Newsletter Sign Up

How to Write a Research Proposal (Step-by-Step)

Posted on by Tanvi Sarnaik

Writing a research proposal is a fundamental part of the journey of any student who is serious about pursuing research in an area of their interest. While some begin their research journey with their master’s thesis, others take the first step into the world of research when applying for a PhD.

Whether you are writing a research proposal for a conference or seminar or to submit to a prospective supervisor, it is essential to lay out a clear road map of your envisioned research objectives.

Here is a step-by-step guide to writing and structuring a research proposal that is bound to impress!

Get Your Research Proposal Professionally Edited Today! Learn More

What is a research proposal

To put it very simply, a research proposal is a preview of your proposed area of research. It is important to highlight an existing research gap in your area of interest and elaborate on how you intend to bridge it with your research. It must present your work as new and path-breaking—the more unique it is, the greater the chance of acceptance.

Research proposals are usually written by students and academics applying for research degrees or submitting papers to journals or conferences, and grant applicants who hope to receive financial aid for their research.

Either way, there is a panel of experts to impress, and so it is important that your research proposal is clear, well thought-out, and coherently structured.

How to choose and refine a research topic

Choosing a suitable research topic depends on a variety of factors. Firstly, if you already have a few colleges/universities narrowed down, it would be a good idea to check out the resources and priorities of the department that most closely aligns with your area of interest.

Most university websites also provide a list of their faculty with a record of their areas of interest and publications—if you find one who seems aligned to your area of interest, it would be a good idea to get in touch via email and inquire if they are open to accepting candidates as potential research scholars. 

Once you have selected your general area of interest, here are some steps you can follow to refine your research topic:

  1. Read existing literature and research and identify a research gap.
  2. Identify broad themes within your topic and shape them into answerable questions—what is it that you seek to find/solve/prove through your research?
  3. Given your/the university’s location, amount of time available, accessibility and availability of data, and current skillset, would this topic be a feasible one?

Suppose you are able to find satisfactory answers to all these questions, well done! You are ready to begin writing your research proposal.

Also Read: What is a Research Proposal: A Detailed Guide

Writing tips for a strong proposal

When writing a research proposal, it is important to follow certain writing guidelines to ensure the best possible impact.

  1. Check out the website/brochure of the funder or department you are applying to—usually, a certain format or style guide is mentioned. Following their guidelines would increase the chances of their viewing your application.
  2. Be specific, measurable, and feasible. It is important to communicate clearly and succinctly what your research goals are, the time and logistics involved, and their feasibility.
  3. Use active voice and clear signposting. Provide a route map to your research and the ways in which you intend to achieve your goals.
  4. Elucidate the aims of your research and identify corresponding methods and expected outcomes in a clear and accessible manner.

How to write a research proposal

Research Proposal Outline

1. How to write an introduction for a research proposal

  •  Your introduction must provide a brief insight into your research topic.
  • Mention the identified research gap and why this particular area of study is important.
  • Briefly outline your research objectives and how you intend to achieve them.

2. How to write an abstract for a research proposal

  • The abstract functions as a preview of the research paper.
  • It must contain the research question you have identified and examine why you have chosen it, citing the research gap in this field.
  • You must briefly highlight the methodologies you intend to use.
  • Finally, cite the keywords that appear in the abstract that will provide a quick understanding of its major themes.

3. How to write a literature review for a research proposal

  • The literature review involves a detailed survey of existing research in the area you have chosen. 
  • This literature could serve as a potential reference in your research.
  • It could also help you identify a research gap that you can fill.
  • You can arrange it either thematically or chronologically. 
  • You must explain how this existing literature ties in with your own research and will help you.

4. How to write a methodology section for a research proposal

  • Clearly identify and outline the methods you intend to use that align with your study and how they will help you to achieve your goals in an attainable manner.
  • Elaborate on existing methodologies (eg, ethnographic study) and explain how you intend to use them in your study.
  • Identify existing theories that can be applied to your study and how you can analyse your research through this theoretical framework.

5. How to write a conclusion for a research proposal

  • Sum up by reinforcing the purpose of your study and how your research will be a valuable contribution to this field.
  • Reinforce your research gap and explain how your research has adequately filled it.
  • Consider mentioning some areas with scope for future researchers could work on.
Also Read: A Guide on How to Write an Abstract for a Research Paper

Common mistakes to avoid

Here are some common mistakes that could take away from the credibility of your proposal:

1. Lack of clarity: A vague research question, weak methodology, and overambitious scope will make your proposal seem flimsy and impractical.

2. Outdated or thin literature review: Having an outdated or inadequate literature review would present you in a negative light, as it would seem as if you have not done your research adequately.

3. Ignoring ethics or feasibility: This could be a major concern when it comes to the practical aspects of your research, especially when a lack of resources and plagiarism are major issues in the academic domain.

Formatting and submission checklist

Before you submit your research proposal, here are some final points to keep in mind:

1. Ensure you have an adequate word count. On average, research proposals are a minimum of 3000–4000 words long.

2. Whether MLA, Chicago, APA, etc., ensure you have followed the style guide specified by the institution.

3. Ensure that your table/figures, if any, are all properly numbered, captioned, and accounted for.

4. Ensure your file is saved under a clear and professional-sounding name. ‘Title_Author Name’ is the recommended format. 

5. Get your work proofread to ensure you catch any errors before you hit ‘submit’.

6. Run your proposal through a plagiarism checking software such as Grammarly, GPTzero, or Copyscape to ensure your document comes within the required frame of originality. 

7. If possible, ask your supervisor for feedback before submitting your work—an expert opinion always helps.

Examples and mini-templates

Sample Research Question

Your research question should clearly state what you intend to examine and prove over the course of your study. It should be clear, to the point, and not unnecessarily wordy.

Example: How does remote work affect team creativity in SMEs?

Sample Abstract (Short)

An abstract should ideally state your title, outline your aim, analysis, and goals in not more than 200 words, and should also include appropriate keywords.

Title: The Role of Social Media in Shaping Political Opinions Among Young Adults

Abstract:

This research investigates the influence of social media platforms on the political opinions of young adults aged 18–30. Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted surveys (n = 500) and in-depth interviews (n = 20) to explore participants’ exposure to political content online. Findings revealed that 62% of respondents reported significant shifts in their political views due to social media interactions. Qualitative analysis highlighted the role of algorithm-driven content in reinforcing political biases. The study underscores the importance of critical digital literacy in mitigating the impact of social media on political polarization.

Keywords: social media, political opinions, young adults, politics, and social media

Credits: ResearchMethod.net https://researchmethod.net/research-paper-abstract/#google_vignette

One-Page Proposal Outline Template

Now that you know how to write a research question and abstract, here is a one-page proposal outline that will help you get started on your research proposal:

1. Title page: This should have your topic title, name, roll number, name of the university and department, and name of the supervisor.

2. Introduction: Ideally, not more than one page long, your introduction should provide a bird’s-eye view of your research paper, elaborating on the research question, briefly touching upon existing studies in this area, and how yours can fill in an existing gap, what methods you intend to use, and the expected outcome.

3. Research gap and objectives: This section should elaborate on the existing gap in your field, how your research will be a valuable contribution towards filling this gap, and what your objectives are in conducting this research.

4. Literature review: This should provide a list of existing research pertinent to your topic, arranged either chronologically or thematically, along with an explanation of how each paper/book ties in with your own research and will help you.

5. Methodology: This section should elaborate on the research methods you will use, for example, an ethnographic study of a particular community, and the existing theories through which you will analyse your findings.

6. Theoretical framework: Here, you will outline important concepts and variables and propose a defined structure to study and analyse them. This section serves as a blueprint for your research.

7. Hypothesis: This section contains your suppositions regarding your research based on the results of existing findings in the area.

8. Expected Outcome: As the name suggests, this section elaborates on what you expect will be the result of your research. You can support these claims by citing findings from similar/parallel research and stating how present conditions lean towards supporting a particular outcome.

9. Ethical Considerations: The ethics statement provides a detailed account of the ethical considerations and principles that will guide your study. When engaging in research methods, such as interviewing a group of people, it is always important to follow a code of conduct, including maintaining their privacy by changing their names. Identify the principles that will guide your work based on the nature of your research and clearly elucidate the code of conduct you intend to follow.

10. Conclusion: This section is to sum up everything that you have stated in your proposal and reinforce how your research will be an important contribution to this field.

Once you have got all the necessary data in place, it is time to begin writing a research proposal that will come across as clear and organised, and will impress your supervisor. We wish you the best with your academic journey!

PaperTrue offers expert, hassle-free paper editing services that allow you to get your manuscript edited and published by professionals. Check them out!

Here are some more resources:

ISBN Guide 2025: What Is an ISBN and How to Get an ISBN

Posted on by Tanvi Sarnaik

Have you ever seen the back of a book and wondered what the numbers on its barcode are? Those numbers are a code that forms the ISBN. So what does ISBN stand for? It stands for International Standard Book Number. Every book has an ISBN number from which you can identify its registrant and the specific title, edition, and format. 

Getting a book ISBN is a crucial step in every published writer’s journey—regardless of whether they’re opting for self-publishing companies or going through a traditional publishing house. In this article, we deconstruct what is an ISBN, why you should get one for your book, and at what point of the book publishing process you need to do this. 

Increase your book’s global visibility. Get your unique ISBN today!

What is an ISBN? 

The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a uniquely generated number assigned to a published book that acts as a unique identifying number for it.

The ISBN is often used by entities that manage, publish, and distribute books for listing and other logistical purposes. It enables booksellers, publishers, and even readers to find a book with ease. 

After learning about the ISBN meaning, let’s have a look at the parts of an ISBN example:

An infographic titled ISBN showing a sample of ISBN number.

Looking at the components of ISBN barcode, you can understand what is an ISBN on a book and what it looks like. As far as the question of where to find ISBN on book goes, you can typically find the ISBN of a book on the back cover or the copyright page inside the book.

Note: “ISBN number” is commonly used for the International Standard Book Number, but it’s redundant as ISBN already includes “number.” This is like “PIN number” and “ATM machine.” Despite the redundancy, “ISBN number” is well-recognized in publishing.

How to read an ISBN 

An ISBN has 13 digits (since 2007) and has five distinct parts that reveal a key piece of information about the published piece. Every code begins with the letters “ISBN”.

  1. Prefix: The code begins with either the numbers 978 or 979, indicating that the published piece you’re looking at is a book. 
  2. Group identifier: A group or country identifier tells you which country or geographical region of the world the book has been published in. 
  3. Publisher identifier: This section identifies the publisher of the book based on the geographical location and language of the book.
  4. Title identifier: This is a unique code given to identify the title, format, and edition of a book.
  5. Check digit: The final digit is a single number that validates the entire ISBN. 

So cutting a long story short, the first three parts of the ISBN depend on where you are, who is publishing the book, and what language it is in. What truly makes the ISBN unique is the title identifier. Now, keep that in mind, because we’ll come back to this again soon.

Also read: How to Format a Book in 2024: 7 Tips for Print & EBooks

ISBN format: 10 digits or 13?

The ISBN code is a 10-digit code developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and was used for the first time in 1970. Since 2007, ISBN codes have had 13 digits. 

Right below is the break-up of a 10-digit and a 13-digit ISBN code. 

From 1970 to 2007:

Group identifier: Up to five digits long, the group identifier demarcates the geographical location in which the book was published.

Publisher identifier: The publisher identifier identifies the publisher of the book based on the geographical location and language of the book. Up to seven digits long.

Title identifier: The title identifier identifies the book and its edition. Up to six digits long.

Check digit: The final digit of the ISBN code is a calculation of the previous nine digits. The check digit is the last step in providing the book with a unique identification code.  

Since 2007:

Registration group: Identifies the particular country, geographic region, or language area in the ISBN; 1-5 digits.

Registrant element: Identifies the particular publisher or imprint; up to 7 digits.

Publication element: Denotes the particular edition and format of a specific title; up to 6 digits.

Check digit: The final digit that validates the rest of the number.

Every new edition of a book is issued a new ISBN. (Note that reprints of an edition have the same code as the first print.) Translations of a book are also issued new ISBN codes. 

Also read: Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing: Which Is Better?

ISBN number example

JK Rowling’s book Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was first published in 1997. It was published in the US as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. These two books, despite being essentially the same, do not share the same book ISBN number. 

The 10-digit code of The Philosopher’s Stone is 0-7475-3269-9, whereas the 13-digit code of The Sorcerer’s Stone is 059035342X.

Should you get an ISBN for your book?

You know what is an ISBN for books, but are you sure whether you need it or not? The first question, before you say when, is to determine whether you want an ISBN for your book at all. The obvious answer is yes since ISBNs help you track the sales of your book, and even boost it. But like any other step of the publishing process, there are many factors to be considered. If your budget allows you to get an ISBN, and you envision your book dominating best-selling lists, we say go for it! 

Once you’ve decided that you do, think about which editions and formats you need to get an ISBN for. Remember when we said earlier that each format has a different number? Now is the time to take that into consideration, because a print edition and audiobook version of the same book will have different ISBNs. The same goes for translations and editions of books as well.

Also read: Top 10 Book Formatting Software for Authors in 2024

How to get an ISBN for your book 

As for how to get an ISBN number, there are a few options you can consider. The options differ across countries, since, as you’ve already noticed, the number is specific to the territory. 

  • Local governments have agencies that issue ISBNs. Countries like Canada and Belgium have specific public entities responsible for distributing them. (These are generally free of charge!) The official ISBN International website has a database that tells you whether your country has such an agency. 
  • In some countries, private entities distribute ISBNs, usually for a cost that means you can purchase an ISBN. We can do this for you at PaperTrue! 
  • You can also get an ISBN from your publisher or your chosen publishing platform. Platforms like Amazon Self-Publishing and IngramSpark, if you have cut a deal with them, can get you an ISBN at a discounted rate or even free of charge! 
  • ISBN price will differ depending on the path you choose.

Where to Buy ISBN Numbers

In the United States:

  • Bowker (myidentifiers.com) – The only official ISBN agency in the US
  • Your publisher – Traditional publishers provide ISBNs at no charge
  • Self-publishing platforms – Amazon KDP and IngramSpark offer free or discounted ISBNs

In Other Countries:

  • Canada – Library and Archives Canada (free)
  • UK – Nielsen ISBN Agency
  • Australia – Thorpe-Bowker
  • India – Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency

How Much Does an ISBN Cost in 2025?

United States (Bowker) Pricing:

  • 1 ISBN: $125
  • 10 ISBNs: $295 ($29.50 each)
  • 100 ISBNs: $575 ($5.75 each)
  • 1000 ISBNs: $1,500 ($1.50 each)

Other Countries:

  • Canada: Free through Library and Archives Canada
  • UK: £89 for single ISBN, £164 for 10
  • Australia: AUD $44 for a single ISBN, AUD $88 for 10
  • Many European countries: Free through national libraries

How Long Does It Take to Get an ISBN?

  • Instant delivery: When purchasing online from Bowker (US) with expedited service
  • Standard processing: 24-72 hours for most online purchases
  • Free ISBNs: 5-10 business days in countries offering free ISBNs
  • Through publishers: Immediate if they have pre-purchased blocks

How Many ISBNs Do I Need?

Each format requires a separate ISBN:

  • Hardcover edition
  • Paperback edition
  • eBook (ePub format)
  • Audiobook
  • Large print edition
  • Different language translations

Example: If you’re publishing a paperback, hardcover, and eBook version, you’ll need 3 different ISBNs.

Common ISBN Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using one ISBN for multiple formats – Each format needs its own
  2. Buying from unauthorized resellers – Only use official agencies
  3. Not updating metadata – Keep your book information current
  4. Forgetting ISBN for audiobooks – They need ISBNs too
  5. Reusing ISBNs – Never reassign an ISBN to a different book

The ISBN plays a pivotal role in the modern publishing world, serving as a unique fingerprint for each book. It simplifies the distribution, purchasing, and cataloging of titles, connecting authors, publishers, and readers globally. 

We hope that this article has shed light on what ISBNs are and made your book publishing journey easier. As self-publishing experts, we have compiled some more resources on the topic:

Generative AI: Types, Impact, Advantages, Disadvantages

Posted on by Rishi Raj

Content creators across various industries have traditionally dedicated countless hours to crafting captivating content that appeals to their audience. This made the content creation process not only time-consuming but also exhausting. Today, generative AI has streamlined this process of creating interesting and engaging material. 

With its ability to generate text, images, videos, and even solve tough homework questions based on specific prompts, this technology can significantly reduce the time and effort required to produce high-quality content. It empowers creators to explore new ideas, experiment with different formats, and deliver more impactful work than before.

In this article, we will explore the definition of generative AI and its uses, advantages, and disadvantages. 

What can AI do for you? Check out our AI-assisted editing and proofreading.

What is generative AI?

Generative Artificial Intelligence, commonly referred to as Generative AI, is a type or category of artificial intelligence that can generate new content, images, and videos when given specific AI prompts. 

While artificial intelligence tools can analyze existing content, generative AI can create new content based on the models it has been trained on and the patterns seen in existing data. These models can learn patterns and structures from existing training sets and produce outputs that replicate, mimic, or build upon existing patterns. 

Natural Language Processing (NLP) and machine learning are the foundational pillars of generative AI. NLP is the logic behind machines being able to understand, interpret, and produce human-like language. Generative AI cannot produce text, translate languages, write creative content, and answer your questions well unless it has a strong NLP base and support. 

Machine learning, the other key component of generative AI, provides the algorithms and patterns that enable generative AI models to learn from vast datasets and improve their performance over time. Without it, we would never have realistic and relevant content that resolves our queries and meets our content creation requirements.

Also read: 100+ Useful ChatGPT Prompts for Thesis Writing in 2024

Types of generative AI

With artificial intelligence becoming all-pervasive in today’s times, various types of AI, including multiple generative AI types, are in use. 

Due to its expansive nature and high utility, generative AI is a rapidly growing branch of AI. To understand how it works and what it offers users, let us study some commonly seen types: 

1. Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs)

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), a deep learning model type, can generate exceptionally realistic and diverse content. They are made of two neural networks: a generator and a discriminator. 

A generator creates new data samples, which are evaluated by a discriminator. It distinguishes between actual data and generated samples. 

Let us study a simple example to understand this. Suppose a counterfeiter creates fake money, and a detective wants to thwart the creation of fake money. 

        • Counterfeiter (Generator): The counterfeiter is trying to make fake money that resembles real money in every way.
        • Detective (Discriminator): The discriminator attempts to identify which money is real.

The counterfeiter starts making fake money, and the detective tries to spot it. If the detective catches the fakes, the counterfeiter learns from their mistakes and tries to make better fake money. If the detective is fooled, they need to learn to be more alert than before. 

This process continues until both get better at their jobs.

2. Diffusion Models

Diffusion models help generate top-notch text, audio, and video through two separate processes called diffusion and denoising. 

Diffusion, which is called the forward process, adds noise to the image, text, or audio until it is completely noisy and random. The denoising process reverses this phenomenon and identifies the real image, text, or audio by removing these multiple layers of noise. 

To explain simply, Assume that a child is playing with a ball of clay.

        • Diffusion (adding noise): The child begins to knead and shape the clay, and the clay gradually becomes uniform. So, this is equivalent to adding noise to the original shape.
        • Denoising (removing noise): Now, imagine the child trying to reshape the clay to get it back to its original form. This is the equivalent of removing the noise. It means the child will carefully knead and shape it to get it back to its original shape.

3. Variational Autoencoders (VAEs)

Variational Autoencoders (VAEs) are a type of generative model that produce variations corresponding to the data they have been trained on. VAEs use deep learning and probabilistic modeling to arrive at the required results. 

It involves encoding, which represents the input data. Next is sampling, which shows the data being studied to draw new conclusions or patterns. This data undergoes decoding, which means new data is generated at this stage.

A simple example: Suppose you want to create new faces. Here’s what will happen: 

        • Encoding: You feed a picture of a person’s face. The AI system outlines its essential features (like eyes, nose, mouth, etc.) and saves this information in a specific form.
        • Sampling: The AI system randomly picks a combination of these features from its stored information to create a new set of features for a potential new face.
        • Decoding: It then uses these new features to create an entirely new face. For this, the AI model can use a combination of features. For instance, eyes from one person, a nose from another, and a mouth from a third, picture altogether.

4. Transformer Models

Transfer models, a type of neural network architecture, support natural language processing tasks. The most popular application is the answers that a user receives from artificial intelligence when AI prompts are given. Many Large Language Models (LLMs) are based on transformer architectures. 

AI-generated content typically uses transformer models to generate human-like text or responses. Let us see a simple example of this. 

Imagine you want to teach a child to read. You start by teaching them basic words and sentence structures. Once a solid foundation is built, you can start teaching them more complex concepts like grammar and vocabulary. Similarly, the model learns basic concepts first, moving to other complex parts of the data on which it is trained. 

Also read: How to Write a Book with AI in 2024 (Free & Paid Tools)

How does generative AI work?

Generative AI uses machine learning techniques to generate new content (images, text, audio, etc.) and respond to user queries. 

This complex process has been explained simply in the figure below. 

The image shows how generative AI works and explains the steps and impact of generative AI.

 

        • Data ingestion: Vast amounts of data, like text, images, and audio, are input into the AI model.
        • Pattern recognition: The model identifies patterns, structures, and relationships within the data to process it and deliver results.
        • Learning and interpreting: The AI model learns how to interpret related or underlying concepts and rules governing the data.
        • Content generation: When an AI prompt is given, it uses the knowledge it has acquired or learned to create new, original content that aligns with the patterns it has recognized.

Applications of generative AI

Academics, writing, education, and publishing have all seen the revolution brought about by generative AI. We also know that generative AI has multiple applications in various domains. From text to images and code, it can handle several user queries of varying scope and magnitude. 

In this section, let us see some applications of generative AI in these as well as certain other fields. We will also study some artificial intelligence examples. 

          • Text generation: Generative AI can help you write articles, essays, stories, poems, scripts, dialogues, etc.
          • Image creation: Paintings and drawings can be created with this technology.
          • Code writing: Software programs (both full and partial) can be written using artificial intelligence.
          • Product design: Designing products is possible with artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI. 
          • Game creation: Developing games, with specific backgrounds and environments, and allowing multiple users to play at the same time is possible with generative AI. 
          • Animation: Generative AI has simplified animation, both for characters and objects. 
          • Video generation: Creating videos, especially for social media, is easy with generative AI. 
          • Music composition: You can compose music by giving the AI model the right AI prompts. 

Some of the best generative AI tools available today for text are ChatGPT (OpenAI), Jasper AI, Sudowrite, Quillbot, Writesonic, Notion AI, Copy.ai, HyperWrite, Rytr, and many others. These are among the best tools for content creation, particularly for academic writing.

Some of the best generative AI tools available today for images are Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, Adobe Firefly, NightCafe Studio, DeepArt.io, etc. 

Advantages and disadvantages of generative AI

Generative AI, a powerful technology, offers both benefits and risks. While generative AI allows you to brainstorm, imagine, and create like never before, it also brings certain pertinent causes for concerns. These majorly revolve around content credibility and content creation ethics. 

As generative AI continues to evolve, learning how to use it effectively and ethically is important. Let us discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this technology in this part of the blog.

Advantages 

        • Accessibility: With artificial intelligence tools, everyone can create content. You do not need specific knowledge or skills to do so, as AI can carry out the majority of the most difficult tasks. 
        • Creativity: It can help you generate unique content, including text, images, and music. It can give a boost to all your creative works.
        • Low-cost solutions: Businesses can save significant financial resources by generating content using the best AI tools available today.
        • Personalization: Content personalization has never been this easy. With the right AI prompt, you can customize your content to suit your audience. Even user experiences can be tailored to the tastes and preferences of your audience. This is useful to people in academics, marketing, entertainment, and many others.
        • Efficiency: By automating content creation, you can save time and effort, particularly if you are a student, writer, designer, or marketing professional.

Disadvantages

        • Quality control: AI-generated content may lack accuracy or relevance. Hence, human intervention and oversight are needed to ensure quality.
        • Bias and ethical concerns: If an AI model is incorrectly or inadequately trained, it can generate unfair, unreasonable, or harmful output. 
        • Plagiarism and copyright: Artificial intelligence may copy or replicate content from existing data sources. This can expose users to plagiarism, legal, and ethical issues. 
        • Misinformation or fake information: Trust and security are two major concerns. AI tools can be misused to create deepfakes, fake news, or misleading content. They can be misused for criminal activity as well.   

Future trends in generative AI

There is no doubt that artificial intelligence and generative AI will only grow in the coming years. It is already changing how companies operate, how students write, and how executives deliver results in professional settings. And these are not the only changes! Many other key developments are likely to happen in the future. 

Some upcoming trends include multimodality, which means text, images, audio, and video will all be handled in an integrated manner. In healthcare, AI is expected to revolutionize how patient care and treatment plans are administered. 

Conversational AI, another exciting development, will give generative AI new wings. This is among the most awaited AI-driven transformations! Also, the Bring Your Own AI (BYOAI) concept will allow enterprises to integrate artificial intelligence with their processes and systems—customization at its best! 

As many new and powerful AI capabilities come to the forefront, the impact of generative AI will be far-reaching and likely all-inclusive. It will simplify writing, editing, and publishing, too. To check if AI can edit your documents, talk to our team at PaperTrue. 

A recent addition to our basket of services is AI-assisted editing. Our Essential package starts at $8 for 1000 words.

Interested in reading more about artificial intelligence tools and platforms? Here are some other articles for your reference: 

15 Powerful Writing Techniques for Authors in 2025

Posted on by Rishi Raj

Want to take your writing to the next level? Explore 15 amazing writing techniques! From persuasive writing techniques to storytelling techniques, we’ve covered everything! With this, we’ve also included examples of all types of writing techniques. 

Through this blog, we’ve also answered questions like “What are writing techniques to create a better rhythm, flow, and pacing”, “What are writing techniques that help enhance the climax”, and “What are writing techniques that can help create vivid descriptions”. So without any delay, let’s understand creative writing techniques together! 

Now let’s understand these different writing techniques in detail! 

Elevate your writing with professional editing services!

1. Stream of consciousness 

In stream-of-consciousness writing, the narrator’s thoughts are presented in a continuous flow. This technique often doesn’t include logical transitions between concepts and ideas. The writer may jump from one idea or memory to another, incorporating sensory impressions, half-formed thoughts, and internal monologues.

Example: Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf 

“How fresh, how calm, stiller than this of course, the air was in the early morning; like the flap of a wave; the kiss of a wave; chill and sharp and yet (for a girl of eighteen as she then was) solemn, feeling as she did, standing there at the open window, that something awful was about to happen…”

Use it for: Literary fiction, interior monologues, emotionally charged scenes.

Pro tip: Use sparingly around plot-critical beats to avoid obscuring key information.

2. Zeugma

Zeugma is a writing technique where a single word is used to change or describe two or more things in different ways. Usually, this word is a verb or an adjective. This is one of the writing methods used to create emphasis, humor, or a poetic effect. 

Example: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

She had lost her parents, her husband, and any desire to keep on counting. 

In this example, “lost” applies to both her parents, husband, and desire.

Use it for: Hooks, chapter openings, memorable lines.

Pro tip: Ensure the double application is clear to prevent reader confusion.

3. Allegory 

An allegory is a literary device in which abstract ideas, principles, or moral truths are represented through characters, events, or story settings. Allegories make complex ideas more engaging by presenting them in the form of a relatable narrative.

Example: Animal Farm by George Orwell 

This book’s story about talking animals on a farm represents the Russian Revolution’s complex historical events and the rise of the Soviet Union. The characters, events, and setting directly correspond to real-life figures and events: the pigs represent the Bolshevik leaders, the rebellion symbolizes the overthrow of the Tsar, and the farm itself stands for Russia. Through this allegorical framework, Orwell critiques totalitarianism. 

Use it for: Political, moral, or philosophical commentary.

Pro tip: Keep primary story stakes compelling; the symbolism should enrich, not replace, narrative momentum.

4. Analogy 

An analogy is a literary device that compares two unrelated things to explain a concept, idea, or situation. This is one of the techniques in writing that makes writing easier to understand. For writers crafting essays, self-help books, or creative fiction, this is one of the best persuasive writing techniques. 

Example: The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan 

“Memories are strange things. They are not like photographs, to be looked at and put away. They are more like a kaleidoscope, with the same pieces of colored glass shifting into an endless variety of patterns.”

Use it for: Essays, self-help, explanatory passages, worldbuilding.

Pro tip: Choose comparisons your readers know well.

5. Fragmentation 

Fragmentation is a writing technique where sentences are broken down into smaller, incomplete, or disconnected parts. This helps to highlight important themes and reflect the character’s scattered thoughts, emotional state, or chaos. 

Example: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 

Rudy Steiner. The Jesse Owens of Himmel Street. The boy with hair the color of lemons. The boy who was her best friend. 

Use it for: Action, stress, or key reveals.

Pro tip: Mix fragments with full sentences for smooth flow.

Also read: 100+ Creative Writing Prompts for Masterful Storytelling

6. Vignettes 

A vignette is a short, descriptive scene or account that focuses on a specific moment, character, or setting. Vignettes are often used to capture a particular mood, theme, or impression. They can be used to provide a brief glimpse into a larger story or to explore a character’s emotions, thoughts, or experiences.

Example: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros 

“The monkey doesn’t live there anymore. The monkey moved away after the rain started. The rain stung his eyes, and the ground was slippery under his feet, and the branches were slick with water. The monkey went looking for a new home, a dry, warm place. I don’t know where he went. Probably north. Monkeys like to be warm.” 

Use it for: Character studies or scene breaks.

Pro tip: Use strong sensory details (sight, sound, smell).

7. Rashomon 

Rashomon is a storytelling technique that presents a single event from multiple, often contradictory perspectives. Each character provides their own subjective interpretation of the event. The reader or viewer has to piece together the truth from the conflicting accounts. 

Example: The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner 

“In ‘The Sound and the Fury,’ William Faulkner presents the decline of the Compson family through the varying perspectives of Benjamin ‘Benjy’ Compson, Quentin Compson, Jason Compson, and Dilsey Gibson. 

Use it for: Crime, drama, family stories.

Pro tip: Give each character a distinct voice.

8. Parallelism 

Parallelism is a writing technique where words, phrases, or clauses that are similar in structure or meaning are used together. This helps to create flow and rhythm. 

Example: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens 

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” 

Use it for: Openings, conclusions, and persuasive lines.

Pro tip: Keep the grammar truly parallel.

9. Defamiliarization 

Defamiliarization is a writing technique that presents familiar things, concepts, or experiences in a strange or unfamiliar way. This is done to encourage readers to think from a fresh perspective. 

Example: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 

“The day I met my husband, I was a freshly scrubbed blank slate. It was a bright new notebook, and he promised to fill its pages.”

In the above example, the concept of identity is presented in an unfamiliar way. 

Use it for: Themes, emotions, and imagery.

Pro tip: Be clear enough that readers still understand the point.

10. Rhetorical questions 

Rhetorical questions are a writing technique in which a question is asked without the expectation of an answer. Instead, rhetorical questions encourage the reader to consider the implied answer or emphasize a point. Rhetorical questions are also one of the persuasive techniques in writing that challenge the readers’ assumptions. 

Example: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

“Do you think I am an automaton? —a machine without feelings? and can bear to have my morsel of bread snatched from my lips, and my drop of living water dashed from my cup? Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? 

Through these questions, Jane strongly challenges any assumptions that she doesn’t care and is unemotional. 

Use it for: Persuasive writing and turning points.

Pro tip: Follow with an insight or action so it pays off.

Now, let’s understand one of the lesser-known descriptive writing techniques in detail! 

11. Polysyndeton 

Polysyndeton is a literary device in which coordinating conjunctions (such as “and,” “but,” “or,” “nor,” “for,” “yet,” and “so”) are used repeatedly. This creates a rhythmic, repetitive, and emphatic effect. 

Example: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman 

“And Zara wanted to scream and she wanted to cry and she wanted to hit something, but most of all she wanted someone to tell her what to do.”

Use it for: Big moments and rising tension.

Pro tip: Use it rarely so it stays powerful.

Now, let’s understand one of the best writing techniques and strategies to create memorable characters and settings! 

12. Periphrasis 

Periphrasis is a literary device in which a simple, direct concept or idea is expressed in a more complex, roundabout way using more words. It is often used to add descriptive detail, create a specific tone, or avoid using a common or straightforward term. 

Example: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen 

“Mr. Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society.”

Use it for: Character voice and satire.

Pro tip: Avoid padding; add purpose.

Also read: How to Create a Memorable Protagonist (7 Expert Tips)

13. Second-person point of view 

The second-person point of view is a technique in which the narrator addresses the reader directly, using pronouns such as “you,” “your,” and “yours.” This is one of the popular methods of writing where the reader becomes a character in the story. The narrator speaks to the reader as if they are experiencing the events firsthand.

Example: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger 

“If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don’t feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.”

Use it for: Experimental fiction and guides.

Pro tip: Keep the “you” consistent and clear.

14. Third-person point of view 

The third-person point of view is a writing method in which the narrator is not a character within the story. Instead, the narrator is an outside observer who refers to characters using pronouns such as “he,” “she,” “they,” or “it.” This is also one of the common narrative writing techniques used in Young Adult fiction. 

Example: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 

He paced back and forth, his shadow a restless phantom against the wall. Gatsby, his mind awhirl with anticipation and dread, checked the clock for the hundredth time. Daisy’s arrival was imminent, and with it, the potential resurrection of a love long lost.

Use it for: Most fiction, including YA and genre fiction.

Pro tip: Choose limited for closeness; omniscient for breadth. 

Now let’s explore one of the best techniques of writing to enhance pacing, show conflict, and build an engaging climax! 

15. Asyndeton 

Asyndeton is a literary device in which conjunctions (such as “and,” “but,” “or,” “for,” “nor,” “so,” and “yet”) are deliberately not mentioned. This technique creates a more rapid, rhythmic, and emphatic effect. 

Example: The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe 

“The fever took him quickly, a searing heat that swept through his body and consumed him. Delirious, he saw faces swirling above him, heard whispers turning to screams, and felt the icy grip of fear. He was lost, adrift, sinking into the abyss.” 

Use it for: Action, climax, and fast scenes.

Pro tip: Pair with longer sentences elsewhere for contrast.

How to select the best writing techniques? 

The following are important factors to consider while selecting the best writing techniques: 

        • Purpose: Determine whether your purpose is to inform, describe, entertain, promote something, persuade someone, or give information. The writing techniques will change, depending on the purpose. For example, periphrasis can be used if you want to describe something.
        • Audience: Identify the age, geographical location, gender, and interests of the target audience. This will help to determine the writing techniques you should use. 
        • Context: Select the writing style based on whether the context is academic, professional, creative, online, or offline. For academic writing, use techniques that ensure formal language; for professional writing, use techniques that ensure conciseness and clarity. 
        • Consider your strengths: Determine your writing style and choose techniques that align with your strengths. For example, if your writing style is creative, you can experiment with literary devices like Simile, Metaphor, etc. 
        • Experiment and revise: You can also research and experiment with other writing techniques like Onomatopoeia, Satire, Symbolism, Pathetic Fallacy, and Juxtaposition. Dramatic Irony, Soliloquy, Interior Monologue, and Ekphrasis are some other techniques you can experiment with. 

This concludes our writing techniques list! By exploring and mastering these top 15 writing techniques, you can elevate your work. You can also research more examples of writing techniques to enhance your writing. 

After you finish writing, the next step is editing. As experts in editing and proofreading services, we can easily refine and polish your text! 

What did you think about these writing techniques and examples? Which technique and writing technique examples did you find most useful? Share your thoughts in the comments section! 

Here are some other useful resources for you: 

How to Write a Book Press Release that Grabs Attention

Posted on by Tanvi Sarnaik

Don’t let your hard work go unnoticed! A well-written press release can increase your chances of securing media coverage and reaching a wider audience. 

This guide will walk you through the essential steps and tools for crafting book press releases. Let’s start by learning about the key components of an impactful press release.

Market Your Book Globally To Maximize Sales! Get Started

What is a book press release? 

A book press release is a short announcement to the media about a new book. It includes the book’s title, author, genre, date of publication, and an engaging book summary. Many book press releases also include the author’s background. Additionally, a photo of the author is uploaded to give a personal touch.

Several press releases also include a quote by the author or an engaging book review. They are written in simple language to help readers easily understand the text. 

Press releases are usually short and to the point. They typically follow an inverted pyramid structure, starting with the most important information (the “who, what, when, where, why, and how”) and then providing supporting details. 

The language used is clear and concise. Overly enthusiastic language, technical language, and jargon are avoided while writing a press release. 

How to write a book press release in six easy steps 

A good practice is to customize the press release for different media outlets. This includes modifying the headline and opening paragraph in line with the media outlet’s target audience. 

Read the following steps and strategies, and study some practical examples to write a press release!  

1. Start with an engaging headline

Your headline should be easy to understand and grab people’s attention. It should contain strong verbs, adjectives, and nouns. 

Some examples of attractive headlines are: 

    • Sarah Davis Shares Inspiring Journey from Adversity to Success in New Memoir
    • Emily Thompson: From Humble Beginnings to Successful Entrepreneur
    • Motivational Speaker Rachel Anderson Releases Debut Book on Overcoming Obstacles

You can use headline generators by Easy-Peasy.ai,  Free Title Generator by Semrush, etc., to brainstorm headlines. 

Start of book press release

Headline book press release

2. Craft a strong first paragraph 

You can use an intriguing question, an impactful quote, or a useful statistic to hook readers. Alternatively, you can also describe what the book is about in one engaging line.  The following are some examples: 

Example 1 

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur in today’s fast-paced world? In her groundbreaking new book, “The Entrepreneurial Edge,” renowned business coach and author Sarah Thompson reveals the secrets that have helped countless entrepreneurs. 

Example 2 

“In a world where technology is advancing, it’s more important than ever to understand how it shapes our future.” This powerful statement by futurist and author Dr. Michael Chen sets the stage for his latest book, “The Tech Revolution”. 

Example 3 

A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that nearly 60% of employees experience work-related stress. In his new book, “The Zen of Work: Finding Balance in the Modern Workplace,” renowned psychologist Dr. Michael Lee offers practical strategies for reducing stress. 

Example 4 

“Thriving in Chaos: Finding Calm in the Storm” is the groundbreaking debut book by renowned psychologist Dr. Michael Chen. In this essential guide, Dr. Chen shares his pioneering research and proven strategies for developing mental and emotional strength. 

First Paragraph book press release

3. Give more details to create an attractive middle section 

In this section, mention the themes and unique elements of the book. Also, describe why the reader must read the book. You can also add bullet points to describe unique features. 

A good practice is to add quotes by the author to enrich the middle section. If the publishing house is very popular, you can also add quotes from the Vice President, CEO, or Senior Vice President of the book publishing company. 

Example 1 

In “Unbound,” Turner fearlessly explores the universal struggles of self-doubt, fear, and limiting beliefs that hold us back from reaching our full potential. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, scientific research, and practical exercises, she guides readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery. 

“Emily Turner’s ‘Unbound’ is a powerful and transformative book that will inspire readers to break through their limitations and achieve their wildest dreams,” says HarperCollins CEO Brian Murray. “We are thrilled to be publishing this remarkable debut and can’t wait for readers to discover the life-changing wisdom within its pages.”

Example 2 

“The Creativity Code” dives deep into the mysteries of the creative process, exploring: 

    • The neuroscience behind creativity and how to optimize your brain for innovation. 
    • Proven techniques for overcoming creative blocks and generating fresh ideas.
    • Inspiring case studies of successful innovators and their unconventional approaches. 

“Creativity is not just a gift reserved for a select few,” Davis says. “It’s a skill that can be cultivated and strengthened, and ‘The Creativity Code’ provides readers with the tools they need to tap into their inner genius.”

Middle section book press release

4. Include an author bio 

An author bio must be concise, ideally not more than 100-150 words. Some strategies to write an author bio are: 

  • Begin your author bio with an interesting fact or achievement that immediately grabs attention. This could be a notable award, a previous bestseller, or an interesting personal detail that relates to the book’s theme.
  • Focus on the author’s background and expertise that directly relate to the book’s subject matter. 
  • If the author has published other books or articles, briefly mention the most notable ones. This helps establish the author as a credible and experienced writer in their field.

Here is an example: 

Winner of the Resilience Research Award from the American Psychological Association, Dr. Michael Chen has revolutionized the field of mental health with his groundbreaking research. A pioneering psychologist, Dr. Chen has shared proven strategies for developing mental and emotional strength in his debut book, “Thriving in Chaos”. His work has been published in leading scientific journals, including Psychological Science and the Journal of Positive Psychology. 

Author bio book press release

5. Give details about the publishing house (optional) 

If you’re signing a book publishing deal with a popular publishing house, you can give details of the publishing house. This can include details about what types of books the company publishes, any famous authors they’ve worked with, any awards the published authors have won, etc. 

Here is an example: 

About Harper Collins 

HarperCollins is one of the world’s largest and most respected publishing houses. It has a rich history of publishing influential books by renowned authors such as Brené Brown, Yuval Noah Harari, and Malcolm Gladwell. Many of these authors have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the Nobel Prize.

Also read: How to Market Your Book on Amazon to Maximize Sales

6. Add contact information and a clear call to action 

This includes important information like the phone number and a contact number. You can mention these details towards the end of the press release. To make them stand out, you can make the details bold, using a different font size or separating them from the rest of the text with a line. 

To create a CTA, use strong action verbs like “pre-order,” “visit,” “request,” or “contact”. Also, ensure that your CTA includes all the links to take action. Also, consider providing a direct link to a pre-order page, your website, or contact details to enhance your CTA.

Here is an example: 

To book Sarah Davis for your next conference, meeting, or corporate engagement, visit  [email protected]

Media Contact:  [email protected] or 212-207-7100

Bonus tip: The CTA could also be about pre-ordering the book, visiting your website, requesting a review copy, or contacting you for an interview. If your book is published on Amazon, you can add a link to your book’s Amazon page as well. 

Call to action book press release ending

Author contact at the last section of the book press release

Need more help? You can also explore AI press release generators by Hypotenuse AI, Originality.ai, Muck Rack, and Newsmatics. 

After understanding these press release tips, let’s see the best free book press release sites! 

Free book press release sites 

Free book press release sites allow you to add images and videos to your book press release. Many sites also enable you to share your press release on social media platforms. Additionally, some sites provide analytics to track the performance of your press release.

Some of the popular free book press release sites are: 

  • PR.com 
  • PR Fire 
  • Free Press Release 
  • PR Zoom 
  • NewsWire Today 
  • PR Sync 
  • Free Press Release Center 
  • PR Urgent 
  • I-Newswire 
  • Easy Newswire 
  • PR Leap 
  • PRLog 
  • OpenPR 
  • 24-7 Press Release 
  • 1888 Press Release 

To select the best free book press release website, you need to consider many important factors. This includes the distribution reach, user-friendliness, additional features, and reputation. Plus, it’s essential to choose a user-friendly platform that distributes your press release to multiple outlets and offers features like SEO and analytics.

Note: While free sites are helpful, they might not provide as many features and distribution options as paid ones. Hence, you need to compare the features of free and paid sites to select the best options for your book. 

How long should a book press release be? 

While there’s no single “perfect” length, aiming for 300-500 words is generally a good length for book press releases. The exact length of the press release depends on the publication, the book’s complexity, and the author’s profile (whether the author is famous or not). 

It also depends on whether there is a newsworthy angle to the book’s release (e.g., a timely topic, a unique writing style, a significant award, or a tie-up with a famous book publisher).   

Book press release example 

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sarah Davis, a resilient entrepreneur and motivational speaker, has released her first book, “Overcoming Obstacles: A Story of Perseverance and Triumph.” The memoir, published by Blue Finch Press, shares Davis’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful business owner.

In her debut book, Davis offers a candid look into her early life, the lessons learned from her supportive family, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path to success. She shares her experiences navigating challenges, setbacks, and ultimate triumphs. 

“Writing this book has been a cathartic experience for me,” Davis shares.” I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to persevere through their own challenges and never give up on their dreams.”

Davis was recently honored with the prestigious “Entrepreneur of the Year” award at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit for her outstanding contributions to the business world. She currently serves as the President of the National Association of Women Business Owners and is a sought-after keynote speaker at conferences worldwide.

“Overcoming Obstacles” is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different stage of Davis’s life. The book is divided into three parts, chronicling Davis’s childhood challenges in a low-income family, her early adult struggles as a single mother and entrepreneur, and her journey to success and valuable lessons learned. The book is now available for purchase on Amazon and other major online retailers.

“Overcoming Obstacles: A Story of Perseverance and Triumph” is a powerful memoir that showcases the author’s extraordinary journey from adversity to success. It transcends personal challenges and societal barriers, making it a universal story of resilience and determination.

“Overcoming Obstacles: A Story of Perseverance and Triumph” is now available for pre-order on the Blue Finch Press website and will be officially released on November 21, 2024.

For more information about Sarah Davis and her debut book, please visit www.sarahdavisauthor.com.

To request a review copy or to schedule an interview with Sarah Davis, contact:

Emily Johnson

Publicity Manager

Blue Finch Press

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 555-123-4567

SOURCE Blue Finch Press

Book press release template 

Headline [Central-aligned] 

City, State, Date] – [A brief description of the book’s background, author’s name, publisher’s name, and book’s main theme in 1-2 sentences] 

[Describe the book’s key takeaways, unique elements, and lessons]: 

[Give quotes related to the book or publishing the book]: 

[Briefly explain what the book chapters include]: 

[Summarize the book’s key themes and what makes it special]: 

[Give contact details and a clear CTA]: 

[Include information about the publishing company- optional]: 

Also read: A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing a Book

Mistakes to avoid while writing a book press release 

Typos and grammatical errors are some mistakes to avoid. Some other mistakes to avoid are vague and unclear language and forgetting to add contact information.  You must also avoid errors such as: 

  1. Press releases that are too long (more than 500 words)
  2. Boring, uninteresting headlines
  3. No clear call to action 
  4. Using complex, difficult language 
  5. Not writing as per your target audience 
  6. Forgetting important details like contact information. 
  7. Not following the press release website or publication’s guidelines
  8. Not providing interesting facts about your book
  9. Not proofreading for mistakes. 

Why do you need a book press release? 

A press release for a book helps to generate publicity and interest among readers. It can also lead to media coverage, interviews, and reviews, which can increase your book’s visibility and credibility.

Moreover, press releases are distributed to various media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, online publications, and blogs. Coverage on reputable sites often results in earned media links, which support discoverability and authority. This increases the chances of your book being noticed by journalists, reviewers, and other influencers.

The following are three other reasons why book releases are useful: 

  1. A press release can help establish your credibility as an author and show how your book is important. 
  2. It can help persuade various stores to stock your book or feature it in their promotions.
  3. Distributing press releases can help you gain a larger fan base. 

By effectively utilizing the tools and techniques in this guide, you can craft a compelling book press release. However, this can be a time-consuming task. To streamline the process, consider hiring a professional service to write your book press release.

At PaperTrue, we can help you craft the perfect press release for your book! With this, we also provide other self-publishing services like printing, creating a copyright page, and uploading your book to online distribution platforms. 

Interested in learning more about what we offer? Get in touch with us today! 

Here are some useful resources for you: 

Book Cover Types: Formats, Bindings & Styles

Posted on by Tanvi Sarnaik

The art of producing a book is a layered process with several interesting steps, one of the most fascinating of which is the conceptualisation and creation of the book’s cover. 

While most people are familiar with paperbacks and hardcovers, there are actually several types of cover formats available in the market, each with their own positives and negatives. It is important to be aware of these benefits and limitations before choosing which cover type would be ideal for your book. It is also important to keep in mind factors such as durability, cost of production versus selling price, and potential marketing strategies before zeroing in on a particular type of cover.

Let us explore the different types of book covers and learn which ones are best suited to which genre.

Get a Professionally Designed Cover for Your Book Today! Get Started

Book cover formats at a glance

Softcover (paperback)

softcover book (paperback)

One of the most popular cover options in the market, the softcover or paperback, is widely used around the world. 

Benefits: Its laminated cover is flexible, the books are usually lightweight and portable, and paperbacks also have the lowest production cost per copy. It is suitable for trade books, novels, journals, and guides. 

Limitations: The cover is soft and bendable, and hence more susceptible to wear and tear. It lacks end sheets and flaps, which give a more polished look to the book, and is not suitable for large layflat books that are intended to last several years or even generations.

Hardcover (image wrap/case laminate)

hardcover book (image wrap case laminate)

Another supremely popular style, the hardcover is usually considered an upgrade to the paperback.

Benefits: The artwork is usually printed directly on the case, and it usually has a matte finish, giving it a smooth and classy appearance. It includes end sheets, which give it a finished look. It is suitable for children’s books, cookbooks, photo or design books, and keepsakes.

Limitations: This cover type is usually heavier, making the book difficult to carry around. It also lacks flaps.

Hardcover with dust jacket

Hardcover with dust jacket

Consider this cover type a premium hardcover with added space for promotional text. 

Benefits: With a glossy jacket and flaps that fold neatly over a linen case, this book has a premium appearance. The printable jacket also enables you to ensure all the ancillary information, such as the blurb, author bio, and author photo, is printed on the cover itself. This type of cover is best suited to first editions, prestige projects, and coffee table or art/photography books. 

Limitations: Due to its elaborate nature, the jacket is susceptible to wear and tear. Additionally, the case under the jacket is not printed or embossed by default, and can appear plain. 

Also Read: Book Cover Design Basics: Tips & Best Book Cover Ideas

Binding and construction options

Different types of covers are bound differently. Here is a glance at the binding and construction options of the different types of book covers and which types of books they are best suited to.

Perfect bound (paperback)

Perfect bound (paperback)

The softcover or paperback is bound with glue—it has a square spine, and is usually inexpensive to produce in bulk. This cost-effective option is best suited to magazines, catalogs, and mass-produced fiction and nonfiction. 

PUR perfect bound

PUR Binding book

The PUR perfect bound is another variant of the paperback—one that uses a stronger adhesive and has a higher pull strength. This makes it suitable for heavy use and harsh conditions, and it is perfect for books that are likely to go through rough use, such as manuals, brand guidelines, and commemoratives.

Spiral & wire-o

Wire O and Spiral Binding

The spiral and wire-o binding type is extremely versatile and is commonly used for notebooks. However, its lay-flat layout, frictionless page turns, and ability to accommodate thick pages also make it suitable for practical use books such as cookbooks, workbooks, directories, and maps.

Case-bound (hardcover basics)

Case binding books

The case-bound or basic hardcover is constructed using a combination of boards and cloth/paper, with endpapers attached. There might also be a dust jacket, depending on the genre of the book or the publisher’s vision. This book is on the heavier side, and while the binding is long-lasting, the dust jacket requires care to avoid wear and tear.

Dust jackets and flaps

Dust jacket and flaps

Dust jackets and flaps serve a dual purpose—they provide plenty of marketing space, and the thick flaps also protect the book from wear and tear. Variants such as the French or gatefold flaps—thick, broad flaps that are almost as wide as the cover itself—offer plenty of space for the printing of ancillary text.

Also Read: 50 Timeless and Unforgettable Book Covers of All Time

Popular book cover design styles

Now that we have nailed down the different types of book covers and their binding styles, let us take a look at which genres they are best suited to and the pros and cons of the same. 

1. Typographic: The focus of this cover type is the title of the book—it has a strong, commanding appearance with a clean, attractive font, and is best suited to nonfiction, literary fiction, and darker fiction. Good examples are Yellowface by R.F. Kuang and Butter by Asako Yuzuki. 

Typographic book cover design

 

2. Minimalist: This cover type is clean and modern in appearance, with no unnecessary frills or clutter. It works well for business and self-help books, but runs the risk of being too plain and not adequately informing the reader about the contents of the book. Some great examples are Atomic Habits by James Clear and The Ethical Capitalist by Julian Richer. 

Minimalist book cover design style

 

3. Retro: This cover type tends to be more flowery and graphic-heavy, focusing on creating a strong, evocative visual for the reader. It could make use of nostalgic/art deco/pop-art elements, and is ideally suited to historical fiction. Strong examples are The Duke and I and Romancing Mr Bridgerton by Julia Quinn.

retro book cover design style

 

4. Scene-Setting: This type of cover relies heavily on the characters and plot of the book to instill curiosity in the reader. Another graphic-heavy cover type, it usually portrays a pivotal scene from the book on the cover. The cover of To Kill a Witch by Christopher Patterson is a great example.

Scene setting book cover design style

 

5. Portrait: This type of book cover usually has a strong, focused portrait on the cover—usually of the writer or the subject of the book. It is ideal for memoirs, biographies, and character-driven fiction. Great examples include Becoming by Michelle Obama and Spare by Prince Harry.

Portrait book cover design style

 

6. Illustrated: This type of cover is graphic-heavy, leaning on customised illustrations that capture the essence of the story. It is great for children’s literature, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and adventure. Good examples include Luv Shuv in New York by N.M. Patel and Wild Honey from the Moon by Ken Kraegel. 

Illustrated book cover design

 

7. Object-based: As the name suggests, object-based book covers make a single object the focus of the cover to create intrigue without giving away the context of the story. Popular examples include the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer and the Fifty Shades series by E.L. James.

object based book cover design style

 

8. Symbol-based: This kind of book cover narrows its focus to a single sigil or symbol that is integral to the plot. It is usually used in fantasy, thriller, or dystopian fiction. Great examples include the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins and the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas.

symbol based book cover design style

 

9. Pattern-Based: These book covers are striking and are characterized by repetitive graphics and less plot detail. They are great for art or design books. Well-known examples include Pretty Much Everything by Aaron James Draplin. 

pattern based book cover design style

 

10. Photographic: These books, as the name suggests, have a single bold photograph as the cover focus. They focus on realism rather than imaginative power, and are ideally suited to modern fiction, nonfiction, and travel books. One should avoid using stock images as they can look generic. A great example of a photographic book cover is The Atlas of Beauty by Mihaela Noroc. 

Photographic book cover design style

 

11. Cityscapes: These book covers usually focus on liminal space and give off urban/city vibes. They are ideally suited to travel books, urban fiction, and dystopian or steampunk novels. A good example is The Big Book of Cyberpunk Vol. II by Jared Shurin.

cityscapes book cover design style

 

Choosing the right cover: audience, budget, durability

When it comes to choosing the right cover type for your book, there are some key points to keep in mind. 

1. Firstly, what is the intended use of your book? Is it intended for portable trade or as a keepsake to be kept on display? For the former, paperback is the best option, and for the latter, hardcover with flaps or a dust jacket works well.

2. What is the page count of your book? Saddle or spiral-bound works well for books with fewer than 100 pages, and perfect/PUR binding is well-suited to books over 100 pages long.

3. The durability of the book also needs to be kept in mind. PUR or hardcover works well for books intended for heavy or rough use, while dust jackets are best suited to debut or promo books that will be kept on display.

4. The transport profile of the target audience needs to be kept in mind. If the book is going to be read by commuters who need a more portable format, a softcover is a good option. On the other hand, hardcover works well for coffee table books that will largely be displayed at home.

5. It is important to ensure the genre matches the cover design style to avoid misleading or confusing the target audience. For example, a typography-heavy cover would be a mismatch in the fantasy genre.

Cost, weight, and printing considerations

It is important to keep certain logistical considerations in mind when choosing the cover type. 

1. The cost hierarchy: Softcovers are the most cost-effective cover type, followed by perfect/PUR binding, followed by hardcover with ImageWrap, followed by the most expensive—hardcover with a dust jacket. The type of cover and binding chosen will affect the cost of the book.

2. Weight/shipping: Softcovers are lightweight and easy to pack into cartons and transport, while hardcover tends to weigh more and thereby increase the shipping cost.

3. Lamination and finishes: While matte covers look attractive and classy, they are notorious for catching dust, while gloss laminations—though not as aesthetically pleasing—have greater dust and scuff resistance.

4. End sheets: End sheets are usually left blank, but it is also possible to make them printable. It is important to choose colors and designs that work harmoniously with the book’s main cover.

Practical examples and recommendations

Here are some practical examples of matching the cover and binding type to the genre of the book:

1. Children’s cookbook: This kind of book would have an ImageWrap hardcover. It should be able to function as a flat-lay, as it is likely to be photo- or illustration-heavy. 

2. Debut literary memoir: A hard-hitting piece of literary nonfiction, such as a debut memoir by a famous personality, is best suited to a hardcover with a dust jacket, along with a portrait on the cover with strong or minimalist typography. 

3. Indie fantasy novel: This kind of book would work best as a softcover for affordability. The cover graphics need to stand out to the reader and convey the atmosphere of the story, for which a symbol or illustration on the cover would work best. 

4. Corporate manual: A corporate manual is deally designed for functionality over aesthetics—it serves a specific, preordained purpose. The PUR perfect binding is ideally suited to this, along with a typographic/minimalist cover with clean lines and no clutter.

Common mistakes to avoid

There are some common errors to avoid in order to ensure that your book cover is perfect for the book it holds. 

1. Firstly, the cover design must represent the genre or contents of the book—a style–genre mismatch can be misleading to potential buyers. 

2. Overusing stock photos to create the cover graphics can come across as trite—it is important to follow the Goldilocks rule—neither too much nor too little, but just right. Choose a stock image that best suits the genre or content of the book and build the rest of the cover around it.

3. Illegible typography when the book cover is at thumbnail size, such as on an e-commerce site or a library catalog, can lead to readers skipping it over entirely and choosing another option. It’s important to ensure the text is always clear and legible, no matter the size of the image.

4. When designing and constructing a book cover, it is important to keep in mind the needs of the final user. Ignoring end-user handling—especially when it comes to flat-lays—can lead to damage to the book once it is used by the customer, or the customer choosing not to read it at all due to the uncomfortable handling process.

5. Dust jacket flaps provide an ideal space to include marketing copy that could boost the sales of the book. Not planning for marketing copy and underutilizing this space would be detrimental to the potential sales success of the book.

Formatting and file prep checklist

Once your cover design and binding type are finalised, here are some final points to keep in mind before sending the book to press:

1. Ensure you have calculated the spine width correctly to fit the necessary number of pages comfortably and accommodate the spine design of the cover. 

2. Printing always runs the risk of bleeding; hence, it is important to leave enough margin for the same to avoid ruining the quality of the book.

3. Ensure your images are high-resolution and do not get pixellated during the printing process.

4. Choosing the right CMYK profile is essential to ensure that matching colors are used across devices and printing platforms for uniformity.

5. The barcode is an essential part of the book cover—ensure it is modestly sized (neither too big nor too small) and placed on the lower part of the back cover for easy scanning and billing.

6. If multiple versions of the same book are being produced (e., Hardcover, softcover, etc.), it is important to ensure that there is a separate jacket template for each one. The front, back, spine, and flaps (if applicable) need to be designed and sized separately for each version to avoid sizing issues.

All in all, crafting a book cover is an intensive process that involves many factors—ideation, design, and logistics, to name a few. Choosing the right format and designing an appropriate cover will go a long way in getting your book the visibility it needs.

PaperTrue offers expert, hassle-free self-publishing services that allow you to get your manuscript edited and published by professionals. Check them out!

Here are some more resources:

10 Best Copy Editing Services in 2025 (Prices Included!)

Posted on by Rishi Raj

Looking for professional copy editing services in 2025? We’ve analyzed the top 10 copyediting companies to help you make an informed decision. This comprehensive guide covers pricing, features, turnaround times, and customer ratings for each service.

In later sections, we’ve also answered questions like: When do you require copyediting?  How do you select the best copyeditor for your work? 

So let’s begin by understanding the top 10 copyediting services! 

Polish your writing with professional copyediting!

1. PaperTrue 

PaperTrue’s trained editors correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. We also eliminate mistakes in technical term usage. 

We provide comprehensive copyediting services for essays, theses, dissertations, business reports, white papers, research papers, books, etc. With this, we also offer developmental editing, line editing, structural editing, and proofreading. 

For academic documents, we check if your references are accurate. Additionally, we also review whether your text follows the required style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago, or another style). 

We also make it easy for customers to track changes in their documents. The best part? We’ve recently launched AI editing services to offer faster, more affordable copyediting. 

Rating: 4.7/5

Pricing: $0.025-$0.04 per word (varies by turnaround time)

2. Wordy 

Headquartered in London, Wordy offers reliable copyediting services. Covering 56 subjects, including non-fiction, banking, and academic copyediting services, Wordy offers fast delivery of edited documents. 

Their editors in the US, UK, and Australia eliminate grammar, spelling, consistency, formatting, and structure errors. With this, they also ensure that the document follows the chosen referencing style’s guidelines (APA, MLA, Chicago, or other).

Wordy’s technical and customer support team is available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

3. Editage

A trusted global editing services company, their trained editors have copyedited 80,000+ documents. While they offer editing services for all document types, they are more focused on editing and helping journal articles get published. 

They offer 3 levels of copyediting services: 

  • Advanced Editing: Eliminates all grammatical, typographical, tone, style, formatting, and terminology errors. 
  • Premium Editing: Enhances the text’s flow and structure, along with rectifying grammar and language errors. (For research papers) 
  • Scientific Editing Pro: Includes services covered in the above two levels + a peer review by an expert and a thorough plagiarism check by iThenticate (For journal article submission). 

Rating: 4.6/5

Pricing:

  • Advanced Editing: $0.05 per word
  • Premium Editing: $0.08 per word
  • Scientific Editing Pro: $0.12 per word
Also read: Top 10 Assignment Editing Services

4. Enago 

All documents submitted to Enago are reviewed by two native English editors with Ph.D./Master’s. From medical and life sciences to economics, arts, and engineering, Enago provides copyediting for all subjects.

However, like Editage, their copyediting services are mainly focused on enhancing journal articles. The additional services they provide include an editing certificate, a word count reduction of 10%, journal formatting, a cover letter, and a plagiarism check by iThenticate. 

Rating: 4.4/5

Pricing: $0.04-$0.10 per word (based on service level)

5. Scribendi 

Founded in 1997, Scribendi is a trusted editing services company. Their top-notch copyediting services enhance the text’s clarity, tone, and writing style. 

Along with correcting misspellings, typos, and grammar mistakes, they provide detailed feedback to enhance your writing. With this, they also reorganize your text if required to improve readability. 

Rating: 4.5/5

Pricing: $0.03-$0.07 per word

6. EditorWorld 

EditorWorld offers professional copyediting services for dissertations, scientific manuscripts, journal articles, research papers, assignments, and business papers. With this, they also offer thesis copyediting services. 

Some of their features include: 1) Formatting citations and references as per the chosen style guide. 2) Correcting all grammar, typographical, punctuation, and spelling errors. Additionally, customers have the freedom to choose their preferred editor for polishing their documents.

They also give customers the option to select the editor for their document.

Rating: 4.3/5

Pricing: $0.025-$0.05 per word

7. Proofed 

Proofed promises to perform editing and deliver any document up to 80,000 words within 24 hours. They offer 24/7 support and have a team of 750+ editors to edit documents. 

Their professional copyediting services encompass: 

  • Spelling, grammar, and language check 
  • Restructuring text to ensure clarity
  • Improving word choice and tone  
  • Ensuring the text follows the required style guide  

They provide all three: academic, business, and book copyediting services. 

Rating: 4.8/5 

Pricing: $0.02-$0.06 per word

8. Elite Authors 

Elite Authors provides high-quality copyediting and proofreading services for book authors. This includes correcting any typos, spelling, and grammar errors. 

Their editors adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Chicago Style Guide for grammar, punctuation, and usage. Furthermore, they rely on Merriam-Webster as the primary reference for American spelling conventions. 

To facilitate seamless collaboration, they employ Microsoft Word’s Track Changes feature. This tool enables users to monitor, accept, or reject suggested revisions.

Along with book copyediting services, they also offer developmental editing, line editing, and proofreading.

Rating: 4.4/5

Pricing: $0.015-$0.03 per word

Also read: Top 10 Journal Editing Services

9. Oxford Editing 

Oxford Editing’s trained editors thoroughly review the text for typos, spelling, and grammar errors. Documents with fewer than 10,000 words are delivered in 5-6 days. 

They also offer a sample edit of 10% of the document’s total word count (e.g., approximately 400 words for a 4000-word document). While they specialize in academic copyediting services, they also edit public health reports, manuals, white papers, website copies, and books. 

Now, let us see the last company on this list that also provides essay copyediting services in addition to other copyediting services. 

Rating: 4.2/5 on review platforms

Pricing: $0.03-$0.05 per word

10. Acadecraft 

Acadecraft’s copyeditors enhance your text’s readability, tone, and clarity. With this, they enhance word choice and ensure the document follows the required style guide. 

Along with correcting grammar errors and typos, they also offer SEO copyediting for websites. This includes checking links on the website, content tags, the meta description, title, alt text, social media posts, etc. 

They accept various types of documents for copyediting, like MS Word, Excel, PDF, Google Docs, Google Sheets, images, videos, etc. 

Rating: 4.1/5

Pricing: Custom quotes (typically $0.02-$0.04 per word)

Quick Pricing Guide for 2025

Budget-Friendly Options ($0.02-$0.03/word)

  • PaperTrue (AI editing)
  • EditorWorld
  • Elite Authors

Mid-Range Services ($0.03-$0.05/word)

  • Wordy
  • Scribendi
  • Oxford Editing

Premium Services ($0.05+/word)

  • Editage (Premium/Scientific tiers)
  • Enago (comprehensive packages)

Now, let us understand when you require copyediting. If you’re already aware of this, you can skip this section and explore the next section: How to select the best copyeditor for your work. 

When should you hire a copyeditor? 

You should hire a copyeditor when: 

        • You’ve completed your document’s first draft
        • You’ve completed making any major changes to the first draft
        • You’re preparing to submit an essay, journal article, or any other content piece for publication
        • Developmental and line editing is done (if you’re publishing a book) 
        • You’re publishing important business content like reports, brochures, etc. 

How do you select the best copyeditor for your work? 

The following are the important pointers you should consider while hiring a copyeditor: 

      1. Look for a copyeditor who has experience in your specific genre or subject matter. For example, if you require essay copyediting services, check if the copyeditor has experience in editing essays. 
      2. Check if the copyeditor has relevant qualifications, such as a degree in English, journalism, or a related field, and if they have completed any professional editing courses or certifications.
      3. Review the copyeditor’s portfolio to see examples of their work and ensure their editing style aligns with your preferences. For example, if you require thesis copyediting services, see samples of how the editor has reviewed theses earlier. 
      4. Ask for references from previous clients, if possible, to check their credibility.
      5. Choose a copyeditor who communicates clearly, responds promptly, and is open to discussion and feedback.
      6. Consider the copyeditor’s rates and whether they fit within your budget. 

This concludes our guide to the 10 best copyediting services! If you require professional copyediting and proofreading services, PaperTrue can help!  Established in 2014, PaperTrue has provided professional editing and proofreading services to thousands of students, researchers, authors, businesses, and job seekers.

Here are some useful resources for you: 

10 Best AI Writing Assistants of 2025 (Features + Pricing)

Posted on by Tanvi Sarnaik

Whether you’re an experienced writer or a newcomer, we’ve all felt the stress of creating engaging content. But what if there was a tool that could help you overcome those writing hurdles? That’s where AI writing assistants come in!

These advanced tools aren’t here to replace you but to be your writing companions. They offer suggestions, spark ideas, and simplify the writing process. This guide will break down the best AI writing assistants. We’ll explore their unique features and help you choose the best tool!

Take your writing to the next level!

The 10 best AI writing assistants of 2025 are:

1. Jasper AI writing assistant

Features:

  • 50+ writing templates for articles, ads, and captions
  • Content optimizer for SEO & readability
  • Team collaboration + feedback sharing
  • AI image generation included
  • Free trial available

Pricing: The Creator package costs US $39/month

Rating: 4.8/5

Best for: Marketing, blogs, and SEO-friendly content

2. Copy.ai writing assistant

Features:

  • This online writing assistant is specifically designed for copywriters and marketers to create persuasive and engaging copy.
  • It offers templates for various copywriting needs, including ad copy, website copy, and email marketing.
  • You can create automated content workflows to simplify tasks.
  • Copy.ai provides a free trial to test out its features.
  • Copy.ai writing assistant online can be integrated with a variety of applications like MS Excel, Instagram, ChatGPT, etc.

Pricing: This AI writing assistant has a free and paid package. The Starter package costs US $36/month

Rating: 4.6/5

Best for: Copywriting & marketing teams

3. Rytr AI writing assistant

Features: 

  • Rytr offers a free AI writing assistant version, making it accessible to everyone.
  • It allows you to choose from different writing styles and 20+ tones.
  • It has 40+ use cases, including editing, writing long-form content, marketing, etc.
  • Rytr provides many tools, like a grammar checker, keyword generator, Google ad generator, etc.
  • Rytr’s Chrome extension can be used with MS Excel, Google Mail, WhatsApp, etc.

Pricing: The Unlimited package costs US $7.50/month

Rating: 4.5/5

Best for: Beginners wanting affordability

Also read: 10 Best AI Conclusion Generators (Features & Pricing)

4. Anyword AI 

Features:

  • Anyword is designed to help you create content that drives results, whether it’s website traffic, sales, or social media engagement.
  • It allows you to test different versions of your writing to see which performs best.
  • This tool integrates with other marketing tools like Google Ads, Meta Ads, etc.
  • It also offers a free AI writing assistant trial to test out its features before committing.
  • Anyword’s content writer has built-in features like Brand voice, plagiarism checker, Grammarly integration, etc.

Pricing: The Starter package costs US $49/month

Rating: 4.6/5

Best for: Conversion-focused writing (ads & sales)

5. Grammarly AI writing assistant

Features: 

  • Grammarly offers advanced grammar and spelling checks to ensure your writing is error-free.
  • It provides suggestions for improving the clarity, conciseness, and tone of your writing.
  • Grammarly helps you avoid plagiarism by checking your writing against a vast database of online content.
  • This online writing assistant offers a free browser extension that can be used across various websites and platforms.
  • It also offers a premium subscription with advanced features like vocabulary enhancement and more.

Pricing: This writing assistant has both a free and a paid version. The Premium package costs US $12/month

Rating: 4.9/5

Best for: Everyday grammar & plagiarism checking

6. QuillBot AI writing assistant

Features:

  • QuillBot offers a powerful paraphrasing tool and text summarizing tool to help you rephrase your writing and condense lengthy text.
  • It provides different writing modes to suit your needs, like “Standard,” “Fluency,” and “Creative.”
  • This tool includes basic grammar and spelling checks to ensure your writing is error-free.
  • QuillBot offers a free plan with limited features, making it accessible to everyone.
  • It integrates with other writing tools like Google Docs and Microsoft Word.

Pricing: The Premium package costs US $8.33/month

Rating: 4.6/5

Best for: Paraphrasing & summarizing texts

Also read: 10 Best AI Text Generators: Pros, Cons, and Prices

7. Writer AI 

Features:

  • It is specifically designed for business professionals to create clear, concise, and persuasive writing.
  • This writing assistant offers pre-built templates and style guides for various business writing tasks, like emails, business proposals, and presentations.
  • It allows teams to collaborate on documents and share feedback.
  • Writer AI integrates with popular productivity tools like Google Docs and Slack.
  • It offers a free trial to test out its features.

Pricing: The Basic plan starts at US $18/month

Rating: 4.4/5

Best for: Business writing and team collaboration

8. Wordtune AI writing assistant

Features: 

  • Wordtune AI focuses on rewriting and paraphrasing text to improve clarity, conciseness, and impact.
  • It offers different writing styles to suit your needs, like formal, informal, and creative.
  • It has a simple and intuitive design, making it easy to navigate and use.
  • This tool offers a free browser extension that can be used across various websites and platforms.
  • It also offers a premium subscription with advanced features like plagiarism detection and more.

Pricing: This writing assistant has a free and paid package. The Advanced package costs US $6.99 / month

Rating: 4.5/5

Best for: Rewriting sentences for clarity & tone

9. ProWritingAid AI

Features:

  • It provides comprehensive grammar and style checks, offering detailed feedback on your writing.
  • This tool generates reports on your writing, highlighting areas for improvement.
  • ProWritingAid includes a built-in thesaurus and dictionary to help you find the perfect words.
  • It offers a free trial to test out its features.
  • It has features like “Add sensory details” and “Add counterargument”  to refine your content.

Pricing: The Premium package costs US $10/month

Rating: 4.7/5

Best for: Comprehensive grammar + style analysis

Also read: 10 Best PDF Editors (Free + Paid) | Pros & Cons

10. Outwrite AI

Features:

  • It is specifically designed for content creators to generate high-quality blog posts, articles, and social media content.
  • Outwrite helps you optimize your content for SEO and readability.
  • It allows you to share your writing with others and get feedback.
  • It also offers a free trial to test out its features before committing.
  • Outwrite AI Integrates with popular writing tools like Google Docs and WordPress.

Pricing: This writing assistant has a free and paid package. The Pro package costs US $24.95/month

Rating: 4.4/5

Best For: Content creators & bloggers

Don’t be afraid to embrace the power of AI! Find the right AI writing assistant for you and let it help you create your best work. And remember, PaperTrue offers expert editing and proofreading services to help you polish your writing and make it shine. Let us help you take your writing to the next level!

Here are some more useful resources for you:

Theme of a Story | Meaning, Common Themes & Examples

Posted on by Tanvi Sarnaik

As we dive into a story, we’re hooked by characters, plots, and settings. However, beneath the surface lies a deeper element: the theme. A theme in literature is the story’s heart, weaving emotions and tones that connect us to its core.

As a writer, the theme of a story guides one to the direction one should follow while crafting the plot. But what does the theme mean in a story? In this article, we will decode the meaning of the theme in literature, its importance, and how it is used in a storyline.

Bring your themes to life with our expert editing services!

What is the theme of a story?

The theme of a story is the central element of its narrative. It is the underlying message that the author wants to convey to the reader. Serving as the backbone of a story, the theme of a story ties together all of its elements. A theme also works as a catalyst to bring together different narratives in one plot.

To understand the theme definition in a story better, let’s see some theme of a story examples:

  • Survival: The novel Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe has a theme of survival as the lead character is shown surviving a shipwreck despite very adverse conditions on an isolated island. It is an excellent example of a theme in a story.
  • Good vs. Evil: The popular series Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling showcases the good vs. evil theme through its story. The protagonist, Harry Potter can be seen fighting against the evil antagonist, Voldemort for the greater good of his people.
  • Love and Sacrifice: Portrayed beautifully in A Thousand Splendid Suns, the themes of love and sacrifice are very evident in the novel written by Khaled Hosseini. From love towards their family to sacrificing their life for each other, the two protagonists, Mariam and Laila have a journey filled with hurdles. 
Also read: How to Write a Children’s Book: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Want to know what is the theme definition in literature? Learn about themes in detail with exciting examples from literature! 

What is a theme in literature?

When we talk about what is a theme in literature, we’re referring to concepts and ideas that show up in many different types of writing. These ideas are like universal messages that can be seen in literature, independent of its genres and styles. 

Examples of themes in literature include: 

  • Death: Emily Dickinson’s poem “Because I Could not Stop for Death” explores the themes of mortality and the afterlife, delving into the poet’s reflections on the concept of death and what may come afterward.
  • Loss and Grief: In The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne’s contemplations about losing friends and the uncertainty regarding the well-being of her loved ones express the deep repercussions of war.
  • Honesty: The fable The Boy Who Cried Wolf teaches the consequences of dishonesty as a boy’s false alarms lead to a lack of trust.

Now that we’ve seen the examples of themes in literature, let us understand the most common themes used in various forms of literature.

Seven common themes in literature

1. Love

Love, whether expressed romantically, within families, or through platonic connections, continues to be a universally relevant theme in literature. The theme of love in literature is expansive, providing authors with the opportunity to showcase a broad spectrum of human emotions. 

Examples of literature with love as a theme include: 

The love between the sisters in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women.

Romantic love between Henry and the nurse Catherine in Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. 

Forbidden love theme in a story between Romeo and Juliet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. 

2. Revenge

Revenge is a strong and captivating theme in literature. This theme revolves around wanting to get back at someone for something they did wrong. It often looks closely at the emotional and mental challenges of seeking revenge.

Examples of literature with revenge as a theme include:

Victor and his creation embark on a journey of revenge in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.  

Edmont Dantes seeks revenge and redemption when he is put in jail for a crime he did not commit in Alexandre Dumas’s The Count of Monte Cristo.

Revenge is an important theme in the lives of most characters in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. Daenerys Targaryen seeks revenge for the House Targaryen.

3. Coming of Age

Popular in young adult literature, coming-of-age stories and poems have been liked by all age groups. This theme shows a character growing into adulthood. The different experiences that develop the characters, make them mature, lose their innocence, and grow into wiser people portray the theme of coming of age. 

Examples of literature with coming of age as a theme include: 

Holden Caufield from J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye is shown going through a journey of maturity and adulthood. 

Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn shows the journey of Huckleberry  Finn, and how he experiences the complexities of life.

To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee follows Scout Finch and her brother Jem as they learn the lessons of justice and human society, while growing up.

4. Courage

The courage theme in literature explores the human capacity to tackle adversities and stand strong despite threats. It resonates with readers by inspiring them to have bravery in their own life.

Examples of literature with courage as a theme include: 

Andy Weir’s The Martian shows how Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone on another planet. The plot exhibits the patience and courage that are needed to get him out of this situation.

J.R.R. Tolkien shows four hobbits, who are just like normal humans, face various adversities throughout The Lord of the Rings series. They triumph through it with courage and perseverance.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is a popular example of courage theme in a story. This tale shines light on Offred’s struggles and oppression which she faces with bravery and intelligence.

5. Good vs. Evil

A contrast between moral forces represents the theme of good vs. evil in stories and poems, etc. It delves into the inherent struggle between right and wrong, virtue and vice. This theme explores the foundations of conflict and morality.

Examples of literature with good vs. evil as a theme include: 

Othello, a character from William Shakespeare’s famous play Othello is portrayed as a good man towards the beginning of the play. But he is vulnerable to manipulation by his deceitful “friend” Iago. Othello’s wife, Desdemona is a character who represents the positive aspects in the contrast between good and evil.

Good vs. evil is the central theme of C.S Lewis’s The Chronicles Of Narnia. The White Witch represents the evil, who wants to take over Narnia and rule over everyone. On the other side, the good is represented by a lion named Aslan who tries to protect Narnia from the evil witch.

In The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky, the exploration of good and evil is central to the narrative. The novel delves into the complex dynamics among the three brothers and their relationships with their wealthy and influential father.

6. Redemption

In stories where redemption takes center stage, characters recognize their mistakes and work to correct the harm they’ve caused, resulting in an inspiring narrative. Narratives of redemption frequently include a transformed character making significant sacrifices. 

Examples of literature with redemption as a theme include: 

In Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, Amir is guilty of not saving his friend Hassan from an unfortunate event. Several years later, Amir, now a prosperous novelist residing in the United States, revisits a war-ravaged Afghanistan to rescue Hassan’s family and find redemption for his actions.

Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables is a good example of what is a theme in a story. It explores the genuine essence of redemption and grace by delving into the life and death of Jean Valjean. Valjean’s transformation from an ex-convict to a fully redeemed individual illustrates every person’s universal potential for redemption.

The theme of redemption was presented in the play A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It shows Scrooge, a man who is transformed from a greedy, selfish miser into a generous and good-natured character by the end.

7. Death

Death is a popular theme across various elements of stories and literary works. Death as a theme delves into a broad spectrum of emotions, philosophies, and viewpoints. In certain instances, death is perceived as liberation from difficulties, and on other occasions, death is perceived as profound grief.

Examples of literature with death as a theme include: 

John Donne’s poem, Death Be Not Proud immediately addresses the theme of death from its opening line. The speaker, through the words “Death, be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou are not so;” appears to mock death, portraying it as less fearsome than commonly perceived.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is a relevant theme of the story example depicting death. For Hazel and Augustus, death is approaching soon as they are diagnosed with terminal diseases. They continue trying to live their lives to the fullest even though they know what the future holds for them.

Jojo Moyes Me Before You is a good example of a theme in a story reflecting death. This theme is a central and poignant element of the narrative.The story revolves around the relationship between Louisa Clark and Will Traynor. Will, facing a life of severe physical limitations, contemplates ending his life through euthanasia.

How to find the theme of a story

Understanding the theme of a story makes reading more interesting and helps you think more deeply. It lets you connect with the story in a meaningful way and encourages you to think about the bigger picture.

To understand what is a theme of a story, you can follow the steps below:

  1. Break down the story elements and map out the plot structure.
  2. Pinpoint the central topic or subject of the story: What is the primary focus?
  3. Scrutinize the main character: Explore the character’s emotions, reactions, actions, and interactions with others.
  4. Summarize the entire story: Reflect on the events, character development, and resolution of conflicts.
  5. Determine the lesson learned by the main character and consider its significance to both the story and broader life experiences.

Now that we’ve taken a closer look at how to find the theme of a story, let’s see how, as writers, we can develop a theme for writing stories. 

Also read: What Is a Stock Character? 150 Examples from 5 Genres

How to develop a theme of a story

Developing a strong theme is really crucial for writing a strong story. If you’re thinking about getting started, an AI story generator can help you write compelling stories. You can use this tool to enhance your story-writing skills. If you’re already familiar with the basic steps, here’s some more detail:

  • Identify core Ieas:

Delve into the fundamental ideas or messages you wish your story to communicate. What impressions or emotions do you want readers to carry with them after experiencing your narrative?

For example, if you are crafting a tale of resilience, identify key messages about overcoming adversity and the strength that emerges from challenges.

  • Explore personal interests:

Reflect on your passions and convictions. Which themes resonate with you? Authenticity can be infused into your story by exploring topics that genuinely captivate your interest.

  • Analyze your characters:

Scrutinize the motivations, conflicts, and character arcs within your story. Themes often naturally emerge from the journeys and transformations experienced by your characters.

  • Consider genre and tone:

Ponder the genre and tone of your narrative. Think about the type of story you’re telling and how it feels. Different kinds of stories have certain themes, and the overall mood—whether it’s serious, funny, or sad—can shape the themes you explore.

For example, the genre of romance is closely related to the themes of love, hope, loss, and overcoming obstacles. 

  • Examine the setting and period:

Explore how the setting and time contribute to your chosen themes. Consider how the cultural and historical context shapes the messages you intend to convey.

For example, If your story is set in a post-apocalyptic world, delve into how the environment and time influence themes like survival, resilience, and the consequences of human actions. 

  • Create a theme statement:

Articulate the overarching theme of your story in a concise sentence. This statement should encapsulate the primary idea or message you wish readers to take away.

An example of a theme statement can be, “In a world plagued by adversity, this story explores the indomitable human spirit, illustrating that resilience and compassion prevail even in the darkest of times.” For a compelling way to visually present such ideas, try using a pitch deck creator to design engaging, professional story presentations.

  • Consider multiple perspectives:

Investigate your theme from diverse viewpoints within your narrative. How might different characters or voices interpret and experience the central theme?

For example, you can explore the theme of justice through the eyes of both the accused and the accuser. By delving into the perspectives of various characters, the narrative sheds light on the complexity of morality.

  • Use symbolism:

Employ symbolism and motifs to reinforce your chosen theme. Objects, colors, or recurring symbols can add layers and depth to the thematic elements of your narrative.

For example, the wilting rose symbolizes the fragility of love in the face of adversity. The withering petals mirror the challenges the characters face, reinforcing the theme of resilience.

  • Reflect on real-world relevance:

Consider the real-world relevance of your theme. Explore how it connects to issues, emotions, or experiences that readers can relate to on a personal level.

  • Seek feedback:

Share your theme statement or ideas with others and actively seek feedback. Engaging in discussions with beta readers, writing groups, or trusted friends can offer valuable insights and perspectives.

  • Revise and refine:

Continuously revisit and refine your theme as you write and revise your story. Ensure that the thematic elements consistently resonate with and enhance the overall narrative.

Now that you’ve understood what is the theme of a story, you can weave themes in your plot to create memorable stories. They’re the magic that lingers, making stories unforgettable. 

So, the next time you embark on a literary journey, take a moment to unravel the theme woven through the pages, and you may find yourself immersed in a story that resonates long after the final word has been read. If you want to refine your themed story, you can always get the help of expert editing and proofreading services.

Keep reading to know more about crafting better stories! 

How to Copyright Your Book?

If you’ve thought about copyrighting your book, you’re on the right path.

Explore more
PaperTrue

© 2025 All rights reserved

facebook instagram youtube twitter linkedin