by Suzanne Lieurance
When submitting your manuscripts for possible publication these days, you’ll probably find that many agents and editors want to know if you have a mood board for your current project because it signals a few key things about you as a writer.
For example, a project mood board can show that you have:
#1. A Clear Vision for Your Story.
A mood board shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the look, feel, and tone of your project beyond just words on the page.
It suggests you have a well-developed vision for the story, which can make it easier for an agent or editor to see its market potential and how it might be positioned in the industry.
#2. A Consistency in Tone and Atmosphere.
When you create a mood board, you’re forced to distill the atmosphere and emotional core of your story into a few visual elements.
This kind of consistency is appealing to agents and editors because it indicates you’ve thought deeply about how your story feels—an essential part of making the narrative engaging and cohesive.
#3. Marketing Insight.
Agents are increasingly aware of how much visual storytelling matters in marketing a book.
A mood board can hint at your understanding of the aesthetic appeal and market positioning of your work.
It also shows that you’ve thought about how your book might look on social media, in promotional graphics, or even as a part of a book cover design.
#4. Engagement with the Creative Process.
Having a mood board signals that you’re invested in the creative development of your project.
It’s a sign that you’re willing to go beyond the basic writing process and explore different ways of bringing your story to life, which can make you more appealing as a client.
#5. Alignment with the Agent’s or Editor's Vision.
If an agent or editor sees your mood board and it aligns with the visual style, themes, or tone they typically champion, it can make your project even more attractive.
It helps them get a clearer, more immediate sense of your book, which might resonate with their preferences or current market trends.
In essence, a mood board can act like a sneak peek into your book’s world.
It’s a useful way for agents and editors to gauge not just your writing, but your commitment and creativity in crafting a fully realized story experience.
So, now that you know some of the reasons for creating a mood board, let’s take a look at what a mood board is and how you can create one for your book.
What is an Author’s Project Mood Board?
An author’s project mood board is a visual tool that helps capture the atmosphere, tone, and overall vibe of a story or project.
It’s a collection of images, colors, textures, quotes, and even snippets of text that represent the themes, settings, characters, and emotions of the book.
It’s like a vision board for your writing project, providing a visual reference that keeps you inspired and on track as you develop your narrative.
What Might Be Included on an Author’s Project Mood Board
Here are some of the things you might include in your project mood board:
Setting Inspiration: Photos or artwork that depict the locations or time periods of your story.
Character Aesthetics: Portraits, fashion styles, or objects that reflect your characters’ personalities and moods.
Color Palette: Specific colors that match the emotional tone or season of your story.
Themes and Emotions: Images or quotes that embody the key themes or the emotional journey you want readers to experience.
Objects and Symbols: Visual elements that are significant in your plot (e.g., a compass, an old book, a specific type of flower).
Some Additional Reasons to Make a Project Mood Board
To Stay Inspired: It’s a quick visual reminder of why you’re excited about the project.
To Maintain Consistency: It helps you keep the tone and atmosphere consistent throughout the writing process.
To Spark Creativity: The right image or color can ignite new ideas and help you move forward if you’re stuck.
How to Create Your Project Mood Board
There are several ways you can create your mood board.
Use Digital Tools: Pinterest, Cana, or Milanote are great for creating digital boards.
Make a Physical Board: You can also go old-school with a corkboard or scrapbook, using magazine clippings, fabric swatches, and photos.
In short, a project mood board is a fun and practice way to visualize your story before it’s written.
It’s like a sneak peek into the world you are creating.
Next month, we’ll take a look at how to create an Author Mood Board that defines your brand as an author and sets you apart from other writers.
Now, for more writing and publishing tips every weekday morning, get your free subscription to The Morning Nudge.
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| Suzanne Lieurance and Some of Her Published Books |
Suzanne Lieurance is the author of over 40 published books and a Law of Attraction coach for writers at writebythesea.com.
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