the characters and the world. If you choose a present-day setting:
- Contemporary Relevance: The events, culture, and technology of today will play a role in how your characters live their lives.
- Relatable Issues: Present settings can make it easier to address topics that feel timely and relevant to your readers, such as social issues, family dynamics, or personal growth.
- Everyday Details: Think about the world as it exists now—smartphones, modern slang, social media—these are all elements that could appear in a story set in today’s time.
Future Setting
A future setting allows you to explore imagined worlds, technologies, and societies. If you choose to set your story in the future:
- Speculative or Sci-Fi Elements: The future gives you freedom to create advanced technologies, futuristic landscapes, and new social structures.
- Predictions or Fantasies: You can speculate about how current trends might evolve or explore completely fantastical future possibilities.
- Hope or Warning: A future setting can inspire hope or serve as a cautionary tale, depending on how you portray it.
Ambiguous or Unknown Time
Sometimes, a story’s time period is left deliberately vague or ambiguous. This can add a sense of timelessness, allowing the story to feel universal and relatable regardless of when it takes place. If you opt for an ambiguous time setting:
- Timeless Appeal: The story could feel like it exists outside of specific historical moments, giving it a broader or more allegorical resonance.
- Focus on Characters and Themes: With time less defined, readers may focus more on the characters and themes rather than historical or contemporary details.
- Flexibility: An ambiguous setting can allow your story to fit any context, appealing to a wide range of readers without feeling anchored to one period.
How Time Influences Characters and Plot
The time setting also influences your characters and plot. Consider:
- How do characters interact with their time period? A character in a medieval village would have very different concerns from one in a high-tech future city. Think about how time affects their daily lives, challenges, and goals.
- How does the plot unfold within this time? Time setting can affect pacing. A slow-paced pastoral story set in the past may have a different rhythm than a fast-paced, tech-driven future thriller.
Using Time to Enhance the Story’s Atmosphere
Time is not just about when the story happens, but also how the setting feels. A story set in the dead of winter, even in the present, might feel slow and somber. Meanwhile, a future story set during a time of rapid innovation might have a fast, energetic pace. Consider how the passage of time within your story contributes to its atmosphere:
- Seasonal Changes: Does the story unfold over a single day, a month, or a year? How do changing seasons affect the mood?
- Historical Shifts: Is the story set during a time of upheaval or calm? Consider how historical movements or changes in technology can heighten tension or bring new opportunities to your characters.