Book & eBook Writing Book and eBook Writing Essentials 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'show, don't tell' as a writing technique?
- Avoiding all dialogue
- Using sensory details and action to convey emotion rather than stating it directly (Correct answer)
- Writing only in present tense
- Including illustrations instead of text
Correct answer: Using sensory details and action to convey emotion rather than stating it directly
Showing immerses readers through experience instead of flat statements.
Question 2: For a fixed-layout eBook with complex graphics, which format is often preferred?
- Reflowable EPUB
- Fixed-layout EPUB or PDF (Correct answer)
- Plain TXT
- Markdown
Correct answer: Fixed-layout EPUB or PDF
Fixed-layout formats preserve precise positioning of images and text.
Question 3: What is the purpose of beta readers?
- To design the cover
- To provide feedback on the manuscript before publication (Correct answer)
- To handle distribution
- To write the index
Correct answer: To provide feedback on the manuscript before publication
Beta readers give reader-perspective feedback to improve the manuscript.
Question 4: Which editing stage focuses on big-picture structure, plot, and pacing?
- Proofreading
- Copyediting
- Developmental editing (Correct answer)
- Typesetting
Correct answer: Developmental editing
Developmental editing addresses overall structure and content issues.
Question 5: What is a key advantage of eBooks over print for self-publishers?
- Higher printing costs
- Lower upfront cost and instant global distribution (Correct answer)
- Required warehouse storage
- Mandatory bookstore placement
Correct answer: Lower upfront cost and instant global distribution
eBooks eliminate printing and inventory costs while reaching readers instantly.
Question 6: Why should chapter lengths in a book be reasonably balanced?
- To meet legal requirements
- To create a consistent reading rhythm and pacing (Correct answer)
- To reduce the table of contents
- To lower the ISBN fee
Correct answer: To create a consistent reading rhythm and pacing
Balanced chapters help maintain steady pacing and reader momentum.
Question 7: What does 'metadata' refer to in eBook publishing?
- The book's main text
- Descriptive data like title, author, keywords, and category for discoverability (Correct answer)
- The cover image only
- The printing press settings
Correct answer: Descriptive data like title, author, keywords, and category for discoverability
Metadata helps retailers categorize and surface the book in searches.
What is 'show, don't tell' as a writing technique?