Questions To Ask An Author About Their Book

As someone who has had the opportunity to interview over 600 authors, I see securing the privilege to interview an author as akin to stumbling upon a hidden treasure chest filled with literary gems. It's a moment of excitement and anticipation, knowing that you're about to embark on a journey into the mind of someone who has crafted a world out of words. However, as an interviewer, it's essential to tread carefully, recognizing that authors are often inundated with the same questions time and time again.

Imagine being asked repeatedly about the inspiration behind your latest novel or the significance of a particular character. While these questions may have sparked a fire in the author's mind during the creative process, answering them repeatedly can dull the spark, leaving the author feeling uninspired and disengaged.

20 Questions To Ask An Author About Their Book

Authors pour their hearts and souls into their work, spending countless hours meticulously crafting every sentence and subplot. So, when faced with a barrage of predictable questions, it's understandable that they may feel a sense of frustration or weariness. After all, they long to delve into the depths of their narrative, exploring its themes, characters, and underlying messages.

However, despite the monotony of certain inquiries, authors never lose their enthusiasm for discussing their books. Beneath the surface of routine questions lies a wellspring of passion and insight waiting to be tapped into. When given the opportunity to explore lesser-known aspects of their work or to discuss the intricacies of their writing process, authors light up with excitement.

It's in these moments of genuine curiosity and engagement that the true magic of the interview unfolds. As an interviewer, your role is not just to scratch the surface but to delve deep, uncovering the hidden layers of meaning and creativity that lie within the pages of the author's book.

So, while authors may grow weary of the same old questions, they never tire of sharing their stories. Behind every query lies the potential for discovery, for uncovering the essence of what makes their work truly special. And in the end, it's this shared passion for storytelling that fuels the connection between author and interviewer, transforming a simple conversation into an unforgettable journey through the world of words.

Below I am sharing a round-up of good questions to ask an author about their books.

20 Questions To Ask An Author About Their Book

What was the most unexpected challenge you encountered while writing a book?
This question shows interest in the author's writing process and acknowledges the complexities of their craft. It allows the author to reflect on their journey and share insights into overcoming obstacles.
Can you share a moment from your personal life that inspired a scene or character in the book?
Delving into the personal inspirations behind the narrative can make authors feel valued and understood. It highlights the intimate connection between their life experiences and their creative work.
If your book were adapted into a film, who would be your dream cast for the main characters
This question injects a sense of fun and imagination into the conversation. It allows the author to envision their story in a new medium and share their casting preferences, revealing their creative vision.
How did you choose the title for your book, and what significance does it hold for you?
Titles are often carefully crafted to encapsulate the essence of a book. By asking about the title's significance, you demonstrate an appreciation for the author's attention to detail and invite them to delve into the deeper layers of their work.
Were there any themes or messages you consciously set out to explore in this book?
Authors appreciate the opportunity to discuss the underlying themes and messages woven throughout their narrative. This question shows respect for their intentions and allows them to articulate the deeper meaning behind their story.
What research did you conduct for this book, and did you uncover anything surprising or fascinating?
Research is my favorite part of the writing process, and is for many other authors as well. By asking about their research journey, you acknowledge the dedication they've put into crafting an authentic and well-informed story. And you never know, they may have a “surprising thing you learned” that didn’t make it in the book!
How do you approach world-building in your writing, particularly in genres like fantasy or science fiction?
For authors of speculative fiction, world-building is a crucial aspect of storytelling. This question allows them to discuss their creative process and the techniques they use to construct immersive and believable worlds.
Can you describe a memorable interaction you've had with a reader about this book?
Authors often cherish the connections they form with readers. By asking about their interactions with readers, you acknowledge the impact of their work and invite them to share heartwarming or insightful anecdotes. You might also ask, “Who do you hope will read your books?”
Are there any characters in the book that you relate to on a personal level?
Exploring the author's personal connection to their characters can provide valuable insights into their own experiences and perspectives. This question fosters a deeper understanding of the author's emotional investment in their storytelling. You could follow up this question by asking, “Did you base your characters on anyone you know?”
How do you balance a writing career with other aspects of your life, such as work or family?
Writing can be a demanding pursuit, and authors often juggle multiple responsibilities. By asking about their approach to balancing writing with other aspects of life, you demonstrate empathy for the challenges they face and may uncover valuable insights for aspiring writers.
What was the most rewarding moment you experienced during the writing process?
Celebrating the highlights of the writing journey can be incredibly meaningful for authors. This question allows them to reflect on their accomplishments and share moments of joy and fulfillment.
Are there any specific cultural influences that shaped the world or characters in your book
Cultural influences play a significant role in shaping narratives and characters. By asking about cultural influences, you demonstrate an appreciation for diversity and invite the author to explore the rich tapestry of their storytelling.
How do you approach writing dialogue, and do you have any tips for crafting authentic conversations?
Dialogue breathes life into characters and drives the narrative forward. By asking about the author's approach to writing dialogue, you show an interest in their craft/writing style and may gain valuable insights for your own writing endeavors.
What was the most challenging scene for you to write, and how did you overcome it?
Every writer encounters scenes that present unique challenges. By asking about the author's experiences with challenging scenes, you acknowledge the complexity of their craft and invite them to share their strategies for overcoming obstacles. Hopefully, asking them about the hardest scene to write will make them pause to think back on their process.
If you could offer one piece of advice to aspiring writers, what would it be?
Authors often have valuable wisdom to impart to aspiring writers. By asking for their advice, you demonstrate respect for their expertise and provide an opportunity for them to share insights gleaned from their own writing journey. You might follow up by asking the best or most difficult part of being a writer.
How do you approach revisions and editing, and how has your manuscript evolved throughout the process?
Revisions are an integral and often difficult part of writing, shaping the manuscript into its final form. By asking about the author's approach to revisions and editing, you demonstrate an understanding of the iterative nature of writing and may gain insights into their craftsmanship.
Can you share a behind-the-scenes anecdote or interesting fact about the creation of this book?
Behind every book lies a wealth of untold stories and fascinating tidbits. By asking for behind-the-scenes anecdotes, you invite the author to share anecdotes and insights that add depth and richness to the narrative.
How do you handle writer's block or moments of creative doubt?
Writer's block and creative doubt are common challenges faced by writers. By asking about the author's strategies for overcoming these obstacles, you demonstrate empathy for their struggles and may gain valuable insights for navigating your own creative challenges.
What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Authors often have specific hopes and intentions for their readers. By asking about the author's aspirations for their book, you demonstrate a genuine interest in the impact of their storytelling and invite them to articulate the deeper meaning behind their work.
What projects are you currently working on, and can you offer any hints or teasers for your upcoming work?
Authors are often working on new projects or ideas, even as they promote their current book. By asking about their current projects, you show enthusiasm for their creative endeavors and provide an opportunity for them to share exciting updates and teasers for future works.
What one thing would you change about the publishing industry?
The publishing industry has a lot of faults and every author has a different opinion, based on their experience an understanding of the industry, on how it can be improved. This question recognizes their work in the larger scope of the industry as a whole.
Do you read book reviews?
I find this question fascinating because some authors do and some don’t but they almost all have opinions about it. I love to hear why authors choose to read them (or not) - how it helps them improve or distracts them from the work. This question often opens up an interesting conversation.
From which authors do you draw inspiration?
This is a more unique way of asking who their favorite books or authors might be. Authors are some of the most supportive people I’ve met, especially of their fellow authors. This gives them the opportunity to shout-out other authors and books they didn’t write.

Each of these author interview questions serves to engage the author in a meaningful and thought-provoking conversation about their book and their craft. By demonstrating genuine curiosity and interest, interviewers can create a dynamic and enriching dialogue that illuminates the depths of the author's storytelling and fosters a deeper connection between author and audience.

“[ From which author do you draw inspiration?]

I could never pick just one! Almost every book I read inspires me in one way or another. It’s been harder for me to keep my focus these days, but some recent books that have pushed me out of creative ruts include The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka (out in 2022), Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant, and You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle. They’re all romances, because that’s where my brain feels safest and happiest. Each really reminded of how magical and transformative a great love story can be.”

— Bridget Morrissey

Interview with Morrissey.