Behind the Book
Every author has a story that never made it into the book.
Welcome
Books don't simply appear on bookstore shelves. Long before Chapter One is written, there are moments of inspiration, years of research, unexpected discoveries, and personal experiences that shape every story.
Behind the Book is an original feature series where authors step away from the book blurb and invite readers into their creative journey. Here, they share the inspiration, research, unexpected discoveries, and personal experiences that shaped their books. From stubborn characters to fascinating historical details, readers get a glimpse into the creative journey behind every story.
Whether you're a lifelong reader, an aspiring writer, or simply curious about the creative process, I hope these features help you connect with books in a whole new way.
New to Behind the Book? Every feature explores the inspiration, research, and personal experiences that shaped a book-not simply the book itself.
What Makes a Great Behind the Book Feature?
The best Behind the Book articles don't sell a book-they tell a story.
I'm looking for thoughtful, engaging articles that help readers understand what inspired your work or what happened along the way.
Some ideas include:
- The real-life inspiration behind your novel
- The research rabbit hole you never expected
- A place that became one of your characters
- A family story that inspired your plot
- The scene that almost didn't make the book
- The character who surprised you
- Lessons learned while writing
- A historical mystery you couldn't let go
- Why this particular story needed to be told
- An unforgettable writing experience
Readers remember the stories behind a book long after they've forgotten the blurb.
Submission Guidelines
Participation is by invitation or proposal. I welcome thoughtful submissions that fit the spirit of the series.
Length
800–1,200 words is ideal.
Tone
- Conversational
- Personal
- Story-driven
- Reader-focused
Think of it as telling a fascinating story over coffee.
Please Avoid
- Book blurbs
- Sales pitches
- "Buy my book" articles
- AI-generated content
- Previously published articles (unless we've discussed it)
Images
You're welcome to include:
- Author photos
- Research photos
- Historical images (if you own or have permission)
- Maps
- Travel photos
- Writing notebooks
- Anything that helps tell your story
Three to eight images usually work well.
Editing
I reserve the right to make light edits for:
- Grammar
- Spelling
- Readability
- Formatting
- SEO
Your voice and message will always remain intact.
What You Can Expect
Every accepted Behind the Book feature includes:
- Professional formatting and layout
- Images optimized for the web
- Relevant links to your website, books, and related content
- Promotion across my website, newsletter, and social media channels
- Feature in my Friday Finds newsletter whenever possible
- A permanent home in the Behind the Book archive
Is every proposal accepted?
Because Behind the Book is a curated editorial feature, I can't guarantee every proposal will be accepted. I'm looking for articles that fit the spirit of the series and will resonate with my readers.
Before You Submit...
"Would this still be interesting if the reader never bought my book?"
If the answer is yes, you're probably on the right track.
Ready to Share Your Story?
I'd love to hear your idea! Send me an email with the information below, and I'll personally review your proposal. I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
When you're ready to submit your proposal, please include the following information:
- Your name
- Email address
- Website (if applicable)
- Book title
- Proposed article title
- A brief summary of your article (2-3 sentences)
- Approximate word count
- Your completed article as an attachment
- Any images you'd like included with your feature
Questions before submitting? Feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to discuss ideas before you start writing.
Looking for other ways to collaborate? Visit my Work With Me page.
If you're interested in a book review instead, please visit my Review Policy.