Need a quick way to spark conversation in your publishing community? This or That questions offer a playful and easy entry point for members to join in. Use these ready-made prompts to boost interaction and keep your space lively.
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This or That prompts tap into the natural human tendency to compare and choose, making it effortless for members to participate. By presenting two clear, contrasting options, you remove the pressure of crafting a complex response and invite quick, fun decision-making. This approach breaks the ice and lowers barriers for even shy or newer members.
In publishing communities, these prompts celebrate personal preferences related to reading, writing, and the creative process. They create lighthearted moments, foster camaraderie, and encourage members to share stories behind their choices. Over time, this builds a sense of belonging and keeps engagement high.
Print books or ebooks - which do you prefer for your reading sessions?
💡 Example: "Print books or ebooks - which do you prefer for your reading sessions? I love the smell of print books!"
Early morning writing or late night writing - what works best for you?
💡 Example: "Early morning writing or late night writing - what works best for you? I am a night owl!"
Fiction or nonfiction - which do you reach for first?
💡 Example: "Fiction or nonfiction - which do you reach for first? Always fiction for me."
Self-publishing or traditional publishing - which path intrigues you more?
💡 Example: "Self-publishing or traditional publishing - which path intrigues you more? Self-pub gives more control."
Writing by hand or typing on a computer - what is your go-to?
💡 Example: "Writing by hand or typing on a computer - what is your go-to? Typing all the way!"
Short stories or full-length novels - which do you enjoy reading more?
💡 Example: "Short stories or full-length novels - which do you enjoy reading more? Novels."
Plotter or pantser - how do you approach your writing projects?
💡 Example: "Plotter or pantser - how do you approach your writing projects? I am a pantser at heart!"
Cover art or book blurb - which draws you in first?
💡 Example: "Cover art or book blurb - which draws you in first? Always the cover first!"
Beta readers or editors - who do you turn to first for feedback?
💡 Example: "Beta readers or editors - who do you turn to first for feedback? I trust my beta team first."
Audiobooks or podcasts - which do you listen to while commuting?
💡 Example: "Audiobooks or podcasts - which do you listen to while commuting? Podcasts for me."
Writing sprints or slow and steady sessions - how do you get words down?
💡 Example: "Writing sprints or slow and steady sessions - how do you get words down? Sprints help me focus!"
Bookstore browsing or online book shopping - which do you love more?
💡 Example: "Bookstore browsing or online book shopping - which do you love more? Nothing beats a real bookstore."
Standalone books or series - what do you prefer to read?
💡 Example: "Standalone books or series - what do you prefer to read? Series."
First drafts or final edits - which stage do you enjoy more?
💡 Example: "First drafts or final edits - which stage do you enjoy more? I love polishing in edits."
Writing in silence or with music - what helps your creativity?
💡 Example: "Writing in silence or with music - what helps your creativity? Music every time."
Prologues or epilogues - which do you find more impactful?
💡 Example: "Prologues or epilogues - which do you find more impactful? Epilogues for me."
Plot-driven or character-driven stories - what grabs your attention?
💡 Example: "Plot-driven or character-driven stories - what grabs your attention? Character-driven."
Short chapters or long chapters - how do you like your books structured?
💡 Example: "Short chapters or long chapters - how do you like your books structured? Short chapters."
Writing solo or co-authoring - have you tried both?
💡 Example: "Writing solo or co-authoring - have you tried both? Co-authoring was fun!"
Writing retreats or virtual workshops - which would you pick?
💡 Example: "Writing retreats or virtual workshops - which would you pick? I love the idea of retreats."
Paperback or hardcover - which format do you buy most often?
💡 Example: "Paperback or hardcover - which format do you buy most often? Paperback."
Daily word count goals or time-based writing sessions - what motivates you?
💡 Example: "Daily word count goals or time-based writing sessions - what motivates you? I set word count targets."
Book fairs or author signings - which event would you attend first?
💡 Example: "Book fairs or author signings - which event would you attend first? Author signings."
Writing prompt books or online prompts - where do you find inspiration?
💡 Example: "Writing prompt books or online prompts - where do you find inspiration? I love online prompts."
Reading one book at a time or juggling several - what is your style?
💡 Example: "Reading one book at a time or juggling several - what is your style? I read three at once."
Book reviews or author interviews - which do you read first?
💡 Example: "Book reviews or author interviews - which do you read first? Reviews usually."
Fantasy or mystery - which genre do you gravitate toward?
💡 Example: "Fantasy or mystery - which genre do you gravitate toward? Mystery for sure."
Writing in cafes or at home - where do you feel most productive?
💡 Example: "Writing in cafes or at home - where do you feel most productive? Cafes inspire me."
Daily journaling or structured outlining - what is your process?
💡 Example: "Daily journaling or structured outlining - what is your process? I outline every project."
Reading book samples or trusting recommendations - how do you pick your next read?
💡 Example: "Reading book samples or trusting recommendations - how do you pick your next read? I go by recs!"
Writing with snacks or without - does food fuel your creativity?
💡 Example: "Writing with snacks or without - does food fuel your creativity? Snacks all the way."
Publishing under your real name or a pen name - which would you choose?
💡 Example: "Publishing under your real name or a pen name - which would you choose? Pen name for privacy."
Reading in bed or on the go - where do you get most of your reading done?
💡 Example: "Reading in bed or on the go - where do you get most of your reading done? In bed every night."
Book launch parties online or in person - which would you attend?
💡 Example: "Book launch parties online or in person - which would you attend? Online is easier for me."
Writing with outlines or discovering the story as you go?
💡 Example: "Writing with outlines or discovering the story as you go? I outline everything."
Bookmarks or dog-eared pages - how do you save your place?
💡 Example: "Bookmarks or dog-eared pages - how do you save your place? Bookmarks only."
Longhand revisions or digital editing - how do you polish your drafts?
💡 Example: "Longhand revisions or digital editing - how do you polish your drafts? Digital all the way."
Reading for pleasure or research - what is your current focus?
💡 Example: "Reading for pleasure or research - what is your current focus? Pleasure right now."
Publishing monthly newsletters or quarterly updates - which do you prefer?
💡 Example: "Publishing monthly newsletters or quarterly updates - which do you prefer? Monthly keeps me in the loop."
Reading reviews before buying or after finishing a book?
💡 Example: "Reading reviews before buying or after finishing a book? I check reviews first."
Anthologies or single-author collections - which do you choose?
💡 Example: "Anthologies or single-author collections - which do you choose? Anthologies."
To implement these templates, simply copy and paste your chosen prompt into your community's post or story feature. Tag or mention relevant members to nudge participation, and consider following up with your own answer to set the tone. Rotate topics to keep things fresh, and encourage members to elaborate on their choices for deeper conversations. These prompts work well as regular features, icebreakers, or quick engagement boosts during slow periods.
These This or That templates are designed for all platforms. For forums and groups, use them as standalone posts or conversation starters. On social media, try them in stories with poll stickers or as image captions. For newsletters or email-based communities, include a prompt at the top or bottom to invite replies. Always monitor responses and engage with members to maximize participation.
Focus your 'This or That' prompts on core industry decision points, such as 'Advance vs. Royalties,' 'Agented vs. Unagented submissions,' or 'Print runs vs. Print-on-demand.' These choices reflect real dilemmas in publishing and will encourage members to share their insider experiences and preferences, generating thoughtful discussion.
Craft questions like 'Developmental editing vs. Copyediting,' 'Pitch events vs. Traditional queries,' or 'Slush pile vs. Referrals.' These topics use industry-specific roles and submission processes, making the content relatable and sparking professional insights from editors and agents in your audience.
Feature choices such as 'Fantasy vs. Thriller for 2024 acquisitions,' 'Standalone novels vs. Series,' or 'Hardcover vs. Ebook launches.' This approach encourages members to discuss current market trends, genre popularity, and publishing strategies, providing value through up-to-date industry insights.
Try questions like 'Simultaneous submissions vs. Exclusive submissions,' 'Partial manuscript vs. Full manuscript requests,' or 'Query letter vs. Synopsis first.' These reflect practical submission challenges and processes, making the content highly relevant for writers and publishing professionals.
Use prompts such as 'Book tours vs. Virtual launches,' 'ARC distribution vs. Paid ads,' or 'Influencer outreach vs. Traditional reviews.' These mirror real-world marketing dilemmas publishers face and help members share their promotional successes and challenges.
Pose choices like 'Peer review vs. Editorial board selection,' 'Open access vs. Subscription models,' or 'Textbook publishing vs. General fiction.' These reflect distinct workflows and priorities in different publishing sectors, fostering cross-sectional learning among members.
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