6 Sure-Fire Ways to Improve Your Book
After you’ve finished editing your manuscript, you’re finding ways to improve your book? That’s great! Most of the time, adding visual effects such as infographics and pull-out quotes is all it takes to take your written work to the next level. These added elements are performed during the book formatting process. Christian readers enjoy the added value these elements provide to their reading experience.
Here is a list of special elements you can add to your manuscript to make it better than you had envisioned. With all the new Christian books that get published each day, these tips will help make your book stand out. The ultimate goal is to capture your reader’s attention in the most engaging way while making sure the information you provide will stick. If you would like to read more about formatting, see the related article What is book formatting?
Tip #1: Add images
Humans are highly visual. Since 65% of the population are considered visual learners, it is wise to consider adding images to your Christian book to emphasize your topic. Experts suggest that humans have a striking characteristic called the Picture Superiority Effect where we remember images better than words. So adding images to your manuscript is very helpful in capturing your reader’s attention while keeping the information in their memory. Additional tip: Images with words (or captions) are remembered even better.
Tip #2: Use infographics
Sometimes a lengthy paragraph that can drag your readers to boredom (i.e. when discussing statistics, timelines, or processes) can be presented in a better manner that’s entertaining and comprehensible. Human brains process visual information 60,000 times faster than text. By using visual diagrams, graphs, tables, or charts, you can express your ideas elegantly in a way that’s easier to understand.
Tip #3: Highlight important ideas using pull-out quotes
Pull-out quotes, or those big blocks of text that float on a page, are a great way to emphasize an idea to your readers. Pull-out quotes also serve as beautiful typographical reminders your Christian readers will appreciate.
Tip #4: Add footnotes or endnotes
An idea can be explained in a more detailed manner by using footnotes where you can add additional explanations or comment about a topic. While some use footnotes or endnotes as a reference guide for your readers, utilizing their functionality to your advantage can make your book more engaging and enlightening.
Tip #5: Make reading easy with glossary and index sections
Navigating through a book can be daunting, especially if your readers face new ideas and concepts. A glossary section is a great tool to make reading easier by helping your readers comprehend your message better. Adding an index section at the end of your book serves a similar function—making it easier for your readers to find specific concepts in your book.
Tip #6: Hire a professional designer
Considering the pros and cons of DIY book design and formatting, hiring a professional designer with an excellent reputation is a sure way to take your book to the next level. Providing valuable insights and experience, professionals know all the nuts and bolts to make your manuscript look great while helping you maximize your book sales and reach a wider audience.
Our team of book designers and formatters at Formatted Books collected this list. We have designed hundreds of self-published Christian books by Christian authors. These special elements you add to your book can help you engage your readers more effectively by up to 400%.
About the Author:
FormattedBooks is a book design company for independent authors. Specializing in book interior formatting, we make books stand out inside and out. Trusted by hundreds of self-publishing authors in making their dreams a reality. FormattedBooks is where authors go pro. Learn more about what we do at www.formattedbooks.com
