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How to Write a Book Report (+ Book Report Example) 

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Write better book reports using the tips, examples, and outlines presented here. This resource covers three types of effective book reports: plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. It also features a specific book report example for students.

How to write a book report (+ book report example) 

Whether you're a student looking to show your comprehension of a novel, or simply a book lover wanting to share your thoughts, writing a book report can be a rewarding experience. This guide, filled with tips, tricks, and a book report example, will help you craft a report that effectively communicates your understanding and analysis of your chosen book.

Looking for a printable resource on book reports? See our Printable Book Report Outlines and Examples

What is a book report? 

Book reports can take on many different forms. Writing a book review helps you practice giving your opinion about different aspects of a book, such as an author's use of description or dialogue.

You can write book reports of any type, from fiction to non-fiction research papers, or essay writing; however, there are a few basic elements you need to include to convey why the book you read was interesting when writing a good book report.

Types of book reports 

Three types of effective book reports are plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. Each type focuses on different aspects of the book and requires a unique approach. These three types of book reports will help you demonstrate your understanding of the book in different ways.

Plot summary

When you are writing a plot summary for your book report you don't want to simply summarize the story. You need to explain what your opinion is of the story and why you feel the plot is so compelling, unrealistic, or sappy. It is the way you analyze the plot that will make this a good report. Make sure that you use plenty of examples from the book to support your opinions.

Try starting the report with a sentence similar to the following:

The plot of I Married a Sea Captain , by Monica Hubbard, is interesting because it gives the reader a realistic sense of what it was like to be the wife of a whaling captain and live on Nantucket during the 19th century.

Character analysis

If you choose to write a character analysis, you can explore the physical and personality traits of different characters and the way their actions affect the plot of the book.

• Explore the way a character dresses and what impression that leaves with the reader.
• What positive characteristics does the character possess?
• Does the character have a "fatal flaw" that gets him/her into trouble frequently?
• Try taking examples of dialogue and analyzing the way a character speaks. Discuss the words he/she chooses and the way his/her words affect other characters.
• Finally, tie all of your observations together by explaining the way the characters make the plot move forward.

In the novel Charlotte's Web , by E. B. White, Templeton the rat may seem like an unnecessary character but his constant quest for food moves the plot forward in many ways.

Theme analyses

Exploring the themes (or big ideas that run throughout the story) in a book can be a great way to write a book report because picking a theme that you care about can make the report easier to write. Try bringing some of your thoughts and feelings as a reader into the report as a way to show the power of a theme. Before you discuss your own thoughts, however, be sure to establish what the theme is and how it appears in the story.

• Explain  exactly  what theme you will be exploring in your book report.
• Use as many examples and quotations from the book as possible to prove that the theme is important to the story.
• Make sure that you talk about each example or quotation you've included. Make a direct connection between the theme and the example from the book.
• After you have established the theme and thoroughly examined the way it affects the book, include a few sentences about the impact the theme had upon you and why it made the book more or less enjoyable to read.

In the novel Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry , by Mildred Taylor, the theme of racial prejudice is a major catalyst in the story.

How to write a book report

1. Thoroughly read the book

Immerse yourself in the book, taking the time to read it in its entirety. As you read, jot down notes on important aspects such as key points, themes, and character developments.

2. Identify the main elements of the book

Scrutinize the book's primary components, including its main themes, characters, setting, and plot. These elements will form the basis of your report.

3. Formulate a thesis statement

Compose a thesis statement that encapsulates your personal perspective about the book. This should be a concise statement that will guide your analysis and give your report a clear focus.

4. Create a detailed outline

Plan the structure of your book report. This outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs each focusing on a different aspect of the book, and a conclusion.

5. Craft the introduction

The introduction should provide basic information such as the book's title and author, and present your thesis statement. It should engage the reader and make them interested in your analysis.

6. Write the body of the report

In the body of your report, discuss in detail the book's main elements that you identified in step 3. Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis and to prove your thesis statement.

7. Write a strong conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize your analysis, reaffirm your thesis, and provide a closing thought or reflection on the overall book.

8. Review and edit your report

After writing, take the time to revise your report for clarity and coherence. Check for and correct any grammar or spelling errors. Ensure that your report clearly communicates your understanding and analysis of the book.

9. Include citations

If you have used direct quotes or specific ideas from the book, make sure to include proper citations . This is crucial in academic writing and helps avoid plagiarism.

10. Proofread

Finally, proofread your work. Look for any missed errors and make sure that the report is the best it can be before submitting it.

Book report example 

Below is a book report example on the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

In  To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee presents a thoughtful exploration of racial prejudice, morality, and the loss of innocence. Set in the small, fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, the book centers around the Finch family - young Scout, her older brother Jem, and their widowed father, Atticus. Scout's character provides a fresh perspective as she narrates her experiences and observations of the unjust racial prejudice in her town. Her honesty and curiosity, coupled with her father's teachings, allow her to grow from innocence to a more profound understanding of her society's inequalities. The plot revolves around Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer, defending a black man, Tom Robinson, unjustly accused of raping a white woman. As the trial progresses, it becomes clear that Robinson is innocent, and the accusation was a product of racial prejudice. Despite compelling evidence in Robinson's favor, he is convicted, symbolizing the power of bias over truth. The theme of racial prejudice is a significant part of the book. Lee uses the trial and its unjust outcome to critique the racial prejudice prevalent in society. For example, despite Atticus's solid defense, the jury's racial bias leads them to find Robinson guilty. This instance highlights how deeply ingrained prejudice can subvert justice. The book also explores the theme of the loss of innocence. Scout and Jem's experiences with prejudice and injustice lead to their loss of innocence and a better understanding of the world's complexities. For example, Scout's realization of her town's unfair treatment of Robinson demonstrates her loss of innocence and her understanding of societal biases. Overall,  To Kill a Mockingbird  is a compelling exploration of the harsh realities of prejudice and the loss of innocence. Harper Lee's intricate characters and vivid storytelling have made this book a classic.

The above is an excellent book report example for several reasons. First, it provides a clear, concise summary of the plot without giving away the entire story. Second, it analyzes the main characters, their roles, and their impacts on the story. Third, it discusses the major themes of the book - racial prejudice and loss of innocence - and supports these themes with evidence from the text. Finally, it presents a personal perspective on the book's impact and overall message, demonstrating a deep understanding of the book's significance.

Book report checklist

Always  include the following elements in any book report:

• The type of book report you are writing
• The book's title
• The author of the book
• The time when the story takes place
• The location where the story takes place
• The names and a  brief  description of each of the characters you will be discussing
• Many quotations and examples from the book to support your opinions
• A thesis statement
• The point of view of the narrator
• Summary of the book
• The main points or themes discussed in the work of fiction or non-fiction
• The first paragraph (introductory paragraph), body paragraphs, and final paragraph
• The writing styles of the author
• A critical analysis of the fiction or non-fiction book

Don't forget! 

No matter what type of book report you decide to write, ensure it includes basic information about the main characters, and make sure that your writing is clear and expressive so that it’s easy for audiences in middle school, high school, college-level, or any grade level to understand. Also, include examples from the book to support your opinions. Afterward, conduct thorough proofreading to complete the writing process. Book reports may seem disconnected from your other schoolwork, but they help you learn to summarize, compare and contrast, make predictions and connections, and consider different perspectives & skills you'll need throughout your life.

Looking for more writing resources? You can find them in our creative writing center .

Featured Middle School Resources

Related Resources

How to Write a Book Report

Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this guide:

Book Report Fundamentals

Preparing to write, an overview of the book report format, how to write the main body of a book report, how to write a conclusion to a book report, reading comprehension and book reports, book report resources for teachers .

Book reports remain a key educational assessment tool from elementary school through college. Sitting down to close read and critique texts for their content and form is a lifelong skill, one that benefits all of us well beyond our school years. With the help of this guide, you’ll develop your reading comprehension and note-taking skills. You’ll also find resources to guide you through the process of writing a book report, step-by-step, from choosing a book and reading actively to revising your work. Resources for teachers are also included, from creative assignment ideas to sample rubrics.

Book reports follow general rules for composition, yet are distinct from other types of writing assignments. Central to book reports are plot summaries, analyses of characters and themes, and concluding opinions. This format differs from an argumentative essay or critical research paper, in which impartiality and objectivity is encouraged. Differences also exist between book reports and book reviews, who do not share the same intent and audience. Here, you’ll learn the basics of what a book report is and is not.

What Is a Book Report?

"Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )

This article, written by a professor emeritus of rhetoric and English, describes the defining characteristics of book reports and offers observations on how they are composed.

"Writing a Book Report" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue’s Online Writing Lab outlines the steps in writing a book report, from keeping track of major characters as you read to providing adequate summary material.

"How to Write a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )

This article provides another helpful guide to writing a book report, offering suggestions on taking notes and writing an outline before drafting. 

"How to Write a Successful Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )

Another post from ThoughtCo., this article highlights the ten steps for book report success. It was written by an academic advisor and college enrollment counselor.

What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and an Essay?

"Differences Between a Book Report & Essay Writing" ( Classroom)

In this article from the education resource Classroom,  you'll learn the differences and similarities between book reports and essay writing.

"Differences Between a Book Report and Essay Writing" (SeattlePi.com)

In this post from a Seattle newspaper's website, memoirist Christopher Cascio highlights how book report and essay writing differ.

"The Difference Between Essays and Reports" (Solent Online Learning)

This PDF from Southampton Solent University includes a chart demonstrating the differences between essays and reports. Though it is geared toward university students, it will help students of all levels understand the differing purposes of reports and analytical essays.

What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and a Book Review?

"How to Write a Book Review and a Book Report" (Concordia Univ.)

The library at Concordia University offers this helpful guide to writing book report and book reviews. It defines differences between the two, then presents components that both forms share.

"Book Reviews" (Univ. of North Carolina)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s writing guide shows the step-by-step process of writing book reviews, offering a contrast to the composition of book reports.

Active reading and thoughtful preparation before you begin your book report are necessary components of crafting a successful piece of writing. Here, you’ll find tips and resources to help you learn how to select the right book, decide which format is best for your report, and outline your main points.

Selecting and Finding a Book

"30 Best Books for Elementary Readers" (Education.com)

This article from Education.com lists 30 engaging books for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. It was written by Esme Raji Codell, a teacher, author, and children's literature specialist.

"How to Choose a Good Book for a Report (Middle School)" (WikiHow)

This WikiHow article offers suggestions for middle schoolers on how to choose the right book for a report, from getting started early on the search process to making sure you understand the assignment's requirements.

"Best Book-Report Books for Middle Schoolers" (Common Sense Media)

Common Sense Media has compiled this list of 25 of the best books for middle school book reports. For younger students, the article suggests you check out the site's "50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12."

"50 Books to Read in High School" (Lexington Public Library)

The Lexington, Kentucky Public Library has prepared this list to inspire high school students to choose the right book. It includes both classics and more modern favorites.

The Online Computer Library Center's catalogue helps you locate books in libraries near you, having itemized the collections of 72,000 libraries in 170 countries.

Formats of Book Reports

"Format for Writing a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )

Here, Your Dictionary supplies guidelines for the basic book report format. It describes what you'll want to include in the heading, and what information to include in the introductory paragraph. Be sure to check these guidelines against your teacher's requirements.

"The Good Old Book Report" (Scholastic)

Nancy Barile’s blog post for Scholastic lists the questions students from middle through high school should address in their book reports.

How to Write an Outline

"Writer’s Web: Creating Outlines" (Univ. of Richmond)

The University of Richmond’s Writing Center shows how you can make use of micro and macro outlines to organize your argument.

"Why and How to Create a Useful Outline" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue’s Online Writing Lab demonstrates how outlines can help you organize your report, then teaches you how to create outlines.

"Creating an Outline" (EasyBib)

EasyBib, a website that generates bibliographies, offers sample outlines and tips for creating your own. The article encourages you to think about transitions and grouping your notes.

"How to Write an Outline: 4 Ways to Organize Your Thoughts" (Grammarly)

This blog post from a professional writer explains the advantages of using an outline, and presents different ways to gather your thoughts before writing.

In this section, you’ll find resources that offer an overview of how to write a book report, including first steps in preparing the introduction. A good book report's introduction hooks the reader with strong opening sentences and provides a preview of where the report is going.

"Step-by-Step Outline for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This article from Classroom furnishes students with a guide to the stages of writing a book report, from writing the rough draft to revising.

"Your Roadmap to a Better Book Report" ( Time4Writing )

Time4Writing offers tips for outlining your book report, and describes all of the information that the introduction, body, and conclusion should include.

"How to Start a Book Report" ( ThoughtCo)

This ThoughtCo. post, another by academic advisor and college enrollment counselor Grace Fleming, demonstrates how to write a pithy introduction to your book report.

"How to Write an Introduction for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This brief but helpful post from Classroom  details what makes a good book report introduction, down to the level of individual sentences.

The body paragraphs of your book report accomplish several goals: they describe the plot, delve more deeply into the characters and themes that make the book unique, and include quotations and examples from the book. Below are some resources to help you succeed in summarizing and analyzing your chosen text.

Plot Summary and Description

"How Do You Write a Plot Summary?" ( Reference )

This short article presents the goals of writing a plot summary, and suggests a word limit. It emphasizes that you should stick to the main points and avoid including too many specific details, such as what a particular character wears.

"How to Write a Plot for a Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )

In this article from a resource website for writers, Patricia Harrelson outlines what information to include in a plot summary for a book report. 

"How to Write a Book Summary" (WikiHow)

Using Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as an example, this WikiHow article demonstrates how to write a plot summary one step at a time.

Analyzing Characters and Themes

"How to Write a Character Analysis Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )

Kristine Tucker shows how to write a book report focusing on character. You can take her suggestions as they are, or consider  incorporating them into the more traditional book report format.

"How to Write a Character Analysis" (YouTube)

The SixMinuteScholar Channel utilizes analysis of the film  Finding Nemo to show you how to delve deeply into character, prioritizing inference over judgment.

"How to Define Theme" ( The Editor's Blog )

Fiction editor Beth Hill contributes an extended definition of theme. She also provides examples of common themes, such as "life is fragile."

"How to Find the Theme of a Book or Short Story" ( ThoughtCo )

This blog post from ThoughtCo. clarifies the definition of theme in relation to symbolism, plot, and moral. It also offers examples of themes in literature, such as love, death, and good vs. evil.

Selecting and Integrating Quotations

"How to Choose and Use Quotations" (Santa Barbara City College)

This guide from a college writing center will help you choose which quotations to use in your book report, and how to blend quotations with your own words.

"Guidelines for Incorporating Quotes" (Ashford Univ.)

This PDF from Ashford University's Writing Center introduces the ICE method for incorporating quotations: introduce, cite, explain.

"Quote Integration" (YouTube)

This video from The Write Way YouTube channel illustrates how to integrate quotations into writing, and also explains how to cite those quotations.

"Using Literary Quotations" (Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison)

This guide from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Writing Center helps you emphasize your analysis of a quotation, and explains how to incorporate quotations into your text.

Conclusions to any type of paper are notoriously tricky to write. Here, you’ll learn some creative ways to tie up loose ends in your report and express your own opinion of the book you read. This open space for sharing opinions that are not grounded in critical research is an element that often distinguishes book reports from other types of writing.

"How to Write a Conclusion for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This brief article from the education resource  Classroom illustrates the essential points you should make in a book report conclusion.

"Conclusions" (Univ. of North Carolina)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Writing Center lays out strategies for writing effective conclusions. Though the article is geared toward analytical essay conclusions, the tips offered here will also help you write a strong book report.

"Ending the Essay: Conclusions" (Harvard College Writing Center)

Pat Bellanca’s article for Harvard University’s Writing Center presents ways to conclude essays, along with tips. Again, these are suggestions for concluding analytical essays that can also be used to tie up a book report's loose ends.

Reading closely and in an engaged manner is the strong foundation upon which all good book reports are built. The resources below will give you a picture of what active reading looks like, and offer strategies to assess and improve your reading comprehension. Further, you’ll learn how to take notes—or “annotate” your text—making it easier to find important information as you write.

How to Be an Active Reader

"Active Reading Strategies: Remember and Analyze What You Read" (Princeton Univ.)

Princeton University’s McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning recommends ten strategies for active reading, and includes sample diagrams.

"Active Reading" (Open Univ.)

The Open University offers these techniques for reading actively alongside video examples. The author emphasizes that you should read for comprehension—not simply to finish the book as quickly as possible.

"7 Active Reading Strategies for Students" ( ThoughtCo )

In this post, Grace Fleming outlines seven methods for active reading. Her suggestions include identifying unfamiliar words and finding the main idea. 

"5 Active Reading Strategies for Textbook Assignments" (YouTube)

Thomas Frank’s seven-minute video demonstrates how you can retain the most important information from long and dense reading material.

Assessing Your Reading Comprehension

"Macmillan Readers Level Test" (MacMillan)

Take this online, interactive test from a publishing company to find out your reading level. You'll be asked a number of questions related to grammar and vocabulary.

"Reading Comprehension Practice Test" (ACCUPLACER)

ACCUPLACER is a placement test from The College Board. This 20-question practice test will help you see what information you retain after reading short passages.

"Reading Comprehension" ( English Maven )

The English Maven site has aggregated exercises and tests at various reading levels so you can quiz your reading comprehension skills.

How to Improve Your Reading Comprehension

"5 Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension" ( ThoughtCo )

ThoughtCo. recommends five tips to increase your reading comprehension ability, including reading with tools such as highlighters, and developing new vocabulary.

"How to Improve Reading Comprehension: 8 Expert Tips" (PrepScholar)

This blog post from PrepScholar provides ideas for improving your reading comprehension, from expanding your vocabulary to discussing texts with friends.

CrashCourse video: "Reading Assignments" (YouTube)

This CrashCourse video equips you with tools to read more effectively. It will help you determine how much material you need to read, and what strategies you can use to absorb what you read.

"Improving Reading Comprehension" ( Education Corner )

From a pre-reading survey through post-reading review, Education Corner  walks you through steps to improve reading comprehension.

Methods of In-text Annotation

"The Writing Process: Annotating a Text" (Hunter College)

This article from Hunter College’s Rockowitz Writing Center outlines how to take notes on a text and provides samples of annotation.

"How To Annotate Text While Reading" (YouTube)

This video from the SchoolHabits YouTube channel presents eleven annotation techniques you can use for better reading comprehension.

"5 Ways To Annotate Your Books" ( Book Riot )

This article from the Book Riot  blog highlights five efficient annotation methods that will save you time and protect your books from becoming cluttered with unnecessary markings.

"How Do You Annotate Your Books?" ( Epic Reads )

This post from Epic Reads highlights how different annotation methods work for different people, and showcases classic methods from sticky notes to keeping a reading notebook.

Students at every grade level can benefit from writing book reports, which sharpen critical reading skills. Here, we've aggregated sources to help you plan book report assignments and develop rubrics for written and oral book reports. You’ll also find alternative book report assessment ideas that move beyond the traditional formats.

Teaching Elementary School Students How to Write Book Reports

"Book Reports" ( Unique Teaching Resources )

These reading templates courtesy of Unique Teaching Resources make great visual aids for elementary school students writing their first book reports.

"Elementary Level Book Report Template" ( Teach Beside Me )

This   printable book report template from a teacher-turned-homeschooler is simple, classic, and effective. It asks basic questions, such as "who are the main characters?" and "how did you feel about the main characters?"

"Book Reports" ( ABC Teach )

ABC Teach ’s resource directory includes printables for book reports on various subjects at different grade levels, such as a middle school biography book report form and a "retelling a story" elementary book report template.

"Reading Worksheets" ( Busy Teacher's Cafe )

This page from Busy Teachers’ Cafe contains book report templates alongside reading comprehension and other language arts worksheets.

Teaching Middle School and High School Students How to Write Book Reports

"How to Write a Book Report: Middle and High School Level" ( Fact Monster)

Fact Monster ’s Homework Center discusses each section of a book report, and explains how to evaluate and analyze books based on genre for students in middle and high school.

"Middle School Outline Template for Book Report" (Trinity Catholic School)

This PDF outline template breaks the book report down into manageable sections for seventh and eighth graders by asking for specific information in each paragraph.

"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( Classroom )

In this article for Classroom,  Elizabeth Thomas describes what content high schoolers should focus on when writing their book reports.

"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( The Pen & The Pad )

Kori Morgan outlines techniques for adapting the book report assignment to the high school level in this post for The Pen & The Pad .

"High School Book Lists and Report Guidelines" (Highland Hall Waldorf School)

These sample report formats, grading paradigms, and tips are collected by Highland Hall Waldorf School. Attached are book lists by high school grade level.

Sample Rubrics

"Book Review Rubric Editable" (Teachers Pay Teachers)

This free resource from Teachers Pay Teachers allows you to edit your book report rubric to the specifications of your assignment and the grade level you teach.

"Book Review Rubric" (Winton Woods)

This PDF rubric from a city school district includes directions to take the assignment long-term, with follow-up exercises through school quarters.

"Multimedia Book Report Rubric" ( Midlink Magazine )

Perfect for oral book reports, this PDF rubric from North Carolina State University's Midlink Magazine  will help you evaluate your students’ spoken presentations.

Creative Book Report Assignments

"25 Book Report Alternatives" (Scholastic)

This article from the Scholastic website lists creative alternatives to the standard book report for pre-kindergarteners through high schoolers.

"Fresh Ideas for Creative Book Reports" ( Education World )

Education World offers nearly 50 alternative book report ideas in this article, from a book report sandwich to a character trait diagram.

"A Dozen Ways to Make Amazingly Creative Book Reports" ( We Are Teachers )

This post from We Are Teachers puts the spotlight on integrating visual arts into literary study through multimedia book report ideas.

"More Ideas Than You’ll Ever Use for Book Reports" (Teachnet.com)

This list from Teachnet.com includes over 300 ideas for book report assignments, from "interviewing" a character to preparing a travel brochure to the location in which the book is set.

"Fifty Alternatives to the Book Report" (National Council of Teachers of English)

In this PDF resource from the NCTE's  English Journal,  Diana Mitchell offers assignment ideas ranging from character astrology signs to a character alphabet.

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A Beginner's Guide to Writing a Book Report (with Examples)

Last Updated: March 13, 2024 Fact Checked

• Researching
• Drafting the Report
• Reviewing & Revising

Sample Book Reports & Summaries

Expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,412,501 times.

A book report is a short essay that summarizes and analyzes a work of fiction or nonfiction. Writing a book report may not seem fun at first, but it gives you a great chance to fully understand a work and its author. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to write a book report, from choosing a book and outlining to drafting and editing your final paper.

Things You Should Know

• Read the entire book and take notes on important themes, characters, and events. Use your notes to create an outline with evidence that supports your analysis.
• Include the title and author in your intro, then summarize the plot, main characters, and setting of the book.
• Analyze the author’s writing style, as well as the main themes and arguments of the book. Include quotes and examples to support your statements.

Researching Your Book Report

• For example, find out if your teacher wants you to include citations, such as page numbers from the book, in your report.
• Ask your teacher how much of your paper to devote to summary versus analysis. Most book reports are direct summaries with objective analysis rather than your personal opinions. In contrast, a book review or commentary is more opinion-driven.

• Some popular books for book reports include To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Animal Farm by George Orwell, and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Choose a book at your grade level.

• Author: Who wrote the book? Do you know any other works by this author?
• Genre: Is the book fiction or nonfiction? If it’s fiction, is it historical, fantasy, horror, etc.? If it’s nonfiction, is it a biography, memoir, science, etc.?
• Audience: Who would find this book appealing? Is it intended for a specific age range or gender? Do you typically enjoy books like this?
• Title: Does the title catch your interest? Does it fit well with the book’s content?
• Book Cover/Illustrations: What does the book cover convey and does it accurately represent the book? How do you feel when you look at it? If the book has illustrations, what are they and do they hold your interest?

• Take breaks while reading to keep your attention sharp. Try to find a pace that is comfortable for you. If you get distracted after 15 minutes, read in 15-minute intervals. If you can go an hour, read for an hour at a time.
• Give yourself enough time to read the entire book. It’s very difficult to write a book report if you’ve just skimmed over everything. Don’t procrastinate!
• Don’t trust online book summaries. You can’t guarantee that they are accurate or true to the text.

• For example, look for a sentence that clearly describes a main setting in the book, such as “The castle was gloomy and made out of large black stones.”

Outlining Your Book Report

• Introduction: Introduce the title, author, and publication information. Include a brief overview of the book’s genre and main theme, and state your purpose for writing the report.
• Summary: Concisely summarize the plot or central idea, highlighting main events, characters, and conflicts. Focus on important aspects while avoiding spoilers.
• Analysis and Evaluation: Evaluate the author’s writing style and use of literary devices, like foreshadowing, metaphors, imagery, etc. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the book and use quotes and examples from the text.
• Themes and Messages: Identify the book’s main themes or messages and how they develop through the course of the book. Provide specific quotes and examples.
• Character Analysis: Analyze the main characters in the book, their development, and their relationships. Explain their motivations, personalities, and significance to the story. Provide examples and quotes to support your analysis.
• Personal Reflection: Depending on your teacher’s instructions, you might share your personal opinions and discuss what you liked and disliked about the book. Reflect on how the book relates to broader themes or issues.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points and conclude with your final thoughts or reflections on the book.
• Bibliography: If required, include a works cited page or bibliography listing all the sources you used to write your book report.
• Outlining takes time, but it saves you more time once you reach the editing stage.
• Some people prefer to outline with pen and paper, while others just type up a list on the computer. Choose the method that works best for you.

• Be careful not to overuse quotes. If it seems like every other line is a quote, try to dial back. Aim to include a maximum of one quotation per paragraph. Quotes and examples should still take a backseat to your summary.

• For example, you’ll likely need to focus primarily on discussing the most important characters or the characters that appear most frequently in the text.
• When you are finished with your outline, go back through it to see if it makes sense. If the paragraphs don’t flow into one another, move them around or add/delete new ones until they do.
• Also, check to see if your outline covers all of the major elements of the book, such as the plot, characters, and setting.

Writing Your Book Report

• For example, a sentence summary might state, “This book is about the main character’s journey to Africa and what she learns on her travels.”
• Don’t take up too much space with your introduction. In general, an introduction should be 3-6 sentences long, though in rare cases, they may be longer or shorter.

• Use vivid language when you can and include plenty of details. For example, you might write, “The farm was surrounded by rolling hills.”

• For instance, if the main character moves to Africa, you might describe what happens before the move, how the move goes, and how they settle in once they arrive.

• For example, you might write that the main character is “a middle-aged woman who enjoys the finer things in life, such as designer clothes.” Then, connect this description to the plot summary by describing how her views change after her travels, if they do.
• Expect to introduce the characters in the same sentences and paragraphs as the plot introduction.

• You might write, “The author argues that travel gives you a new perspective. That is why her main characters all seem happier and more grounded after visiting new places.”
• For fiction, determine if the author is using the story to pass along a certain moral or lesson. For example, a book about an underdog athlete could encourage readers to take chances to pursue their dreams.

• For example, an author who uses lots of slang terms is probably going for a hip, approachable style.

• Some teachers require, or strongly suggest, that you include the author’s name and the book title in your concluding paragraph.
• When writing a conclusion , don’t introduce any new thoughts. Any important points should be made in your body paragraphs. Save the space for your recap.

Reviewing and Revising Your Book Report

• Before you submit your paper, make sure that you’ve spelled the author’s name and any character names correctly.
• Don’t trust your computer’s spell check to catch all the errors for you. Spell check can be helpful, but it isn’t perfect and can make mistakes.

• If you’re nervous about asking, try saying something like “It would be great if you could go over my book report and make sure that it reads smoothly.”
• Remember, no one’s first draft is perfect, so don’t get upset if someone suggests you do something differently. They want to help make your report the best it can be, so don’t take constructive criticism personally.

• For example, double-check that you are using the correct font, font size, and margins.
• Once you've finished proofreading, revising, and checking that you've addressed all the requirements, you're ready to submit your book report!

• Even though your book report is your own work, avoid using “I” too much. It can make your writing feel choppy. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• It might be tempting to watch the movie or read the online notes instead of reading the book. Resist this urge! Your teacher will be able to tell the difference. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Calm down and walk around if you get too frustrated while writing. If you write a book report while angry, you're more likely to misspell things!
• Choose a unique book. Harry Potter or Percy Jackson is an absolute no. Everyone chooses those. Try something different!
• Write when anything comes to mind! You don't want to lose your ideas!

• Give yourself plenty of time to write your report. Don’t wait until the last minute or you may feel rushed. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Stealing or using another person’s work is considered plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Make sure that the work you submit is all your own. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.aresearchguide.com/write-book-report.html
• ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 July 2020.
• ↑ https://grammark.org/how-to-write-a-book-report/
• ↑ https://library.valleycollege.edu/elements_of_book_report.pdf
• ↑ https://takelessons.com/blog/steps-to-writing-a-book-report
• ↑ https://www.infoplease.com/homework-help/homework-center-writing-book-report
• ↑ https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/wlf/what-setting
• ↑ https://www.tcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/archive/writing-center-handouts/essay-types-plot-summary.pdf
• ↑ https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/six-steps-to-really-edit-your-paper/

About This Article

To write a book report, start by introducing the author and the name of the book and then briefly summarizing the story. Next, discuss the main themes and point out what you think the author is trying to suggest to the reader. Finally, write about the author’s style of writing, paying particular attention to word choice and the overall tone of the book. For tips on editing and polishing your paper before turning it in, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Book Report Writing

Book Report Writing Guide - Outline, Format, & Topics

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Guide to Crafting an Outstanding Book Report Outline

Creative and Excellent Book Report Ideas for Students

Writing a book report can be a challenging task for students at all levels of education. Many struggle to strike the right balance between providing a concise summary and offering insightful analysis.

The pressure to submit a well-structured report often leaves students feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about where to begin. Unlike a book review that is longer and more detailed, the purpose of writing a book report is to summarize what happened in the story. 

In this blog, we will learn the book report writing, providing you with step-by-step instructions and creative ideas. Whether you're a reader or just starting your literary journey, this guide will help you write book reports that shine. 

So, let's dive in!

• 1. What is a Book Report?
• 2. How to Write a Book Report Outline?
• 3. How to Write a Book Report?
• 4. Book Report Formatting
• 5. Book Report vs. Book Review - How Do they Differ from Each Other? 
• 6. Book Report Templates for Different Grades
• 7. How to Write a Book Report for High School?
• 8. How to Write a Book Report for College Level?
• 9. Book Report Examples
• 10. Book Report Ideas

What is a Book Report?

A book report is a written summary and analysis of a book's content, designed to provide readers with insights into the book's key elements. It's a valuable exercise for students, offering a chance to look deeper into a book's characters, and overall impact. Why are book reports important? They serve as a way to not only showcase your reading comprehension but also your critical thinking skills. They help you reflect on the book's strengths and weaknesses, and they can be a great tool to start a discussion.

How to Write a Book Report Outline?

Before you start writing a book report, it's crucial to create a well-organized outline. A book report outline serves as the roadmap for your report, ensuring that you cover all essential aspects. Here's how to create an effective book report outline:

How to Write a Book Report?

Writing an effective book report is not just about summarizing a story; it's a chance to showcase your analytical skills.

Let’s go through the process of creating a compelling book report that will impress your instructor.

How to Start a Book Report

To start a book report follow the steps below:

• Pick the Perfect Book  Selecting the right book for your report is the first crucial step. If you have the freedom to choose, opt for a book that aligns with your interests. Engaging with a book you're passionate about makes the entire process more enjoyable.
• Dive into the Pages Reading the book thoroughly is non-negotiable. While summaries and online resources can be helpful, they can't replace the depth of understanding gained from reading the actual text. Take notes as you read to capture key moments and insights.
• Document Key Insights Keeping a physical notebook for jotting down important points and insights is a tried-and-true method. This tangible record allows for quick reference when you're ready to write your report.
• Collect Powerful Quotes Quotes from the book can be the secret sauce that adds weight to your report. Choose quotes that align with your report's themes and ideas. These quotes will serve as evidence to support your analysis and perspective.
• Craft Your Report Outline An book report outline serves as your roadmap for creating a structured and coherent report. Ensure it includes all the vital elements, from basic book information to your in-depth analysis. An organized outline keeps your writing on track.

Writing Your Book Report

Now that you've completed the preliminary steps, it's time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Follow these guidelines for an exceptional book report:

• Introduction: Open with a captivating introduction that introduces the book, its author, and your main thesis. This initial "hook" draws readers in and sparks their interest.
• Plot Summary: Concisely summarize the book's plot, including key events, main characters, and the overall narrative. Offer enough information for understanding without revealing major spoilers.
• Analysis: The core of your report, where you dissect the book's themes, characters, writing style, and any symbolism. Back your insights with book quotes and examples, revealing the author's intentions and how they achieved them.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points, restate your thesis, and share your overall evaluation of the book. End with a thought-provoking statement or recommendation to leave readers engaged and curious.

Book Report Formatting

When it comes to formatting a book report, simplicity and clarity are key. Here's a straightforward guide on the essential formatting elements:

Book Report vs. Book Review - How Do they Differ from Each Other? 

The table below highlights how is a book report different from a book review :

What are the SImilarities between Book Report and Book Review?

Here are the things that are added in both a book report and a book review.

• Bibliographic details
• Background of the author
• The recommended audience for the book
• The main subject of the book or work
• Summary of the work and the only difference is that in the review, a critical analysis is also added

Due to the similarities, many students think that both of these are the same. It is wrong and could cost you your grade.

How to Write a Nonfiction Book Report? 

Writing a nonfiction book report may seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, you can craft an informative report. Here's a streamlined guide:

• Read Actively: Carefully read the chosen nonfiction book, highlighting key information. For instance, if you're reporting on a biography, mark significant life events and their impact.
• Introduction: Begin with the author's name, the book's publication year, and why the author wrote the book. Create an engaging opening sentence, such as "In 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,' Rebecca Skloot delves into the fascinating world of medical ethics."
• Focused Body: Structure the body into three paragraphs, each addressing crucial aspects. For instance, in a report on a science book, one paragraph could cover the book's key scientific discoveries.
• Concluding Thoughts: Share your personal opinion, if applicable. Would you recommend the book? Mention reasons, like "I highly recommend 'Sapiens' by Yuval Noah Harari for its thought-provoking insights into human history."

Writing a nonfiction book report requires adhering to facts but can still be enjoyable with a strategic approach.

How to Write a Book Report without Reading the Book?

Short on time to read the entire book? Here are quick steps to create a book report:

• Consult Summary Websites: Visit websites providing book summaries and analyses. For instance, SparkNotes or CliffsNotes offer concise overviews.
• Focus on Key Details: Select 2-3 crucial aspects of the book, like major themes or character development. Discuss these in-depth.
• Consider a Writing Service: Utilize professional writing services when time is tight. They can craft a well-structured report based on provided information.
• Offer a Unique Perspective: Differentiate your report by approaching it from a unique angle. For example, explore a theme or character relationship that hasn't been extensively covered by peers.

While challenging, writing a book report without reading the book is possible with these strategies.

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Book Report Templates for Different Grades

Students studying at different levels have different skills and ability levels. Here is how they can write book reports for their respective academic levels.

How to Write a Book Report for an Elementary School?

The following are some book report templates that you can use for your primary or elementary school.

How to Write a Book Report for Middle School

Here are the book report worksheets that you can use to write your middle school book report.

How to Write a Book Report for High School?

Writing a high school book report includes the following steps:

• Read the book thoroughly and with purpose.
• Make an outline before writing the report as a pre-writing step.
• Follow the guidelines and the given format to create the title page for your report.
• Add basic details in the introduction of your book report.
• Analyze the major and minor characters of the story and the role they play in the progress of the story.
• Analyze the major and significant plot, events, and themes. Describe the story and arguments and focus on important details.
• Conclude by adding a summary of the main elements, characters, symbols, and themes.

How to Write a Book Report for College Level?

Follow this college book report template to format and write your report effectively:

• Understand the Assignment: Familiarize yourself with the assignment and book details to ensure proper adherence.
• Read Thoroughly: Read the book attentively, noting essential details about the plot, characters, and themes.
• Introduction: Craft an informative introduction with bibliographic details. 
• Summary: Summarize key aspects like setting, events, atmosphere, narrative style, and the overall plot. 
• Plot: Cover the entire story, highlighting essential details, plot twists, and conflicts. 
• Conclusion: Summarize the story and assess its strengths and weaknesses. Unlike a review, a book report provides a straightforward summary.

Book Report Examples

Book Report of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Book Report of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

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Book Report Ideas

Basic ideas include presenting your narrative and analysis in simple written form, while more creative ideas include a fun element. Some notable books to choose from for your book report writing assignment are mentioned below:

• "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• "1984" by George Orwell
• "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling
• "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
• "The Diary of Anne Frank" by Anne Frank
• "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Need more ideas? Check out our book report ideas blog to get inspiration!

To Sum it Up! Crafting a good book report involves striking the right balance between introducing the book, summarizing its key themes, and avoiding spoilers. It's a delicate art, but with the right guidance you can grasp this skill effortlessly. 

Need expert assistance with writing your book report? MyPerfectWords.com is here to help you out!

If you're asking yourself, "Can someone write my essay for me ?"Our professional writers have the answer. We can write a custom book report according to your personalized requirements and instructions. Get a high-quality book report to help you earn the best grades on your assignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the parts of a book report.

A book report often contains different sections that describe the setting, main characters, and key themes of the story. A common type is an expository one which details what happened in detail or discusses how people feel about it.

Is a report a summary?

No, a summary is more detailed than a book report. A book report is usually based on a short summary of the book, while a standalone summary is more detailed and could have headings, subheadings, and supporting quotes.

How many paragraphs should be included in a book report?

The book report is a typical assignment in middle and high school, usually with one introduction, three body, and one conclusion paragraph.

The number of paragraphs could vary depending on the academic level, with an expert or professional book report having more than three body paragraphs.

How long is a book report?

It should not exceed two double-spaced pages, be between 600 and 800 words in length. Your book report is a written reflection on the content of a novel or work of nonfiction.

How do you end a book report?

Sum up your thesis statement and remind the readers of the important points, one final time. Do not add any new ideas or themes here and try to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Writing a Book Report

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

This resource discusses book reports and how to write them.

Book reports are informative reports that discuss a book from an objective stance. They are similar to book reviews but focus more on a summary of the work than an evaluation of it. Book reports commonly describe what happens in a work; their focus is primarily on giving an account of the major plot, characters, thesis, and/or main idea of the work. Most often, book reports are a K-12 assignment and range from 250 to 500 words.

Book reviews are most often a college assignment, but they also appear in many professional works: magazines, newspapers, and academic journals. If you are looking to write a book review instead of a book report, please see the OWL resource, Writing a Book Review .

Before You Read

Before you begin to read, consider what types of things you will need to write your book report. First, you will need to get some basic information from the book:

• Publisher location, name of publisher, year published
• Number of Pages

You can either begin your report with some sort of citation, or you can incorporate some of these items into the report itself.

Next, try to answer the following questions to get you started thinking about the book:

• Author: Who is the author? Have you read any other works by this author?
• Genre: What type of book is this: fiction, nonfiction, biography, etc.? What types of people would like to read this kind of book? Do you typically read these kinds of books? Do you like them?
• Title: What does the title do for you? Does it spark your interest? Does it fit well with the text of the book?
• Pictures/Book Jacket/Cover/Printing: What does the book jacket or book cover say? Is it accurate? Were you excited to read this book because of it? Are there pictures? What kinds are there? Are they interesting?

As You Read

While reading a work of fiction, keep track of the major characters. You can also do the same with biographies. When reading nonfiction works, however, look for the main ideas and be ready to talk about them.

• Characters: Who are the main characters? What happens to them? Did you like them? Were there good and bad characters?
• Main Ideas: What is the main idea of the book? What happens? What did you learn that you did not know before?
• Quotes: What parts did you like best? Are there parts that you could quote to make your report more enjoyable?

When You Are Ready to Write

Announce the book and author. Then, summarize what you have learned from the book. Explain what happens in the book, and discuss the elements you liked, did not like, would have changed, or if you would recommend this book to others and why. Consider the following items as well:

• Principles/characters: What elements did you like best? Which characters did you like best and why? How does the author unfold the story or the main idea of the book?
• Organize: Make sure that most of your paper summarizes the work. Then you may analyze the characters or themes of the work.
• Your Evaluation: Choose one or a few points to discuss about the book. What worked well for you? How does this work compare with others by the same author or other books in the same genre? What major themes, motifs, or terms does the book introduce, and how effective are they? Did the book appeal to you on an emotional or logical way?
• Recommend: Would you recommend this book to others? Why? What would you tell them before they read it? What would you talk about after you read it?

Revising/Final Copy

Do a quick double check of your paper:

• Double-check the spelling of the author name(s), character names, special terms, and publisher.
• Check the punctuation and grammar slowly.
• Make sure you provide enough summary so that your reader or instructor can tell you read the book.
• Consider adding some interesting quotes from the reading.

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What is book report template.

Writing a book report can be a daunting task, especially if you're not sure where to start. That's why we've created this book report template to help you organize your thoughts and present your analysis in a professional and structured manner. With this template, you can easily summarize the key themes, provide personal reflections, and rate the book based on your own criteria. Whether you're a student, a book club member, or a literature enthusiast, this template will make your book reports stand out.

Try this template now

Who is this Book Report Template for?

This book report template is suitable for anyone who wants to write a comprehensive and well-structured book report. It's especially useful for students who need to submit book reports for their assignments or exams. Additionally, book club members and literature enthusiasts can use this template to facilitate discussions and share their insights with others.

Why use this Book Report Template?

1. Structure. This template provides a clear structure for your book report, ensuring that you cover all the essential elements such as the summary, key themes, personal reflection, and rating. It helps you stay organized and present your analysis in a logical and coherent manner.

2. Efficiency. By using this template, you can save time and effort in formatting and organizing your book report. The template is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, allowing you to focus on the content rather than the formatting.

3. Professionalism. A well-structured and well-presented book report demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail. With this template, you can create professional-looking book reports that impress your teachers, peers, or book club members.

4. Consistency. Using a standardized template ensures consistency in your book reports. It helps you maintain a consistent format and style across different reports, making it easier for readers to compare and analyze the books you've read.

5. SEO value. By using this template, you can optimize your book reports for search engines. The template includes relevant keywords and structured content, which can improve the visibility and discoverability of your reports online.

Get Started with Book Report Template.

Follow these few steps to get started with Lark templates:

1. Click 'Use this template' on the top right corner to sign up for Lark

2. After signing up for Lark, you will be directed to the Book Report Template on Lark Base. Click 'Use This Template' on the top right corner of Lark Base to copy a version of the Book Report Template to your workspace.

3. Change fields of the template to fit your needs

4. Take advantage of the full potential of this Book Report Template.

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Create professional bill of sale documents with ease, research proposal, streamline your research proposal process with this template, create and analyze surveys with ease, buyer persona, create personalized buyer personas for your marketing strategy, certificate of appreciation, recognize and appreciate outstanding achievements with personalized certificates, social security card, create professional and secure social security card templates, one on one meeting, streamline your one-on-one meetings with this template, story board, visualize your story with a storyboard template.

Literature Review

Organize and analyze research literature for your literature review.

Bill Tracker

Track and manage your bills with ease, consulting contract, create a comprehensive consulting contract with ease, create your own screenplay with ease.

Exit Ticket

Gather feedback and assess student understanding with this exit ticket template, interview thank you email, express gratitude and follow up after an interview.

Bill Of Sale Word

Create a captivating story with our story map template.

Cleaning List

Keep your space clean and organized with this cleaning list template, police report, efficiently manage and track police reports with this template, succession planning, plan for the future of your organization with a comprehensive succession planning template, blank check, create professional and customizable blank checks.

Streamline user registration and account management

Reference List

Create a professional reference list for your research papers and publications, simple will, create a simple will to distribute your assets.

Grant Proposal

Streamline your grant proposal process and increase your chances of securing funding, essay format, format your essays with ease using this template.

Budget Tracker

Track your expenses and income with ease, letter of support, show your support with a letter of endorsement, college essay, streamline your college essay writing process with this comprehensive template, thank you letter, express gratitude and follow-up with personalized thank you letters, create your own game board with ease.

Collection Letter

Streamline your collection letter process with this customizable template, bullet journal, stay organized and productive with a bullet journal template, news article, create professional news articles with ease, birthday calendar, never miss a birthday with this customizable birthday calendar template.

Monthly Bills

Stay on top of your monthly bills with ease.

Visualize your data on a bubble map

Create an elegant gala event booklet

Stock Certificate

Create professional stock certificates for your shareholders.

Exit Interview

Streamline your exit interview process and gather valuable feedback from departing employees, financial plan, manage your personal finances with ease.

Value Proposition

Create compelling value propositions for your target customers, event proposal, create professional event proposals with ease, verification of employment letter, verify employment details with ease.

Doctor Excuse

Generate doctor excuse notes for patients, policies and procedures, manage and track your organization's policies and procedures, job posting, create professional job postings with ease, movie script, create a movie script with ease, food journal, track your daily meals and nutritional intake with ease.

Memo Format

Create professional and organized memos with ease, corrective action plan, track and manage corrective actions for identified issues, mission statement, craft a compelling mission statement for your organization.

To Whom It May Concern Letter

Create professional recommendation letters with ease.

Keep track of your calls and follow-ups with ease

Waiver of liability, create a waiver of liability for your activities, track your business financial performance and growth.

Monthly Work Schedule

Manage your team's work schedule with ease.

Block Schedule

Organize your school's block schedule with ease, birthday list, keep track of birthdays and gift ideas for your friends and family.

Journey Map

Visualize and analyze customer journey with ease, create a comprehensive site map for your website, notary acknowledgement, create professional notary acknowledgement templates with ease, job proposal, create professional job proposals with ease.

Rent Ledger

Track rent payments and balances with ease, cleaning checklist, efficiently manage cleaning tasks with this comprehensive checklist template.

Potluck Sign Up Sheet

Organize your potluck event with ease.

Birth Certificate

Create personalized birth certificates for newborns, questionnaire, create engaging and interactive quizzes with our questionnaire template, certificate of origin, create professional certificate of origin documents with ease, envelope address, create professional envelope addresses with ease, notarized letter, create professional notarized letters with ease.

Stakeholder Analysis

Analyze and manage project stakeholders effectively.

Instagram Carousel

Create engaging instagram carousels with ease.

Decision Matrix

Make informed decisions with the decision matrix template.

Create stunning mood boards with a variety of visual elements

List of references, create a comprehensive list of references for your research projects, bill of lading, create professional bill of lading documents with ease, monthly expenses, track and manage your monthly expenses with ease, reference sheet, organize and manage your references with ease, efficiently manage household chores with this chore list template, happy birthday, plan and organize birthday celebrations with ease.

Blank Bingo

Create your own customized bingo game, bank statement, track your financial transactions and balance with ease.

Create a personalized birth plan for a smooth delivery

Free itinerary, create a personalized travel itinerary with ease.

Custody Agreement

Create a comprehensive custody agreement for co-parenting, visualize your data with a colorful bar graph.

Policy And Procedure

Standardize your company policies and procedures with this template.

Track and manage handovers between team members

Create professional and customizable quotes for your clients

Contractor estimate, estimate the cost and materials needed for your construction project, itinerary temp, plan your travel itinerary with ease, create a personalized will with ease, free work schedule, efficiently manage employee schedules with this free work schedule template, manage your cloud resources with ease.

Rent To Own Contract

Create a rent-to-own contract for tenants and landlords, sales funnel, track your sales pipeline and manage deals effectively, budget proposal, create a budget proposal for your projects.

Create professional doctor's note templates for patients

Script Format

Create professional scripts with ease, gift letter, create personalized gift letters for donors and recipients.

Letterhead Word

Create professional letterheads with ease, missing person, track missing persons and their case details.

Contractor Agreement

Create a comprehensive contractor agreement with ease, recommendation letter, create personalized recommendation letters with ease, wanted poster, create a professional wanted poster for fugitives, monthly budget, track your monthly budget and manage your expenses with ease, letter of recommendation, create professional and compelling letters of recommendation, doctors note, keep track of patient visits and medical recommendations with this doctor's note template, create a professional newspaper with ease, vision board, visualize your goals and dreams with a vision board, create professional and personalized envelopes for your business, business plan, create a comprehensive business plan with ease, project plan, plan your projects with ease.

Create professional newsletters with ease

Account Based Marketing

Manage your account-based marketing strategies effectively.

Price Matrix

Track and compare product prices, bulk prices, and vendor details.

Content Calendar

Organize and plan your content strategy with ease.

Product Roadmap

Track and manage your product features with ease.

Gantt Chart

Track your project progress with a comprehensive gantt chart.

Availability

Manage your resources and schedule with ease, inventory sheet, manage your inventory with ease and precision, income statements, streamline your request for quotation process with this rfq template, manage your projects efficiently with a clear overview of all activities, project status report, track your project's progress, budget, and health with ease.

Requirements Gathering

Streamline your project requirements with a comprehensive overview.

Staff Availability

Manage your staff's availability with ease and efficiency.

Weekly Stand Up Meeting

Streamline your weekly stand-up meetings and keep track of team progress.

Release Management

Manage your software releases efficiently and effectively, networking spreadsheet, manage your professional contacts and networking activities effectively, process documentation, streamline your business processes with a comprehensive documentation, account planning, streamline your account management and planning process.

Action Item

Track and manage your team's tasks efficiently.

Business Requirements Document

Streamline your project requirements with a comprehensive and organized approach, communications plan, streamline your communication strategy with a comprehensive plan.

Post Mortem

Analyze your projects, identify successes and failures, and improve future endeavors.

Party Planning

Organize your party planning with ease and efficiency.

Vacation Itinerary

Plan your dream vacation with ease, business model canvas, visualize, design, and reshape your business model with ease, track your company's financial health with a comprehensive p&l statement, manage your marketing campaigns effectively and efficiently.

Production Schedule

Streamline your production process with a comprehensive schedule, sprint planning, streamline your sprint planning with a comprehensive overview of tasks, assignments, and deadlines, construction daily report, track your construction project progress daily.

Product Backlog

Manage your product backlog with ease and efficiency, release plan.

10 Year Plan

Plan your personal and professional life for the next 10 years.

Event Run Of Show

Efficiently plan and manage your event schedule, 3 year plan, plan your business objectives and strategies for the next three years, order tracker, track your orders and deliveries in real-time, grant management, manage your grants effectively and efficiently, trade show planning, streamline your trade show planning process.

Manage your customer relationships with ease

Training plan, streamline your training sessions with a comprehensive plan.

Project Outline

Streamline your project management with a comprehensive outline, organize your meetings effectively with a comprehensive overview, interview guide, streamline your interview process with a comprehensive guide, manage and organize your team's profiles in one place, vendor management, manage your vendors, contracts, and services in one place, real estate schedule, manage your real estate showings, agent details, and property status in one place.

Jira Checklist

Streamline your project management with a comprehensive checklist, class schedule, organize your class schedule with ease, marketing campaign, plan, track, and analyze your marketing campaigns in one place, design brief, streamline your design projects with a comprehensive brief, manage and analyze your product reviews in one place.

Compare and contrast different products with ease

Project milestone, track your project milestones with ease and precision, track your events, responsibilities, and status with ease, manage your projects efficiently with a clear overview of tasks, deadlines, and priorities.

Holiday Schedule

Manage your team's holiday schedule with ease.

Interior Design Schedule

Manage your interior design project with ease, legal case management, manage your legal cases efficiently and effectively, grant calendar, track and manage your grant applications with ease, sales training plan, streamline your sales training with a comprehensive plan.

Key Policy For Employees

Manage and track your employees' key issuance and return with ease, track your project milestones, dependencies, and status with ease, book of business, manage your client's financial portfolio with ease, long term planning, strategize your long-term goals and track progress with ease, action plan for students, track your goals, actions, and progress with ease.

Story Mapping

Map your user stories and prioritize tasks with ease, social media content calendar, plan, schedule, and manage your social media posts effectively, hourly calendar, organize your day with precision using the hourly calendar template, marketing strategy, strategize your marketing efforts with clear objectives, target audience, key messages, and more, personal budget, performance evaluation, streamline your employee performance evaluations with ease, contact list, organize your contacts in one place, invoice tracker, track your invoices and payments with ease, schedule of real estate, manage your real estate activities with ease, media brief, organize your media briefs with ease and efficiency, manage your it assets efficiently and effectively, vacation coverage plan, ensure smooth operations during employee vacations with a comprehensive coverage plan.

Msp Client Onboarding Checklist

Streamline your client onboarding process with a comprehensive checklist.

Product Testing

Track and manage your product testing with ease, talent planning, track and plan your employees' career development, volunteer spreadsheet, manage your volunteers and their contributions effectively, intern onboarding, streamline your intern onboarding process with ease, product training, streamline your product training process with a comprehensive schedule, retrospective, track and improve your team's performance with a retrospective template.

Risk Matrix

Manage and mitigate risks effectively with our risk matrix template, project overview, manage your projects effectively with a comprehensive overview, google calendar, manage your events, meetings, and appointments with ease, organize your tasks, groceries, work, and home maintenance with ease.

Sprint Retrospective

Track and improve your team's sprint performance, event program, streamline your event planning with a comprehensive schedule, staff schedule, efficiently manage your staff's schedule and roles, track and improve your employees' performance with ease, product comparison.

Track your project tasks and employee hours with precision

Activity calendar, organize your team's activities with a comprehensive calendar.

Product Design

Streamline your product design process with a comprehensive overview, project portfolio management, manage your projects, track progress, and align with strategy.

Free Pay Stub

Manage your employee payroll with ease and accuracy, manage your project tasks, deadlines, and deliverables effectively, operations plan, streamline your operations with a comprehensive plan.

Goal Tracking

Track your personal and professional goals with ease, training schedule, organize and manage your training sessions effectively.

Lifecycle Powerpoint

Manage your project lifecycle with ease and precision.

Grant Tracking

Track your grants, deadlines, status, and more with ease.

Conference Itinerary

Organize your conference itinerary with ease.

Subscription

Manage your subscriptions with ease and never miss a renewal date, sprint demo, track and manage your sprint demos with ease.

Consultant Timesheet

Track your consultants' work hours and billable status with ease, project scope, define your project's boundaries with clarity and precision, track and achieve your personal and professional goals with ease, project management plan, manage your project tasks, resources, and timelines effectively, manage your project estimates with ease and precision, manage your sales and purchases with a comprehensive proforma invoice, hourly weekly schedule, organize your week with precision and ease.

Request For Quote

Streamline your procurement process with a comprehensive rfq template, strategic roadmap, strategically plan your company's future with a comprehensive roadmap.

5 Whys Root Cause Analysis

Identify, analyze, and solve problems effectively, manage your volunteers and their tasks efficiently, purchase order, streamline your purchase order process with ease.

Donation Tracker

Track your donations and donors with ease, requirements document, manage your project requirements with ease and efficiency, marketing brief, plan and execute your marketing strategies effectively, monthly goals, track and manage your monthly goals effectively, track, manage, and resolve issues efficiently, travel planner.

Board Meeting Agenda

Streamline your board meetings with a comprehensive agenda.

Fundraising

Track your donors, donations, and follow-ups with ease, project retrospective, analyze your project's success and areas for improvement, conference planning, effortlessly plan and manage your conferences.

Product Launch Plan

Efficiently plan and track your product launches, manage your project backlog with ease and efficiency, sprint planning meeting, streamline your sprint planning meetings and keep track of your team's progress.

Reporting Specifications

Streamline your reporting process with a comprehensive overview, 24 hour planner, plan your day hour by hour with this 24 hour planner template, workback plan, streamline your project management with a comprehensive workback plan, template management, manage your templates effectively and efficiently, event schedule, organize and manage your events with ease, resource planning, efficiently manage your resources and tasks with a comprehensive view, construction proposal, manage your construction proposals efficiently, project kickoff, kickstart your projects with a comprehensive plan.

Organize and analyze your data with ease

Best Practices Documentation

Document and implement best practices across various business functions.

Supply Request Form

Streamline your supply requests with a simple and efficient form, legal case management spreadsheet.

Legal Case Tracking

Track and manage your legal cases efficiently, track and manage your project tasks efficiently, account plan, manage your client relationships effectively with a comprehensive account plan, employee task list, manage your team's tasks efficiently and effectively, weekly goals, track and manage your team's weekly goals with ease, daily task employee task list, streamline your daily tasks and improve productivity, deliverables, track and manage your project deliverables with ease, project pipeline, manage your projects efficiently with a clear overview, streamline your order management process with ease, track and evaluate participant performance with ease, manage your request for information (rfi) process with ease, professional development plan, track your professional growth and plan for future skills with ease, competitive analysis, analyze your competition with a comprehensive overview, google sheets calendar temp, manage your personal and professional life with a comprehensive calendar.

24 Hourly Schedule

Organize your day with a 24-hour schedule, create a new database from the time card, track your employees' work hours and tasks efficiently, case management, manage your cases efficiently and effectively, risk benefit analysis, analyze the potential benefits and risks of your business decisions, business case, streamline your business case creation process, manage your projects efficiently with a comprehensive overview, gap analysis, identify and address gaps in your business operations, workforce planning, streamline your workforce planning with a comprehensive overview of your employees, streamline your project management with clear roles and responsibilities, streamline your testing process with a comprehensive test case template.

30 60 90 Day Plan

Streamline your first 90 days in a new role with a clear plan, performance review, streamline your performance review process with a comprehensive template, strategic planning, strategically plan and track your company's goals with ease.

Software Comparison

Compare and choose the best software for your needs, interview notes, streamline your interview process with a comprehensive overview of each candidate, success plan, track your goals and measure your success with ease, risk register, manage and mitigate potential risks with a comprehensive overview, creative brief, streamline your project management with a comprehensive creative brief.

Student Progress Tracker

Track and analyze student progress with ease, construction budget template goog, track your construction budget with ease and accuracy, employee availability, manage your team's availability and shift preferences with ease, sprint backlog, manage your project tasks efficiently with a sprint backlog.

Google Docs Timeline

Track your project's progress with a comprehensive timeline, elevator pitch, craft compelling elevator pitches with ease, strategize your business goals and objectives with ease, event budget, track and manage your event expenses effectively, team charter, streamline your team's mission, roles, and norms with a comprehensive team charter, social media calendar template goog, streamline your social media posts and track engagement metrics.

Travel Itinerary Template Go

Plan your travel itinerary with ease and precision, project deliverables, work breakdown structure, streamline your project management with a detailed work breakdown structure, implementation plan, streamline your project implementation with a clear and concise plan, organize your meetings effectively with a detailed agenda.

Manage your projects, tasks, and deadlines with ease

Expense Report

Track and manage your team's expenses with ease, weekly schedule, organize your week efficiently with a clear schedule, time blocking, organize your day efficiently with time blocking.

Standard Operating Procedure

Streamline your operations with our standard operating procedure template, google docs itinerary, plan your business trips with ease and precision, root cause analysis, analyze, track, and prevent incidents with a comprehensive root cause analysis, performance improvement plan, track and manage employee performance improvement plans, market analysis, analyze your market with precision and ease, 12 week year, plan and track your goals and actions for each week of the year.

Profit And Loss

Track your company's financial performance with ease, action plan, streamline your project management with a comprehensive action plan, cost benefit analysis, analyze the cost and benefits of your projects with ease, products list, manage your product inventory with ease, organize your events, meetings, and activities with ease, cost analysis, analyze and manage your company's expenses effectively, project charter, streamline your project management with a comprehensive project charter, income statement, travel itinerary.

Streamline your project management with a comprehensive workflow

Manage your project risks, assumptions, issues, and dependencies with ease, vendor list, manage your vendors efficiently and effectively, mutual action plan, streamline your business objectives and action plans with mutual action plan templates, daily schedule, organize your daily activities with a clear and concise schedule, track your expenses and savings with ease, go to market strategy, strategize your market entry with comprehensive planning, risk assessment, manage and mitigate risks effectively with a comprehensive overview, raci matrix, workback schedule, streamline your project management with a detailed workback schedule, action items, track and manage your team's action items effectively.

Business Plan Temp

Craft a comprehensive business plan with ease.

Proof Of Concept

Track and manage your innovative projects with ease, free business plan, streamline your business planning process with a comprehensive template, timeline template go, track your project's progress from start to finish, smart goals, track and achieve your goals with precision and clarity, process mapping, streamline your project process with a clear roadmap, gantt chart template goog, manage your project timelines and tasks efficiently, vacation planning, staff roster, manage your team's information and hours with ease.

Sales Tracker

Track your sales, analyze trends, and maximize profits.

Uat Sign Off

Track and manage your user acceptance testing (uat) with ease.

Technical Debt Register

Track, manage, and resolve technical debts efficiently, marketing calendar, plan and track your marketing campaigns with ease, sample rollout plan, streamline your product rollout with a comprehensive plan, photo directory, create a comprehensive photo directory for your organization, process flow chart, visualize and streamline your sales process, investment agreement, track and manage your investment agreements with ease.

College Schedule

Organize your college life with a comprehensive schedule, meeting tracker, track your meetings, attendees, and action items with ease, business travel itinerary, organize your business travel details in one place, plumbers invoice, manage your plumbing services invoices with ease.

Employee Daily Activity Report

Track and manage your team's daily activities efficiently, work breakdown, streamline your project management with a comprehensive work breakdown.

Html Report

Create comprehensive html reports with ease, plan and manage your events with ease, end of day report, track your team's daily progress with ease, cna report sheet, track and manage patient care with ease, rank tracker report, track your keywords and their performance across different search engines.

Classroom Seating Chart Whiteboard

Organize your classroom seating with ease and efficiency, delegation of authority matrix, streamline your task delegation and authority levels with ease, executive project status report, track your projects' progress, budget, risks, and more in one place, decision log, track and manage your team's decisions with ease, simple payment agreement, manage your payment agreements with ease and precision, medical chart, manage your patient's medical records efficiently, level 10 meeting, streamline your team meetings with the level 10 meeting template, capability matrix, track and manage your team's skills and certifications, benchmark analysis, analyze your competitors' strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, content plan, streamline your content planning and execution with ease, seo competitor analysis, analyze your competitors' seo strategies and improve your own.

Campaign Brief

Streamline your marketing campaigns with a comprehensive brief.

Streamline your deal management process with a comprehensive overview

24 hours schedule, organize your day efficiently with a 24-hour schedule, weekly planner, organize your tasks and deadlines with a weekly planner, software change log, track and manage software changes efficiently, construction gantt chart, track your construction project progress with a gantt chart, termination of contract letter, manage your contract terminations effectively and efficiently, manage your projects, tasks, and deadlines efficiently, daily to do list, organize your day efficiently with a comprehensive to-do list, seo project management, manage your seo tasks efficiently and effectively, project management decision log, track and manage your project decisions with ease, content management, manage your content effectively across different platforms, organize your legal memos with ease.

Marriage Contract

Simplify your marriage contract creation process.

Approval Matrix Whiteboard

Streamline your approval process with the approval matrix whiteboard template, company contact list, organize and manage your company's contacts with ease, data analysis report, analyze and present your data effectively.

Shift Schedule

Manage your team's shifts efficiently and effectively, project roadmap, track your project's progress with a comprehensive roadmap, commission sheet, track and manage your sales team's performance with ease, report requirements, streamline your report creation process with this comprehensive template, weekly report, track your team's weekly progress with ease.

Camp Schedule

Organize your camp activities with ease and precision, policy memo, streamline your policy memo creation and management, leader standard work, streamline your leadership tasks and priorities, employee schedule, streamline your employee scheduling process, it incident report, track, manage, and resolve it incidents effectively.

User Acceptance Testing Checklist

Streamline your user acceptance testing (uat) process with this comprehensive checklist, 5050 partnership agreement, create fair and balanced partnership agreements, contractor invoice, manage your contractor invoices with ease and efficiency, plan of record, track your project tasks, deadlines, and progress with ease, governance plan, streamline your governance plan with a comprehensive overview of tasks, roles, and deadlines, meeting minutes, track your meetings, attendees, agendas, and action items with ease, urgent important matrix, prioritize your tasks effectively with the urgent important matrix template, customer success plan, track and manage your customer success journey, business development plan, strategize your business growth with a comprehensive plan, out of office coverage plan, manage your team's leaves and ensure smooth task delegation with our out of office coverage plan template, staffing matrix, manage your staffing needs efficiently and effectively, college pros and cons list, compare and contrast different colleges with ease.

75 Hard Wellness Challenge

Track your daily wellness activities and progress with ease, social media posting schedule, schedule and manage your social media posts effectively, test report, track and manage your software testing process, scheduling matrix, streamline your tasks and manage your team efficiently, user story mapping, map your user stories, track progress, and manage tasks with ease.

Monthly Planner

Organize your work and personal life with a monthly planner, investigation report, track and manage your investigations with ease, budget report, track your budget, income, expenses, and net profit/loss with ease, change of shift report, streamline your shift changes with a comprehensive report, request form, streamline your request management process with a comprehensive request form, workshop agenda, streamline your workshop planning with a comprehensive agenda.

For Dummies Book

Streamline your book writing process with a structured approach, organizational chart, visualize your company's hierarchy with our organizational chart template, llc annual meeting minutes, streamline your annual meetings with our llc annual meeting minutes template, pto calendar, manage your team's time off with a comprehensive pto calendar, addendum to a contract, track and manage your contract amendments with ease, minutes of meeting mom, streamline your meetings and keep track of decisions with the minutes of meeting (mom) template.

Identify the root cause of problems and devise effective solutions

Profit and loss statement, streamline your standard operating procedures with this comprehensive sop template, website migration project plan, streamline your website migration process with a comprehensive project plan, inventory report, action register, trip report, track your business trips, objectives, expenses, and insights, event brief, kinship diagram whiteboard, visualize and understand your family tree with ease, alignment chart, align your team's goals and strategies with clear execution steps, end of day cash register report, track your daily sales and cash register status with ease.

Communication Matrix Report

Streamline your project communication with a comprehensive matrix, streamline your standard operating procedures with this sop template, meeting agenda, streamline your meetings with a comprehensive agenda.

Organize your tasks efficiently with a clear view of priorities and deadlines

Project timeline, manage your project timeline efficiently and effectively.

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The Creative Penn

Writing, self-publishing, book marketing, making a living with your writing

Choose The Right Categories And Keywords for Your Book

You might not want to put your book in a box or a genre or a category, but you have to, because that's how a lot of readers find their next book.

Many authors resist this categorization, and it is difficult when you first start out, but it's a fundamental of book marketing, so you need to understand and use it for your book. I know words like metadata, keywords, search engine optimization and algorithms can blow people's minds, but this side of things is an important part of being an indie author!

This is an excerpt from How to Market a Book Third Edition , available in ebook, print and audiobook formats.

Choose the right category

The category or genre reader has expectations, and if you don't meet them, they will be disappointed, and you'll get bad reviews.

That's not to say that you need to follow any specific rules while you're writing, but when you publish the book, you will have to choose which categories to use, and they need to be meaningful. If you have a publisher, they will do this for you, but it's best to discuss it with them anyway.

It's important to match reader expectations and the promise of what your book delivers with what your book is actually about. There is no point having a book with a swirly, girly pink chic-lit cover in the horror category. It won't sell, however good it is.

If you can, choose a category that fits your book and is easier to rank in. You get between two and ten categories, depending on the platform you're publishing to.

On Amazon, you can also get into extra categories through using your keywords to target Browse Categories. You can find a list at TheCreativePenn.com/browse . You can also email the help team through Author.Amazon.com and ask for your book to be moved to categories if they are not selectable.

If you're struggling with deciding on your categories, go back to your list of comparison authors and books .

Check what categories they are in and then spend some time looking at whether your book fits there or what the other options could be.

You could also go through this useful tutorial from Dave Chesson at Publisher Rocket on how to choose categories .

This can be time-consuming to do manually and personally, I'd rather spend my time researching obscure artifacts in dusty museums, writing more books, or just getting on with life. Perhaps you feel that way too!

I suspect this is all too common in the indie author community right now, because we want to use data, but we aren't too keen on the process for getting it or working out how to use it.

So if you'd rather use a tool to help you, check out Publisher Rocket , which is also useful for keywords.

I also recommend K-lytics , which has some fantastic reasonably priced genre reports that go into the best target sub-categories to use as well as recommendations for comparison authors, keywords and more.

Alex, who runs K-lytics, is an absolute data geek and he spends his time combing the Amazon US rankings and categories for insights that will help. He loves this stuff – so you don't have to! Check out the reports at TheCreativePenn.com/genre

Choosing the right keywords

Keywords and search engine optimization have been considered important for a long time in the online world, particularly for ranking on the first few pages of the search engines so that people can find you.

But these principles are also important for your book page on the retail stores . They make up a critical part of the metadata that is crucial in the discoverability of your book. I also realize this might sound like gobbledegook, so I will explain further using the example of my non-fiction book, and also my novels, because keywords are just as important for fiction authors .

What is a keyword?

A keyword is a word or phrase that is associated with your book. It's based on the words that people use to search online, and this is a crucial aspect, because often the language you use is not the language that your customers might use. For example, many of us use the terms ‘indie author' or ‘indie publishing,' but a new author who is not yet in the tribe would only recognize ‘publishing' or ‘self-publishing.’

Importantly, a keyword is not just one word , and that is critical to remember as you go through the following process. For example, my thriller novel Ark of Blood is associated with the keyword “ark of the covenant” and my non-fiction book with “career change.”

So, how do you come up with keywords for your book and how do you use them?

(1) Check the Browse Category lists for keywords that will get you into categories

For example, ‘conspiracy thriller' can be used in the keyword section to get into that sub-category on the Amazon store, even though you can't select it in the KDP area for categories.

You can find a list of these at TheCreativePenn.com/browse

(2) Generate words and phrases to use as keywords

Amazon is a search engine for people who want to buy things, including your book! It has an auto-populate tool that enables you to see a drop-down of specific words or phrases. Just start typing something into the search bar, and you'll get a drop-down. Make sure that you're in the Books/Kindle store if you want to narrow the search down.

Try it now. Go to Amazon and start typing a word or phrase you want to check into the search bar. For example, I typed in ‘career c' and it came up with all kinds of phrases that started that way: career coaching books, career catapult, career code, career change, career counseling, and others. This can help you with more than just keywords for your existing book. It can also help you come up with ideas for new topics, particularly with non-fiction.

Make a list of all the words and phrases that are associated with your book. For fiction, that might include themes, places, things and anything concrete that you can hang your book off.

For Ark of Blood , that might include ark of the covenant, Israel, Jerusalem, freemasons – as those are some themes and places in the book, so people searching for those things might be interested in it.

For my non-fiction book, Career Change , I used career change, what should I do with my life, career help, hate my job, career match, career books, choosing a career.

Try to be as specific as possible in order to find your correct target audience. For example, the word ‘pain' could relate to back pain, pain of grief, pain of divorce, and many more options, so use keyword phrases where possible .

You can also use various tools to help you generate possible keyword options (which you can also use for marketing). KDP Rocket will help you analyze categories and keyword ideas in real-time and has specific options for Amazon Ads. Check it out at TheCreativePenn.com/rocket

There's also a useful tutorial on how to choose keywords.

Google has a Keyword Search Tool that you can use to discover what search terms people are using and what are the most popular at adwords.google.com/KeywordPlanner . It is primarily used for people working on advertising terms, so you do need to create an ad account, although you don't need to spend any money to use the tool. You can also use tools like KeywordTool.io, and other options appear all the time.

(3) Add the keywords into your book metadata

Once you have a list of keywords, you can use these in your book metadata, the fields that the publishing sites use to categorize your book.

You can also use keywords in your book title, sub-title and in your book description and editorial reviews area. It's important to note that your cover must include the title that you use, so you can't just stuff it full of keywords. Your text should be human-focused first.

Non-fiction authors can use this type of research to make a decision on their book title or, at least, their sub-title. There's no point in your title meaning something to you but nothing to anyone else. Too often, authors will decide on a title that has emotional resonance for them, but they would be better off using specific keywords that will help customers find them more easily.

How a keyword change in my book title boosted sales 10x

I wrote my first non-fiction book as a labor of love and the book of my heart. I spent 13 years as a miserable business consultant, a cubicle slave like so many others. In 2006, I embarked on a journey to find work I could be passionate about because I felt like I was wasting my life. In 2008, I published the result of that journey in How to Enjoy Your Job … or Get a New One .

Yes, seriously. That was my brilliant book title! But it turns out that most people don't want to enjoy their job.

As I started to learn about book marketing, I discovered the importance of keywords. I did some keyword searches on Amazon and also checked the number of monthly searches on Google. ‘How to enjoy your job' had 5,400 global monthly searches, whereas ‘career change' had 165,000 global monthly searches.

I decided to change my title as well as the cover, and in 2012, after learning a lot more about craft as well as book marketing, I rewrote and republished the book as Career Change: Stop Hating your Job, Discover What you Really Want to do with your Life and Start Doing It!

I also continue to get media attention based on journalists searching for ‘career change' and finding the book online. I've featured as a career change expert on national TV and radio in Australia and the UK, as well as in national newspapers and local papers.

It's also interesting to note that none of them asked who I was published by, so being self-published is no barrier to media attention as long as your product (and you) are professional. Of course, it's important to note that there was no sales spike from the extra media attention, but it's good for social proof.

Categories and keywords are critical for visibility in the online bookstores, so it's well worth putting in some effort here to work out where your book fits.

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42 Creative Book Report Ideas for Students

Inspire your students to share their love of books.

Responding to what you read is an important literacy skill. Reading about other people’s experiences and perspectives helps kids learn about the world. And although students don’t need to dive deeply into every single book they read, occasionally digging into characters, settings, and themes can help them learn to look beyond the prose. Here are 42 creative book report ideas designed to make reading more meaningful.

1. Concrete Found Poem

This clever activity is basically a shape poem made up of words, phrases, and whole sentences found in the books students read. The words come together to create an image that represents something from the story.

2. Graphic Novel

Have students rewrite the book they are reading, or a chapter of their book, as a graphic novel. Set parameters for the assignment such as including six scenes from the story, three characters, details about the setting, etc. And, of course, include detailed illustrations to accompany the story.

3. Book Snaps

Book Snaps are a way for students to visually show how they are reacting to, processing, and/or connecting with a text. First, students snap a picture of a page in the book they are reading. Then, they add comments, images, highlights, and more.

4. Diary Entry

Have your students place themselves in the shoes of one of the characters from their book and write a first-person diary entry of a critical moment from the story. Ask them to choose a moment in the story where the character has plenty of interaction and emotion to share in a diary entry.

5. Character To-Do List

This fun activity is an off-the-beaten-path way to dive deep into character analysis. Get inside the head of the main character in a book and write a to-do list that they might write. Use actual information from the text, but also make inferences into what that character may wish to accomplish.

6. Mint Tin Book Report

There are so many super-creative, open-ended projects you can use mint tins for. This teacher blogger describes the process of creating book reports using them. There’s even a free template for cards that fit inside.

7. Fictional Yearbook Entries

Ask your students to create a yearbook based on the characters and setting in the book. What do they look like? Cut out magazine pictures to give a good visual image for their school picture. What kind of superlative might they get? Best looking? Class clown? What clubs would they be in or lead? Did they win any awards? It should be obvious from their small yearbooks whether your students dug deep into the characters in their books. They may also learn that who we are as individuals is reflected in what we choose to do with our lives.

8. Book Report Cake

This project would be perfect for a book tasting in your classroom! Each student presents their book report in the shape of food. See the sandwich and pizza options above and check out this blog for more delicious ideas.

9. Current Events Comparison

Have students locate three to five current events articles a character in their book might be interested in. After they’ve found the articles, have them explain why the character would find them interesting and how they relate to the book. Learning about how current events affect time, place, and people is critical to helping develop opinions about what we read and experience in life.

10. Sandwich Book Report

Yum! You’ll notice a lot of our creative book report ideas revolve around food. In this oldie but goodie, each layer of this book report sandwich covers a different element of the book—characters, setting, conflict, etc. A fun adaptation of this project is the book report cheeseburger.

11. Book Alphabet

Choose 15 to 20 alphabet books to help give your students examples of how they work around themes. Then ask your students to create their own Book Alphabet based on the book they read. What artifacts, vocabulary words, and names reflect the important parts of the book? After they find a word to represent each letter, have them write one sentence that explains where the word fits in.

12. Peekaboo Book Report

Using cardboard lap books (or small science report boards), students include details about their book’s main characters, plot, setting, conflict, resolution, etc. Then they draw a head and arms on card stock and attach them to the board from behind to make it look like the main character is peeking over the report.

13. T-Shirt Book Report

Another fun and creative idea: Create a wearable book report with a plain white tee. Come up with your own using Sharpie pens and acrylic paint. Get step-by-step directions .

14. Book Jacket

Have students create a new book jacket for their story. Include an attractive illustrated cover, a summary, a short biography of the author, and a few reviews from readers.

15. Watercolor Rainbow Book Report

This is great for biography research projects. Students cut out a photocopied image of their subject and glue it in the middle. Then, they draw lines from the image to the edges of the paper, like rays of sunshine, and fill in each section with information about the person. As a book report template, the center image could be a copy of the book cover, and each section expands on key information such as character names, theme(s), conflict, resolution, etc.

16. Act the Part

Have students dress up as their favorite character from the book and present an oral book report. If their favorite character is not the main character, retell the story from their point of view.

17. Pizza Box Book Report

If you’re looking for creative book report ideas that use upcycled materials, try this one using a pizza box. It works well for both nonfiction and fiction book reports. The top lid provides a picture of the book cover. Each wedge of the pizza pie tells part of the story.

18. Bookmark

Have students create a custom illustrated bookmark that includes drawings and words from either their favorite chapter or the entire book.

19. Book Reports in a Bag

Looking for book report ideas that really encourage creative thinking? With book reports in a bag, students read a book and write a summary. Then, they decorate a paper grocery bag with a scene from the book, place five items that represent something from the book inside the bag, and present the bag to the class.

20. Reading Lists for Characters

Ask your students to think about a character in their book. What kinds of books might that character like to read? Take them to the library to choose five books the character might have on their to-be-read list. Have them list the books and explain what each book might mean to the character. Post the to-be-read lists for others to see and choose from—there’s nothing like trying out a book character’s style when developing your own identity.

21. File Folder Book Report

Also called a lap book, this easy-to-make book report hits on all the major elements of a book study and gives students a chance to show what they know in a colorful way.

22. Collage

Create a collage using pictures and words that represent different parts of the book. Use old magazines or print pictures from the Internet.

23. Book Report Triorama

Who doesn’t love a multidimensional book report? This image shows a 3D model, but Elisha Ann provides a lesson to show students how to glue four triangles together to make a 4D model.

24. Timeline

Have students create a timeline of the main events from their book. Be sure to include character names and details for each event. Use 8 x 11 sheets of paper taped together or a long portion of bulletin board paper.

25. Clothes Hanger Book Report Mobile

This creative project doesn’t require a fancy or expensive supply list. Students just need an ordinary clothes hanger, strings, and paper. The body of the hanger is used to identify the book, and the cards on the strings dangling below are filled with key elements of the book, like characters, setting, and a summary.

26. Public Service Announcement

If a student has read a book about a cause that affects people, animals, or the environment, teach them about public service announcements . Once they understand what a PSA is, have them research the issue or cause that stood out in the book. Then give them a template for a storyboard so they can create their own PSA. Some students might want to take it a step further and create a video based on their storyboard. Consider sharing their storyboard or video with an organization that supports the cause or issue.

27. Dodecahedron Book Report

Creative book report ideas think outside the box. In this case, it’s a ball! SO much information can be covered on the 12 panels , and it allows students to take a deep dive in a creative way.

28. Character Cards

Make trading cards (like baseball cards) for a few characters from the book. On the front side, draw the character. On the back side, make a list of their character traits and include a quote or two.

29. Book Report Booklets

This clever book report is made from ordinary paper bags. Stack the paper bags on top of each other, fold them in half, and staple the closed-off ends of the bags together. Students can write, draw, and decorate on the paper bag pages. They can also record information on writing or drawing paper and glue the paper onto the pages. The open ends of the bags can be used as pockets to insert photos, cut-outs, postcards, or other flat items that help them tell their story.

30. Letter to the Author

Write a letter to the author of the book. Tell them three things you really liked about the story. Ask three questions about the plot, characters, or anything else you’re curious about.

31. Book Report Charm Bracelet

What a “charming” way to write a book report! Each illustrated bracelet charm captures a character, an event in the plot, setting, or other detail.

32. Fact Sheet

Have students create a list of 10 facts that they learned from reading the book. Have them write the facts in complete sentences, and be sure that each fact is something that they didn’t know before they read the book.

33. Cereal Box TV Book Report

This book report project is a low-tech version of a television made from a cereal box and two paper towel rolls. Students create the viewing screen cut-out at the top, then insert a scroll of paper with writing and illustrations inside the box. When the cardboard roll is rotated, the story unfolds.

34. Be a Character Therapist

Therapists work to uncover their clients’ fears based on their words and actions. When we read books, we must learn to use a character’s actions and dialogue to infer their fears. Many plots revolve around a character’s fear and the work it takes to overcome that fear. Ask students to identify a character’s fear and find 8 to 10 scenes that prove this fear exists. Then have them write about ways the character overcame the fear (or didn’t) in the story. What might the character have done differently?

35. Mind Maps

Mind maps can be a great way to synthesize what students have learned from reading a book. Plus, there are so many ways to approach them. Begin by writing a central idea in the middle of the page. For example, general information, characters, plot, etc. Then branch out from the center with ideas, thoughts, and connections to material from the book.

36. Foldables

From Rainbows Within Reach , this clever idea would be a great introduction to writing book reports. Adapt the flap categories for students at different levels. Adjust the number of categories (or flaps) per the needs of your students.

37. Board games

This is a great project if you want your students to develop a little more insight into what they’re reading. Have them think about the elements of their favorite board games and how they can be adapted to fit this assignment. For more, here are step-by-step directions .

38. Comic strips

If you’re looking for creative book report ideas for students who like graphic novels, try comic strips. Include an illustrated cover with the title and author. The pages of the book should retell the story using dialogue and descriptions of the setting and characters. Of course, no comic book would be complete without copious illustrations and thought bubbles.

39. Timeline

Create a timeline using a long roll of butcher paper, a poster board, or index cards taped together. For each event on the timeline, write a brief description of what happens. Add pictures, clip art, word art, and symbols to make the timeline more lively and colorful.

40. Cereal Box

Recycle a cereal box and create a book report Wheaties-style. Decorate all sides of the box with information about the book’s characters, setting, plot, summary, etc.

41. Wanted Poster

Make a “wanted” poster for one of the book’s main characters. Indicate whether they are wanted dead or alive. Include a picture of the character and a description of what the character is “wanted” for, three examples of the character showing this trait, and a detailed account of where the character was last seen.

42. Movie Version

If the book your students have read has been made into a movie, have them write a report about how the versions are alike and different. If the book has not been made into a movie, have them write a report telling how they would make it into a movie, using specific details from the book.

What creative book report ideas did we miss? Come share in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out the most popular kids’ books in every grade..

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Mastering Keywords: Boost Your Book’s Visibility and Sales

Using Keywords to optimize web pages for search engines has been an essential practice for a long time in digital marketing, most especially for ranking on the first page of search engines like Google. This practice is just as important for ranking your book page on online book platforms such as Amazon.

Choosing the right set of keywords for your book on Amazon will increase its visibility. The more visibility, the more sales you make, which means more money in your wallet.

So, if you’re an author looking to sell on Amazon, but don’t know how to get your book in front of the right people, then this article is for you.

What Are Keywords?

Keywords are the words and phrases that make it possible for buyers to find your books on Amazon, Google, and other book platforms. When shoppers are looking for a book to buy on Amazon, they go to the search bar and enter words and phrases related to the type of book they are looking for and hit search. Amazon and other search engines use these words to determine the books that are relevant to the searcher’s query, and show most relevant books in the search results page.

For example, if a searcher types in “billionaire romance books ” into the search bar, search bots will discern that the searcher is interested in romance books that fall under the Romantic Heroes/ Rich & Wealthy category. The books that will show up on page results for such a search query will have keywords like billionaire, rich, wealthy, aristocrat, romance, and others on their book page.

Searchers mentally group and label books using popular themes and terms. Amazon’s algorithm tries to discern the intent of the searcher by seeing the book finding process through the searcher’s eyes.

Keywords make up a critical part of the metadata, which is essential in the discoverability of your book on Amazon . Metadata are the elements of your web page that inform search bots about the content of your book page. They include your book title information, author bio, book description, and on-page keywords.

Furnishing your book’s metadata with the right keywords will attract search bots to your book and help ensure your book will be brought to the attention of buyers when they make queries with words and phrases that are relevant to your subgenre.

Why Are Targeted Keywords so Important?

Search engines connect searchers with content and products using metadata to retrieve information more efficiently. On search engines, every keyword and keyphrase has value, and you must understand how to select keywords that best describe your book.

If your book is about weight loss and someone enters “weight loss” into their web browser, even though he’s not looking for a book specifically, if you’re targeting the right keywords, your book might be shown as a resource to that searcher. You could make a sale by just being in the right place and at the right time.

You must choose precise and relevant search terms. So it is important to research to see which keywords would be most effective for your book. As long as books are being discovered by keywords typed into a website’s search bar, kindle keywords will continue to be a publishers’ most important weapon.

Keywords allow your book to be discovered by shoppers online without the need to run any promotional campaign. They remain an important part of any book marketing strategy on Amazon, the world’s largest book market.

How to Pick the Best Keywords for Your Book

Getting your Amazon book keyword research right is one of the simplest ways to increase your sales. Below are the two methods (and tools) that’ll help you get the most out of your keyword research.

Method #1: Using Amazon’s Search Bar

Check out the category lists and make a list of seed keywords that best describe your book..

For example, if you’re promoting a book on weight loss, the category "health and fitness” will best fit your book on the Amazon store.

Find your relevant category and check out the top-ranked books to see the keywords they are ranking for.

Research the exact words and phrases used by buyers to search for your book.

Like Google and Bing, Amazon is a search engine for people looking for products to buy, including your book! It has a built-in auto-complete tool that enables you to see a drop-down of specific words or phrases just by typing a few characters.

The auto-complete function guesses what you will type into the search bar using the popularity of particular terms from other shoppers typing things into it.

The list of relevant seed keywords you gathered earlier will come in handy.

• To search for keywords, open a new incognito window in your web browser. This ensures your previous browsing habits will not influence the search results that will be displayed for your queries.
• Type in each seed keyword in the search bar, and you’ll see a drop-down list of suggested keywords and keyphrases.
• Keep searching until the search results display similar books to yours.
• The keywords and phrases that return similar books are the ones you will use.
• Write the relevant keywords and phrases down for use in your keyword strings on Kindle Direct Publishing.

Add the keywords into your book metadata.

Now that you have a list of keywords, you can use them in your book metadata. The metadata goes into the fields that the publishing sites use to categorize your book.

On Amazon, you can add up to seven keywords for your book in your KDP dashboard. Each keyword can be over 50 characters. To find the keyword section:

• Click the ellipsis (…) button under the Kindle Ebook Actions menu next to your book.
• Select “Edit eBook details”.
• Find the Keywords section on the page and add relevant keywords from your research.
• When you are done, click “Save and Continue”.

Also, use your keywords in your book title, subtitle, book description, and editorial reviews area. Note that you must only use relevant keywords for your efforts to have any impact, so it’s not about stuffing keywords.

Stuffing keywords can be counterproductive in many ways including:

• Repeating words or phrases to stuff your page with relevant keywords impairs the coherence and quality of your content, creating a bad experience for searchers.
• Using irrelevant keywords on your page in an attempt to rank for as many keywords as possible will have the opposite effect. It will confuse search bots and make it extremely difficult for you to rank for the right keywords.
• Amazon and search engine giants like Google do not like keyword stuffing and your book page or author website can be penalized for it.

This method does not tell you the relevance and competition level of your keywords. It does not tell you how popular they are; it only lets you discover the words that buyers are typing into Amazon to discover books in your subgenre.

If you’d like to discover how popular and competitive your keywords are on Amazon, you’d need a tool like Publisher Rocket. Publisher Rocket will tell you how many people type your keywords into Amazon, giving you an idea of how popular your choice of keywords are among buyers.

Discovering the popularity of your keywords is important because if enough people are not interested in your chosen keywords, you won’t appear in most searches.

It will also show you the level of competition for the keywords. The more competitive a popular keyword is, the more difficult it is for a new book to rank for that keyword. Choosing moderately competitive keywords vastly increases your chances of getting found by buyers.

Method #2: Using Publisher Rocket

If you want to know how popular a keyword is and the level of competition, Publisher Rocket can help you discover that. Publisher Rocket gives each keyword a score from 1 to 100 on how hard it would be for your book to rank for that term.

It takes all the guessing work out of the way, expands, and simplifies the keyword research process for you.

To get started, enter your seed keyword and let the tool find and rate related keywords from Google and Amazon, and then present the results in a table:

• The first column shows the keywords retrieved.
• The number of Competitors shows the number of books using the keyword on Amazon.
• The Average Monthly Earnings column is an estimate of how much the keyword has generated.
• Another column shows you how many times a keyword has been used in searches in both Google and Amazon.
• The Competitive Score column gives you an estimate of the difficulty level. That is, how hard it is to rank your book for that keyword. The score ranges from 1 (easiest) to 100 (hardest).

Use this data to create a list of relevant keywords for your book. The ideal keyword for your book should be one with lots of search volume and a low competitive score. The lower the competitive score, the higher the chances of ranking for that search term. You can group your keywords within the tool or export all data into Excel.

To discover if a certain keyword is making money, type in your keyword and click on the first three books that show up for that keyword. Go to their Amazon Best Seller Rank (ABSR) and copy-paste it into Amazon Bestseller Kindle Calculator. This calculator uses the book’s ABSR to generate estimated sales for the book.

If the results show that the books are not making any money, then it’s either:

• The keyword has a low search volume – resulting in low sales or,
• shoppers who search for that keyword do not find what they were looking for and, eventually, did not buy.

Avoid such keywords. Repeat the process for each of the keywords on your list until you can find keywords that are getting searched and make sales.

Google also has a free keyword research tool you can use to find what people are searching for. And there are other paid tools you can use to achieve more insightful results, such as SEMrush , Ahrefs , and Moz Toolkit .

Book Keywords Best Practices and Things to Avoid

To make it easy for people to find your book on Amazon, you need relevant keywords that accurately match the content in your book. These keywords must also reflect the words searchers are using to look for similar books.

Like any other online platform out there, Amazon attracts its fair share of misuse and abuse of keywords, and as a result, there are strict rules. Amazon has been known to take swift action against books when the use of keyword rules is violated.

Don’t Try to Game the System

Do not choose the name of a competitor’s book or include a popular author in your book description or title. If you do, your book could get removed from the store. Marketing terms like “free” or “on-sale,” “bestselling,” or any other keyword that is referred to as sales rank, including referencing anything unrelated to your book’s content, should be avoided.

Don’t Repeat Keywords

When using keywords in your title, subtitle, category, and other key metadata fields, use them once and don’t repeat them. This may not be the case in traditional SEO, where some repetition can help your rankings. But on Amazon book stores, not that you will get penalized, it just doesn’t help in any way.

Repeating keywords will be a waste of valuable space that can be used for other relevant keywords. Amazon also treats your book title, subtitle, genre, and subgenres as keywords. Make sure you don’t repeat them when filling up the KDP keyword section.

Only Use Relevant Keywords

Before publishing, type your keyword ideas in the search box on Amazon.com. And as you’re typing, you will see a list of words or phrases that match your entry. Like we mentioned earlier, only focus on keywords that return relevant books in your sub-genre.

If you’re not satisfied with the suggestions, refine your search again. Note that keywords can vary by product type and may be different between print books and Kindle eBooks.

Use Keywords in the Most Logical Order

Imagine how you’ll search if you were the customer and organize your keywords to follow that search path.

Amazon has a dedicated page for authors on book keywords best practices . Make sure to check it out to understand their policy better and avoid future hiccups.

Using Keywords on Other Important Book Platforms (Kobo, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble Press, and Google Books)

Whether you’re looking to promote your book on Amazon, Apple Books, or Google Books, the same process applies, and here’s how to go about it:

Find Your Seed Keywords

Seed keywords are the foundation of keyword research. They are the general words that best describe a book’s content.

You need to start by selecting four or five seed keywords that best describe your book. To identify your seed keywords, think about your book. Ask yourself, If you had to describe it to someone in just two or three words, what would you say? If you were a customer browsing book stores, what would you search for? Note these thoughts down.

For example, if your book is about Paranormal Romance, that term would be your first seed keyword. Other seed keywords could be “psychic”, “telepathy”, “vampire”, and “shapeshifter”.

Generate and Build a List of the Most Relevant Keywords

Once you establish the seed keywords, you’ll need to build a wider list by finding related terms. There are tools out there to help you come up with related search terms and phrases.

As we mentioned earlier, SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Google keyword planner , keyword.io , and Moz Toolkit can help you generate and build a wide list of keywords. Make sure to filter the keywords based on volume and difficulty level. Your target should be keywords with high search volume but low difficulty level.

Insert the Keywords into your Book Listings

If you have narrowed down your keywords, it’s time to optimize your listing on these platforms. Whether you’re listing your book on Google books or Apple books, there’s always a title and description field to describe the content of your book.

Use these keywords in the title and the description field so that when people search for the book in your category, you will show up in search results.

How to Optimize Your Author Website for Search Engine Visibility

Publish blog content on the subject matter of your book.

Blogging is one of the most effective ways to promote the visibility of your author website. Search engines love websites that are constantly refreshed with new content and blogging helps you achieve this. It is also a great way to furnish multiple pages of your author website with relevant keywords while also providing value for searchers.

Publish content on topics and trends in your genre that people will love (and therefore might be searching for). For example, if you are a non-fiction author, you can write articles on current trends and events in your niche. You can then tie overarching issues to concepts in your book.

A fiction author can write about themes in your book. You can write exploratory series that go deeper on the backgrounds and quirks of major characters in your book.

Make sure you only publish good, quality content because it’s one thing to get people to your page, it is another to keep them there. If they don’t like what they find, they’ll leave quickly and search engines will notice the pattern. This will negatively impact the ranking of your website in search results.

Use the Keywords in Your Keyword List on Your Website Pages

Use relevant keywords in your page titles, meta description, headings, subheadings, and the body of page content. Your page title and meta description are the two elements that will show up in search results for relevant queries. Make sure they are descriptive and informative enough to convince searchers to check out your author website.

For on-page keywords, use the keywords naturally within the flow of your content. If you overstuff your web page with keywords, you will be penalized by Google.

If your author website is built with WordPress, there are plugins like Yoast SEO and All-In-One SEO that can help you easily add SEO-optimized page titles and meta descriptions. These tools will also help you optimize your page content with the right balance of relevant keywords.

Optimize Your Page URL for SEO

If you have an e-commerce website where you sell your books, it’s important to use a keyword-rich page URL. So, your book URL should be: Domain/ Category/ Keyword.

www.mybook.com/ books/ regency-romance

www.mybook.com/ books/ 654–2/

MOZ’s detailed guide on SEO and Google’s SEO Starter Guide are good online resources for learning more about website SEO best practices.

In Conclusion

With the right book keyword research strategy, you’ll make your book visible to relevant and high-value prospects than ever before.

If you choose the right keywords and include them in your book title, description, and other relevant areas of your book page, you’ll turn that boosted visibility into more sales in little time.

Further Reading

• The Basics of Book Metadata and Keywords
• Choose The Right Categories And Keywords for Your Book
• The Importance of Keywords to Ranking Your Book on Amazon
• How To Choose the Right Kindle Keywords
• Make Your Book More Discoverable with Keywords
• Book Marketing: Improve Your Author Website With Search Engine Optimization
• SEO For Your Author Website

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SEO tips for book authors

It's all about getting found!

Contribute to your book's success, long before it's published. By following a few tips when thinking about your book’s title, its back cover description and unique selling points, you can make sure that potential readers are able to find your finished book.

What do you do when you are searching for information? You probably type a few words into a search engine, such as Bing, Google, Yahoo and others. Apart from paid ads, you are likely to find information at the top of the results list that was optimized for search engine algorithms. 

That’s what we want for your book! Make sure it’s getting found and ranked among the top results.

The most important rule of thumb for writing is: Write for your audience. But remember that today all website content is crawled and indexed by search engines.

You are the content expert. We take care of the technology. 

Search engines rank websites according to a complex algorithm: Over 200 factors can determine the order in which the search results are displayed. That’s why we are constantly optimizing our websites to help search engines crawl and index to make your content as easy to find as possible. 

Here’s how you can help:

Provide keywords for your book: Tips for your keyword research

Create a total of 5-15 relevant keywords that reflect the content of your book and the way readers will search for it. 

You can use so-called keyword tools, but the easiest way is to check e.g. Google’s suggestions and related searches when you start typing your keywords. These six questions will help you determine the users’ search intentions.

• How would I search for the title?
• What kind of result do users expect when searching for these keywords?
• Would my title be a useful addition to the existing search results?
• Are there synonyms or other phrases I should use?
• In which categories/disciplines would you expect to find the title?
• Are there any questions a user could ask that the title answers?

Define a main keyword and integrate it meaningfully into your book title, the USPs, the meta-description and the information text, but avoid excessive use of the keyword. (Pure sequences of words are unpleasant for users to read and are "punished" by lower search engine rankings.) Define additional keywords (relevant general, more specific search phrases, synonyms, variations and abbreviations). 

Checklist for your book title

Your title (and subtitle) should ...

• ideally be no longer than 60 characters and be descriptive so that users know immediately what it is all about. 
• not be too creative or poetic
• answer any questions users may have instead of raising new ones  
• pick up the main keyword or the main keyword phrase
• not be formulated too generally. One-word titles or very generic titles run the risk of drowning in the mass of search results
• be as unique as possible.

Five tips for creating the USPs

You will help optimize the publisher’s marketing efforts by providing a few unique selling points (USPs). Answer the question: Why should I read/buy this book? 

• Write 3-5 short and concise USPs per book.
• Keep them between 60 and 120 characters each. 
• Use only one idea per USP. 
• Remember: The USPs should emphasize the benefits for readers, answer questions instead of asking them, and be formulated as actively as possible. 
• Does your title solve a problem? Then make that clear.

Write a meta-description

Consider the meta-description as a kind of preview of your book’s homepage. 

The meta-description is an HTML tag and its content is usually displayed under the blue clickable link on a search engine’s results list. 

• Do not use quotation marks, as search engines will cut off all descriptions that follow the quotation marks.
• Include the media so that users know it is a book, manual, or reference work.
• Repeating the book title is allowed / recommended.
• Make sure that your meta-description is between 110 and 155 characters long. 

Steps to a useful information text/back cover text

Write an advertising text that offers more than just a summary. 

• Formulate a first sentence that encourages further reading and contains the most important purchase incentive. It is not necessary to describe the topic or field again. 
• Don't be unnecessarily modest. Name the advantages of the book directly instead of just hinting at them. 
• Explain the question your book addresses, but don’t provide the solution – just offer a teaser. 
• Pay attention to the natural use of the appropriate keywords and avoid at all costs turning the text into a mere list of keywords.

Studies have shown that users have different reading habits in print and on a screen. Instead of reading the content of websites word for word, they scan the text for the relevant information only. This means:

• Use lists and enumerations in the appropriate places
• Write a description with a length of 200 to 300 words and split the text into several paragraphs.
• Include keyword phrases within the text in the form of questions and answers. 

Last but not least: Your biography

We recommend following these five tips when writing your author biography. 

• A good reputation counts: Make it clear why you are an expert on the subject. 
• If necessary, refer to your previous publications in a similar area. 
• Be sure to write different biographies when publishing in different subject areas. 
• Limit yourself to the essentials. It is not necessary to reproduce your complete CV. 
• With an interesting detail from your non-scientific life you can loosen up the biography and make yourself more accessible to the readers. 

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Title, Abstract and Keywords

The importance of titles.

The title of your manuscript is usually the first introduction readers (and reviewers) have to your work. Therefore, you must select a title that grabs attention, accurately describes the contents of your manuscript, and makes people want to read further.

An effective title should:

• Convey the  main topics  of the study
• Highlight the  importance  of the research
• Be  concise
• Attract  readers

Writing a good title for your manuscript can be challenging. First, list the topics covered by the manuscript. Try to put all of the topics together in the title using as few words as possible. A title that is too long will seem clumsy, annoy readers, and probably not meet journal requirements.

Does Vaccinating Children and Adolescents with Inactivated Influenza Virus Inhibit the Spread of Influenza in Unimmunized Residents of Rural Communities?

This title has too many unnecessary words.

Influenza Vaccination of Children: A Randomized Trial

This title doesn’t give enough information about what makes the manuscript interesting.

Effect of Child Influenza Vaccination on Infection Rates in Rural Communities: A Randomized Trial This is an effective title. It is short, easy to understand, and conveys the important aspects of the research.

Think about why your research will be of interest to other scientists. This should be related to the reason you decided to study the topic. If your title makes this clear, it will likely attract more readers to your manuscript. TIP: Write down a few possible titles, and then select the best to refine further. Ask your colleagues their opinion. Spending the time needed to do this will result in a better title.

Abstract and Keywords

The Abstract is:

• A  summary  of the content of the journal manuscript
• A time-saving  shortcut  for busy researchers
• A guide to the most important parts of your manuscript’s written content

Many readers will only read the Abstract of your manuscript. Therefore, it has to be able to  stand alone . In most cases the abstract is the only part of your article that appears in indexing databases such as Web of Science or PubMed and so will be the most accessed part of your article; making a good impression will encourage researchers to read your full paper.

A well written abstract can also help speed up the peer-review process. During peer review, referees are usually only sent the abstract when invited to review the paper. Therefore, the abstract needs to contain enough information about the paper to allow referees to make a judgement as to whether they have enough expertise to review the paper and be engaging enough for them to want to review it.

Your Abstract should answer these questions about your manuscript:

• What was done?
• Why did you do it?
• What did you find?
• Why are these findings useful and important?

Answering these questions lets readers know the most important points about your study, and helps them decide whether they want to read the rest of the paper. Make sure you follow the proper journal manuscript formatting guidelines when preparing your abstract.

TIP: Journals often set a maximum word count for Abstracts, often 250 words, and no citations. This is to ensure that the full Abstract appears in indexing services.

Keywords  are a tool to help indexers and search engines find relevant papers. If database search engines can find your journal manuscript, readers will be able to find it too. This will increase the number of people reading your manuscript, and likely lead to more citations.

However, to be effective, Keywords must be chosen carefully. They should:

• Represent  the content of your manuscript
• Be  specific  to your field or sub-field

Manuscript title:  Direct observation of nonlinear optics in an isolated carbon nanotube

Poor keywords:  molecule, optics, lasers, energy lifetime

Better keywords:  single-molecule interaction, Kerr effect, carbon nanotubes, energy level structure

Manuscript title:  Region-specific neuronal degeneration after okadaic acid administration Poor keywords:  neuron, brain, OA (an abbreviation), regional-specific neuronal degeneration, signaling

Better keywords:  neurodegenerative diseases; CA1 region, hippocampal; okadaic acid; neurotoxins; MAP kinase signaling system; cell death

Manuscript title:  Increases in levels of sediment transport at former glacial-interglacial transitions

Poor keywords:  climate change, erosion, plant effects Better keywords:  quaternary climate change, soil erosion, bioturbation

Back │ Next

How To Choose Keywords For KDP (Complete Guide)

Are you an author who’s struggling to get your books noticed on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)? Are you tired of being buried under a sea of other books and want to stand out from the crowd? Well, don’t panic! In this article, I’m going to share with you the secrets of how to choose keywords for KDP that will help your book get discovered by readers. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s get started!

Choosing the right keywords is crucial for the success of your Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) book. Keywords help readers find your book when they search for specific topics or genres. In this article, we will discuss some tips on how to choose effective keywords for your KDP book.

Understanding the Importance of Keywords for KDP

As an author, getting your book in front of readers is just as important as writing it. The solution lies in selecting the right keywords for your book.

Choosing the Right Keywords

To choose the right keywords for your book, it’s essential to understand your book’s genre and target audience. Relevant keywords will help your book appear higher in search results, making it more visible to potential readers.

Researching Popularity and Competition

It’s important to research the popularity and competition of potential keywords. Amazon’s search bar can give you an idea of how many books come up when you search for a particular keyword. Google’s Keyword Planner can show you how many people are searching for a particular keyword each month and how competitive it is.

Accurate Keyword Descriptions

It’s crucial to choose keywords that accurately describe your book to avoid misleading readers. Looking at the keywords that your competitors are using can help you select accurate keywords that make your book visible to potential readers.<h3>Regularly Reviewing and Updating Keywords</h3>

Selecting keywords is not a one-time event; it should be done regularly to ensure that they’re still relevant and effective. As your book gains more reviews and popularity, some keywords may become more or less effective.

Choosing the right keywords for KDP is essential to make your book visible to potential readers. By understanding your book’s genre and audience, researching keyword popularity and competition, choosing accurate keywords, and regularly reviewing and updating them, you can increase your book’s visibility and attract more readers.

Conducting Keyword Research for KDP

As an author, you want your book to be easily discoverable by potential readers. One way to achieve this is by choosing the right keywords for your book. Keywords are the words or phrases that people use to search for books on Amazon. By selecting the right keywords, you can increase the visibility of your book and attract more readers.

Conducting keyword research for KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) is an essential step in the publishing process. It involves identifying the keywords that are relevant to your book and have a high search volume. Here are some tips on how to choose keywords for KDP.

1. Brainstorm relevant keywords

The first step in conducting keyword research is to brainstorm relevant keywords. Think about the topics and themes that your book covers. What words or phrases would someone use to search for a book on that topic? Make a list of all the keywords that come to mind.

2. Use Amazon’s search bar

Amazon’s search bar is a powerful tool for conducting keyword research. Start typing in a keyword related to your book, and Amazon will suggest other related keywords. These suggestions are based on what people are actually searching for on Amazon. Take note of the keywords that are relevant to your book and have a high search volume.

3. Use keyword research tools

There are several keyword research tools available that can help you identify relevant keywords for your book. Some popular tools include Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Ahrefs. These tools provide data on the search volume and competition for different keywords. Use this data to identify keywords that have a high search volume but low competition.

4. Analyze your competition

Take a look at the books that are similar to yours and see what keywords they are using. You can do this by searching for your book’s category on Amazon and analyzing the top-ranking books. Take note of the keywords that they are using in their book title, subtitle, and description. Use these keywords as inspiration for your own keyword research.

5. Use long-tail keywords

Long-tail keywords are longer phrases that are more specific than single keywords. For example, “romantic comedy set in Paris” is a long-tail keyword. Long-tail keywords are less competitive than single keywords and can help you attract more targeted traffic to your book. Use long-tail keywords that are relevant to your book and have a high search volume.

6. Test and refine your keywords

Once you have identified a list of relevant keywords, it’s time to test them out. Use these keywords in your book title, subtitle, and description. Monitor your book’s performance and see which keywords are driving the most traffic and sales. Refine your keyword strategy based on this data and continue to test and refine your keywords over time.

In conclusion, choosing the right keywords for your book is essential for increasing its visibility and attracting more readers. Conducting keyword research for KDP involves brainstorming relevant keywords, using Amazon’s search bar, using keyword research tools, analyzing your competition, using long-tail keywords, and testing and refining your keywords over time. By following these tips, you can choose the right keywords for your book and increase its chances of success on Amazon.

Analyzing Competitor Keywords for KDP

As an author, choosing the right keywords for your Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) book is crucial to its success. Keywords are the words or phrases that readers use to search for books on Amazon, and they play a significant role in determining whether your book will be discovered by potential readers. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right keywords that will help your book rank higher in Amazon’s search results.

One effective way to choose the right keywords for your KDP book is by analyzing your competitor’s keywords. This involves researching the keywords that your competitors are using and determining which ones are most effective. Here are some steps to follow when analyzing competitor keywords for KDP:

Step 1: Identify your competitors

The first step in analyzing competitor keywords is to identify your competitors. These are authors who have published books in the same genre or niche as yours. You can find your competitors by searching for books in your genre on Amazon and looking at the top-ranking books.

Step 2: Research their keywords

Once you have identified your competitors, the next step is to research their keywords. You can do this by using Amazon’s search bar and typing in the title of your competitor’s book. Amazon will then display a list of related keywords that readers have used to search for that book. You can also use keyword research tools such as Google Keyword Planner or Book Bolt to find more keywords.

Step 3: Analyze the effectiveness of their keywords

After researching your competitor’s keywords, the next step is to analyze their effectiveness. This involves looking at the keywords that are ranking high in Amazon’s search results and determining which ones are driving the most traffic to their books. You can use tools such as Google Analytics or Book Bolt to track the traffic and sales generated by each keyword.

Step 4: Choose the most effective keywords

Based on your analysis, choose the most effective keywords that your competitors are using and incorporate them into your book’s metadata. Metadata includes your book’s title, subtitle, description, and author name. Make sure to use these keywords naturally and avoid keyword stuffing, which can result in Amazon penalizing your book.

In conclusion, analyzing competitor keywords is an effective way to choose the right keywords for your KDP book. By researching your competitor’s keywords, analyzing their effectiveness, and choosing the most effective ones, you can increase your book’s visibility and attract more readers. Remember to use these keywords naturally and avoid keyword stuffing to ensure that your book ranks higher in Amazon’s search results.

Choosing Relevant and Specific Keywords for KDP

As an author, one of the most important aspects of publishing a book on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is choosing the right keywords. Keywords are the words or phrases that readers use to search for books on Amazon. Choosing relevant and specific keywords can help your book reach the right audience and increase its visibility on the platform. In this article, we will discuss how to choose keywords for KDP.

The first step in choosing keywords for KDP is to brainstorm a list of potential keywords. Start by thinking about the genre and topic of your book. What words or phrases would someone use to search for a book like yours? Make a list of these keywords and phrases.

Next, use Amazon’s search bar to see what other books come up when you type in your keywords. This will give you an idea of what other authors are using for their keywords and what kind of competition you will be up against. Look at the titles and descriptions of these books to see if there are any other keywords you could add to your list.

Once you have a list of potential keywords, it’s time to narrow it down to the most relevant and specific ones. Avoid using broad keywords that are too general, as they will likely have a lot of competition. Instead, focus on specific keywords that accurately describe your book and its content.

One way to do this is to use long-tail keywords. Long-tail keywords are longer phrases that are more specific and targeted. For example, instead of using the keyword “romance,” you could use “historical romance set in the 1800s.” This will help your book stand out from the competition and reach readers who are specifically looking for that type of book.

Another way to choose relevant and specific keywords is to think about your target audience. Who is your book written for? What kind of language and terminology would they use to search for a book like yours? Use this information to choose keywords that will resonate with your target audience and help them find your book.

It’s also important to consider the search volume and competition for each keyword. You want to choose keywords that have a decent search volume but aren’t too competitive. This will give your book a better chance of ranking higher in search results. You can use tools like Google AdWords Keyword Planner or KDP Rocket to research the search volume and competition for your keywords.

Finally, don’t forget to include your author name and book title as keywords. This will help readers who are specifically searching for your book find it more easily.

In conclusion, choosing relevant and specific keywords is crucial for the success of your book on KDP. Start by brainstorming a list of potential keywords, then narrow it down to the most relevant and specific ones. Use long-tail keywords, consider your target audience, and research the search volume and competition for each keyword. By following these tips, you can choose the right keywords for your book and increase its visibility on Amazon.

Optimizing Keywords for KDP Success

As an author, you know that choosing the right keywords is crucial for the success of your book on Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform. Keywords are the words or phrases that readers use to search for books on Amazon, and they play a significant role in determining whether your book will be visible to potential readers or not. In this article, we will discuss how to choose keywords for KDP and optimize them for success.

The first step in choosing keywords for KDP is to brainstorm a list of potential keywords that are relevant to your book. Think about the genre, theme, and subject matter of your book and come up with a list of words and phrases that readers might use to search for books like yours. You can also use Amazon’s search bar to see what keywords come up when you type in relevant words or phrases.

Once you have a list of potential keywords, it’s time to narrow it down to the most relevant and effective ones. Look for keywords that have a high search volume but low competition. This means that many people are searching for that keyword, but there aren’t many books that are using that keyword in their title, subtitle, or description. Using these keywords will increase the chances of your book being seen by potential readers.

Another important factor to consider when choosing keywords for KDP is relevance. Your keywords should accurately reflect the content of your book. If your book is about gardening, for example, using keywords like “cooking” or “travel” will not be effective. Make sure that your keywords are specific to your book and accurately describe what readers can expect to find inside.

It’s also important to consider the length of your keywords. Shorter keywords are generally more competitive, while longer keywords are more specific and targeted. Using a combination of both short and long-tail keywords can be effective in reaching a wider audience while still being specific to your book.

Once you have chosen your keywords, it’s time to optimize them for success on KDP. This means using them strategically in your book’s title, subtitle, and description. Your title should include your most important and relevant keywords, while your subtitle can include additional keywords or expand on the theme of your book.

Your book description is also an important place to use your keywords. Make sure that your description accurately reflects the content of your book and includes your most important keywords. Use your keywords naturally and avoid stuffing them into your description in a way that feels forced or unnatural.

In addition to using keywords in your book’s metadata, you can also use them in your marketing efforts. When promoting your book on social media or in advertising, use your keywords in your posts and ads to increase visibility and reach a wider audience.

In conclusion, choosing the right keywords is crucial for the success of your book on KDP. Take the time to brainstorm a list of potential keywords, narrow it down to the most relevant and effective ones, and optimize them strategically in your book’s metadata and marketing efforts. By following these tips, you can increase the visibility of your book and reach a wider audience on Amazon’s KDP platform.

In conclusion, choosing the right keywords for KDP can be the difference between your book being a bestseller or getting lost in the vast sea of books on the platform. Remember to research popular keywords in your genre, use long-tail keywords, and include relevant keywords in your book’s title, subtitle, and description. Don’t forget to also use keyword tools to find new and relevant keywords to target. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to increasing your book’s visibility and sales on KDP. How to choose keywords for KDP has never been easier!

• Can You Make Money On K d p
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• Can I Sell My KDP Books on Etsy (The Truth)
• Is KDP Profitable In 2023 And Is KDP Worth It?
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Make Your Book More Discoverable with Keywords

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How to add and update keywords

Best practices, useful keyword types, keywords to avoid, other metadata and keyword tips.

• Sign in to KDP .
• Go to your Bookshelf and click the ellipsis button ("…") under the KINDLE EBOOK ACTIONS , PAPERBACK ACTIONS , or HARDCOVER ACTIONS menu next to your book.
• Select Edit Details for your book format.
• Under the Keywords section, add/edit your keywords.
• Go to the bottom of the page, and click Save and Continue .
• Once you reach the book Pricing page, click the Publish button at the bottom of the page.
• Combine keywords in the most logical order. Customers search for "military science fiction" but probably not for "fiction science military"
• Use up to seven keywords or short phrases. Keep an eye on the character limit in the text field
• Before publishing, search using keywords you’re considering on Amazon. If you get irrelevant or unsatisfying results, make some changes. When searching, look at the suggestions that appear in the "Search" field drop down
• Think like a reader. Imagine how you'd search if you were a customer
• Setting (Colonial America)
• Character types (single dad, veteran)
• Character roles (strong female lead)
• Plot themes (coming of age, forgiveness)
• Story tone (dystopian, feel-good)
• Information covered elsewhere in your book's metadata (title, contributors, etc.)
• Words already mentioned in your book categories (e.g. 19th Century History)
• Subjective claims about quality (e.g. "best novel ever")
• Time-sensitive statements ("new," "on sale," "available now")
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Librarians say they face threats, lawsuits, jail fears over ongoing book battles

Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a law restricting book access for minors.

Librarians across the country say they’ve become targets in the ongoing battles over books – but the attacks have escalated beyond just calls to remove materials from library shelves.

Several librarians told ABC News they’re facing threats of physical violence, lawsuits and criminal charges for having what some say is “inappropriate” content in libraries and schools where children can access the materials.

“We had people threatening to burn down our building,” said Maegan Hanson, a library director in a small Idaho town.

Hanson’s library had a book on display called “Gender Queer,” a graphic novel by Maia Kobabe. It’s one of the most targeted books in the country because of its LGBTQ content and depictions of sex.

When parts of the book were posted to Facebook, Hanson said the library began receiving online threats. She said fear began to set in among the small crew who work at the library – some of whom are teens and young adults.

“We are in this service because we love the communities that we are a part of and the misinformation and the misrepresentation about what we do hasn't stopped us from doing our jobs – it just makes it harder,” Hanson said.

The Idaho Library Association, which Hanson is a part of, is concerned that tensions and threats will only get worse now that Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed library content restrictions into law on Wednesday.

House Bill 710 bars schools or public libraries from making materials available to children that are “harmful to minors,” “depict nudity, sexual conduct, or sado-masochistic abuse,” or include “detailed verbal descriptions or narrative accounts of sexual excitement, sexual conduct, or sado-masochistic abuse.”

The law states these books would need to be moved to an “adults only section,” and allows anyone to sue if schools and libraries don’t restrict access to books that are believed to be harmful to children.

“For children, libraries open doors to reading and intellectual exploration, helping them become lifelong learners. It’s no wonder the vast majority of Idahoans say they value libraries and trust librarians,” said Little in his letter after signing the law.

“I share the cosponsors’ desire to keep truly inappropriate library materials out of the hands of minors,” said Little, adding that he also has concerns about the content on minors' cellphones.

Little vetoed previous efforts to restrict library content, saying past legislation would have forced libraries to shutter their doors by forcing them to pay $2,500 for damages if they made “obscene” materials accessible.

HB710 will make libraries pay $250, on top of other incurred fees or damages, if they violate the law. Little said he was moved to sign HB710 because it also allowed librarians to avoid legal action and fees if they addressed concerns about materials in a certain time frame.

In Little’s letter, he states that literacy is still a top priority for him: “Libraries play such a crucial role in helping our youngsters to read early on.”

For the small libraries of Idaho, directors say hundreds of dollars in lawsuits over books could come at the expense of some library resources and education programming – including early literacy programs, technology support, access to case workers and more.

Hanson’s library had a total operating income of $279,452 in 2021 for the year’s staffing and programming, according to the Idaho Commission for Libraries.

“We have a high poverty population in Idaho and various rural communities, so for these people who are lacking in resources, this content is important," Hanson said.

MORE: Report: LGBTQ content drove book banning efforts in 2023

Supporters of HB710 argue it’s just a book relocation policy and should not impact libraries that don't have "inappropriate" content or properly move content out of sections for people under 18.

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But some librarians fear that a plethora of material could fall victim to this definition of obscene content, including classical pieces of literature and other popular books, and lead to censorship.

“There's absolutely going to be the chilling effect of people being so afraid of ordering or having any sort of book that could possibly offend somebody,” said Huda Shaltry, a library director in Boise, Idaho.

“A well-curated public library has something in it to offend everyone,” she said, explaining that having a diverse collection with a wide range of perspectives and subjects available to all is vital to a public library system that serves all.

“[Book restrictions are] very directed to the LGBTQIA+ community but, ultimately, you can make the argument that the Bible’s offensive. There goes the Bible,” Hanson said. “‘50 Shades of Grey,’ OK, it's offensive. ‘Game of Thrones,’ it’s offensive. Where exactly does it stop? ‘Harry Potter,’ it's offensive because it teaches witchcraft – It really impedes on people's First Amendment rights.”

Several renowned, award-winning books have been added to banned books lists for being “offensive,” including “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck, “The Handmaid's Tale” by Margaret Atwood and more, according to the American Library Association.

What some might find offensive, Shaltry and Hanson argue, could be helpful to someone else – be it about representation, sexuality, experience with abuse, or other topics, they say.

Shaltry, who says “being a librarian is a calling and not a career” for her, said critics have made hurtful claims and accusations about librarians for displaying content that may contain sex education or sexual content.

“I'm trying not to cry,” said Shaltry in an interview. “The words of being a pedophile and a groomer or stuff – I never thought that I would ever hear any of this stuff.”

MORE: School culture wars push students to form banned book clubs, anti-censorship groups

Idaho librarians aren’t alone in their challenges – local reports show that libraries nationwide have received bomb threats , others say they’ve been fired for not removing certain books from shelves, and others have been defunded because of content and programming.

​​West Virginia libraries are also facing growing challenges.

If the state’s House Bill 4654 becomes law, employees could be charged with a felony, fined up to $25,000, and sentenced to up to five years in a correctional facility if found guilty of allowing a minor to access material that could be what the state considers to be "obscene.”

"What this bill does do is stop obscene and pornographic material, sexually explicit materials from being available to children in public taxpayer-funded spaces," said State Delegate Elliott Pritt, a Republican, in a February hearing, according to The Parkersburg News and Sentinel.

The president of the American Library Association has denounced such legislative efforts, calling it “organized censorship.”

"Falsely claiming that these works are subversive, immoral, or worse, these groups induce elected and non-elected officials to abandon constitutional principles, ignore the rule of law, and disregard individual rights to promote government censorship of library collections," ALA said in a statement objecting to such restrictions.

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Here Are the Most Targeted Books of 2023

Amid a nationwide surge in book bans, memoirs and novels that deal with the experiences of L.G.B.T.Q. people or explore race received the most challenges.

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By Elizabeth A. Harris

The most challenged books in the United States in 2023 continued to focus on the experiences of L.G.B.T.Q. people or explore themes of race, according to a report released Monday by the American Library Association.

Amid an explosion of books bans across the country, the association counted more than 4,200 challenged titles , which is the most in a single year since it began tracking this information more than two decades ago. In the years leading up 2021, when the increase really took off, the average number of titles challenged in a given year was about 275, according to the library association.

“More and more, we’re seeing challenges that say, simply, This book has a gay character, or, This book deals with L.G.B.T.Q. themes, even if it has no sexuality in it,” said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, the director of the American Library Association’s office for intellectual freedom. “We’re seeing those naked attacks on simply the visibility of and knowledge about L.G.B.T.Q. lives and experiences.”

Traditionally, books were challenged when individual parents raised concerns about a specific book their child had encountered in school, and libraries have long had processes in place so that parents could prevent their children from borrowing books they consider inappropriate.

But organized groups have led the charge in this escalation, challenging large batches of titles and circulating lists online — sometimes including dozens or even hundreds of books — to encourage parents and others to seek them out at their local libraries en masse.

Parents and organizers who have pushed to remove certain titles say they are trying to protect children from stumbling on books that are explicit or inappropriate for their age.

Increasingly, Caldwell-Stone said, these challenges are taking place not only in school libraries but in public libraries as well. According to the library association’s report, 54 percent of the challenges they tracked took place in public libraries.

The report also highlighted efforts to counter book challenges. Some local elections and initiatives have come out against those trying to restrict access to books, federal legislators have held hearings on the subject and those who oppose restricting access to certain books have had some legal victories.

Here are the 10 most challenged books of 2023, along with the reasons they were targeted. Several, including “Gender Queer,” “The Bluest Eye” and “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” have been among the most frequently challenged in previous years.

1. “Gender Queer,” by Maia Kobabe

An illustrated memoir by Kobabe, who is nonbinary, was challenged because it contained L.G.B.T.Q. content and was called sexually explicit.

2. “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by George M. Johnson

This memoir about the joys and challenges of growing up Black and queer was challenged because of L.G.B.T.Q. content and because it was considered sexually explicit.

3. “This Book is Gay,” by Juno Dawson

A nonfiction book that explores growing as an L.G.B.T.Q. person and includes topics like sex and stereotypes, this was challenged because it included L.G.B.T.Q. content, which was considered sexually explicit.

4. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” by Stephen Chbosky

This best-selling book for young adults is about a high school freshman in the suburbs in the 1990s. It was challenged for its L.G.B.T.Q. content, as well as its inclusion of profanity, drugs and rape.

5. “Flamer,” by Mike Curato

“Flamer,” a graphic novel for young adults that draws on the author’s own experience, is about a child at Boy Scout camp who is coming to terms with being gay. It was challenged for L.G.B.T.Q. content and for being sexually explicit.

6. “The Bluest Eye,” by Toni Morrison

This was Morrison’s 1970 debut, and follows a Black girl who wishes for blue eyes so she will fit the standards of conventional white beauty. The book also address racism and sexual abuse. It was challenged for its inclusion of rape and incest and because its content was seen as promoting equity, diversity and inclusion.

Tie: “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” by Jesse Andrews

A best seller about high school students, this novel was challenged because of profanity and because it was deemed sexually explicit.

Tie: “Tricks,” by Ellen Hopkins

This novel, about teenagers who fall into prostitution, was challenged for being sexually explicit and including drugs, rape and L.G.B.T.Q. content.

9. “Let’s Talk About It,” by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan

A graphic novel about sex and relationships, this was challenged for being sexually explicit and including L.G.B.T.Q. content.

10. “Sold,” by Patricia McCormick

This National Book Award finalist is about a 13-year-old girl who is sold into prostitution. It was challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and included depictions of rape.

An earlier version of this article misstated a title of one of the targeted books. It is “This Book Is Gay,” not “The Book Is Gay.”

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Learn How Prevention Works: TVTP Grant Programs Produce Results, Build on Progress

The Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program has funded nearly 150 distinct projects over its four-year history. These projects brought education, training, and new TVTP approaches to thousands of people across the country.

View the latest set of grantee-authored closeout reports , external evaluation reports , and grantee project webpages on the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3)’s TVTP Grantee Results website as part of our commitment to transparency and sharing best practices and resources with the TVTP community. CP3 continues to add resources quarterly, so be sure to visit the website regularly.

Grantees are required to submit closeout reports following completion of their program’s two-year period of performance. Closeout reports summarize the program’s overall goals and objectives, key accomplishments, deliverables, along with challenges and lessons learned.

In addition, the DHS Science and Technology Directorate contracts an independent evaluator to conduct in-depth evaluations of a subset of grantees for each grant period. These evaluations provide extensive review of the TVTP Grant Program’s outputs and outcomes.

Evaluations for the Fiscal Year 2020 programs are now available online, along with an overall evaluation of the TVTP Grant Program. This report notes CP3’s success in, and the continued importance of, creating connections among stakeholders, and engaging a range of partners to accomplish TVTP work. Targeted violence and terrorism prevention providers are encouraged to reference these resources and Grantee Results as they build or expand their own programs. This site demonstrates the breadth and depth of TVTP knowledge and understanding built from the work of these grantees.

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