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 Plan the Theme of Your Book
How to Plan the Theme of Your Book
Overview: The theme of your book is the underlying message or big idea that you want to convey to readers. It’s the central truth or lesson that ties the story together and gives it depth. Themes can be as simple as friendship or courage, or more complex, like overcoming fear or dealing with change. Many stories have more than one theme, and in Made Live, you can select a common theme from the options provided or add your own unique theme. In this article, we’ll explore how to choose and plan the theme of your book to create a story that resonates with readers.
Why the Theme Matters
The theme is what gives your story meaning and connects it to the reader’s emotions and experiences. A well-defined theme can make your story more impactful and memorable, as it gives readers something to think about or learn from. By planning the theme early on, you can ensure that your story’s message is clear and consistent throughout the plot and characters’ actions.
Key Considerations When Planning the Book’s Theme
1. What is the Main Theme of Your Story?
The main theme is the central message or idea that you want readers to take away from your story. It should be something that ties all the events and characters together. Think about the message you want to convey and how the plot and characters support this theme.
- Identify the main theme that represents the story’s message or lesson.
- Ensure that the theme is clear and central to the plot and character development.
Questions to Ask:
- What is the main theme or message of my story?
- Does the theme connect to the plot and characters’ journeys?
2. Are There Additional Themes?
Many stories have more than one theme. For example, a story about friendship might also explore themes of acceptance and trust. Consider whether there are any secondary themes that add depth to your story and support the main theme.
- Identify any additional themes that are present in the story.
- Ensure the secondary themes support the main theme, adding complexity without overshadowing it.
Questions to Ask:
- Are there any secondary themes in my story?
- How do these themes support or enhance the main theme?
3. How Do the Characters and Plot Reflect the Theme?
The theme should be reflected in the characters’ actions, decisions, and growth throughout the story. Think about how the characters’ journeys tie back to the theme and how the plot events reinforce the message or lesson.
- Show how the theme is reflected in the characters’ actions, dialogue, and decisions.
- Use plot events to reinforce the theme, showing how the characters confront or embrace the central message.
Questions to Ask:
- How do the characters’ actions and decisions reflect the theme?
- Does the plot reinforce the message or lesson of the story?
4. Can Readers Relate to the Theme?
Themes are more effective when readers can relate to them on a personal level. Consider whether the theme is something that resonates with your target audience, and how it connects to their experiences and emotions.
- Choose a theme that resonates with your target audience and connects to their emotions or experiences.
- Ensure the theme is accessible and understandable for the age group of your readers.
Questions to Ask:
- Does the theme resonate with my target audience?
- Is the theme accessible and relatable for the readers?
How to Plan the Theme of Your Book
Step 1: Identify the Main Theme
Start by identifying the main theme or message of your story. Think about what you want readers to take away from the story, and how the theme ties the plot and characters together.
Step 2: Consider Secondary Themes
If your story has more than one theme, identify the secondary themes that support or enhance the main theme. Make sure these additional themes don’t distract from the central message.
Step 3: Reflect the Theme in Characters and Plot
Ensure that the theme is reflected in the characters’ actions, decisions, and growth. Use the plot events to reinforce the theme and show how the characters confront or embrace the central message.
Step 4: Choose a Theme in Made Live
In Made Live, you can choose from common themes provided or add your own unique theme. Use this feature to define your story’s message and keep it central as you plan and write your manuscript.
Final Notes:
Planning the theme of your book is an important step in creating a cohesive and meaningful story. By choosing a clear theme that ties the plot and characters together, and ensuring that it resonates with your readers, you’ll create a story that feels impactful and memorable. Use Made Live to select or define your book’s theme, and let it guide your writing process.