Writing Emotobooks: A New Medium of Fiction Forum On Writing Emotobooks

If you’re like me, simply the term, “emotobook,” gets your attention. What is that?

An emotobook is a short ebook, usually part of a series of ten, called a season. A complete season of ten gets published in monthly installments. The length of each season is equivalent to a novel, so each issue represents one episode of the continuing story arc. But an episode is not simply a chapter; each episode has conflict and resolution. Think of a TV episode.

Despite the brevity of each emotobook, each issue is written and illustrated to engage the reader on a deeper emotional level than traditional prose. How does the emotobook do that?

Well, first the writer must write something really interesting. Something with action. Something with tension. Suspense. Drama. You know the drill. Most genres can work, as long as the story is on the edgier, grittier side. Then the writer passes this intriguing story into the hands of an editor at Grit City Publications, such as myself, and if the story fits, the editor decides where to insert the illustrations. (We also help writers adapt their novels, novellas, and short stories into the emotobook style.)

The illustrators are an integral part of the creative team, because they interpret each scene and react through expressionistic art. These abstract illustrations enhance about three to six scenes per emotobook. It’s really amazing.

The emotobook revolution is opening doors for all writers, novices as well as published authors, because we work with you to add something unique to your story. Emotobooks are also becoming popular with readers, and not just the serious reader, but the casual reader as well. Why? Well, emotobook issues and singles are quick reads. If you become hooked on a serial publication—a season—then you’re only spending a commute to work or a lunch break on each issue.

Of course, if you drive to work, reading an emotobook while driving is not recommended… although you will probably want to do it.

If you have a novel, novella, or short story idly sitting on your laptop, why not read the emotobook handbook to see if it could fit with Grit City? It’s free, short, and comprehensive. You might as well check it out. The handbook is also a great guide for those who want to attempt the emotobook style from the beginning.

If you’ve read the handbook and you’re interested, or if you just have questions, shoot me an email at [email protected].

And for you book lovers who just want a closer look at emotobooks, you can check out Grit City’s maiden publication and namesake, Grit City by Ron Gavalik. Find more information on where to get Grit City here.