Struggling to spark fun, meaningful conversations in your publishing community? Would You Rather questions are a playful way to get members talking, thinking, and connecting. Use these ready-to-go templates to fuel creative discussions that everyone will want to join.
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Would You Rather questions tap into our natural curiosity and love for stories by presenting intriguing choices. In publishing communities, these prompts encourage members to share their preferences, opinions, and creative ideas in a low-pressure way. Because each option is thoughtfully crafted for the publishing world, the questions inspire both imagination and professional connection.
This format also lowers barriers to participation. Members do not need deep expertise or lengthy answers to join in—just their perspective and a willingness to play. As more people respond, conversations deepen, relationships grow, and the community feels more lively and inclusive.
Would you rather write a bestseller under a pen name or a modest hit under your real name? Share why.
💡 Example: "I would pick a bestseller under a pen name. It would be fun to have a secret identity and separate my personal life."
Would you rather edit a 500-page novel or proofread 50 short stories? Which would you choose and why?
💡 Example: "I would choose to edit a 500-page novel because I love getting invested in one story."
Would you rather launch a book at a crowded literary festival or in a cozy indie bookstore? Tell us your pick.
💡 Example: "I would choose a cozy indie bookstore for a more personal experience."
Would you rather have your book adapted into a movie or a TV series? Why does that format appeal to you?
💡 Example: "A TV series would allow more depth for my characters and plot."
Would you rather design a book cover or write the book blurb? Which creative task excites you most?
💡 Example: "Writing a book blurb sounds challenging but fun. I love capturing stories in a few sentences."
Would you rather be a famous editor or a bestselling author? Share your reasoning.
💡 Example: "Being a famous editor appeals to me because I enjoy shaping many stories."
Would you rather promote a debut novel or a final installment in a popular series? What would you choose?
💡 Example: "I would choose the final installment because of the built-in fan excitement."
Would you rather work with a perfectionist author or a last-minute reviser? Which is easier for you?
💡 Example: "Last-minute revisers keep me on my toes but perfectionists can be tough too. I pick the reviser."
Would you rather publish a book with beautiful illustrations or interactive elements? Which would you pick?
💡 Example: "Interactive elements make the reading experience modern and fun."
Would you rather write in total silence or with background noise? What helps your focus?
💡 Example: "Total silence helps me get in the zone."
Would you rather have a book go viral on social media or win a prestigious award? Why?
💡 Example: "A viral book would reach more readers, which matters most to me."
Would you rather host a podcast with authors or run a book club for readers? Which would you choose?
💡 Example: "Running a book club sounds more interactive and community-driven."
Would you rather write in your favorite genre forever or try a new one with each book? Share your pick.
💡 Example: "Trying a new genre each time would keep things exciting for me."
Would you rather publish in print only or digital only? Which format do you prefer and why?
💡 Example: "Digital only is more accessible and eco-friendly."
Would you rather have unlimited time to write with little inspiration or tons of ideas but no time?
💡 Example: "I would choose tons of ideas and no time. Ideas feel more valuable to me."
Would you rather co-author a book with your best friend or your favorite author? Who would you pick?
💡 Example: "Co-authoring with my favorite author would be a dream come true."
Would you rather market a book on TikTok or Instagram? Which platform do you think fits best?
💡 Example: "Instagram has a strong book community so I would go with that."
Would you rather read only series or only stand-alone books for a year? Which would you choose?
💡 Example: "I love series. I like getting attached to characters over time."
Would you rather write a book set in the past or the future? Why does that time period inspire you?
💡 Example: "The future lets me invent new worlds and technology."
Would you rather publish a book anonymously or with your name on the cover? Share your preference.
💡 Example: "I would want my name on the cover to take credit for my work."
Would you rather attend a writing retreat in the mountains or by the sea? Which setting would you pick?
💡 Example: "The sea would inspire me with its calm and mystery."
Would you rather be a publisher for fantasy novels or nonfiction bestsellers? What interests you more?
💡 Example: "Fantasy novels offer more creative freedom."
Would you rather proofread late at night or early in the morning? When do you do your best work?
💡 Example: "Late at night, I am less distracted."
Would you rather read only debut authors or only established writers for a year?
💡 Example: "Debut authors bring fresh perspectives, so I would go with them."
Would you rather work on cover design or interior layout for a book? Which job interests you more?
💡 Example: "Cover design is more creative and visible."
Would you rather read a book in one sitting or spread it out over a week? What do you usually do?
💡 Example: "If I love a book, I finish it in one sitting."
Would you rather publish a book that's critically acclaimed or a commercial success?
💡 Example: "A commercial success means more readers get to enjoy my work."
Would you rather have your book translated into many languages or adapted into an audiobook?
💡 Example: "Translations would reach more people worldwide."
Would you rather organize a virtual book launch or an in-person signing? Which do you prefer?
💡 Example: "An in-person signing feels more personal and memorable."
Would you rather manage a team of editors or a team of marketers? Which role would suit you best?
💡 Example: "I would enjoy managing editors since I love working with content."
Would you rather have a manuscript with perfect grammar or perfect plot? Which matters more?
💡 Example: "Plot is king. Grammar can always be fixed in edits."
Would you rather never face writer's block but write slowly, or write quickly but often get stuck?
💡 Example: "Slow and steady with no block would be less stressful."
Would you rather publish your dream book now or wait ten years for the perfect deal?
💡 Example: "I would publish now and not risk missing my chance."
Would you rather write every day for an hour or just one full day each week? What works for you?
💡 Example: "Daily writing helps me build momentum."
Would you rather be known for your storytelling or your unique writing style?
💡 Example: "Storytelling is more memorable for readers."
Would you rather discover a new favorite author or help launch someone else's career?
💡 Example: "Helping someone else succeed would be very rewarding."
Would you rather attend a book fair in your city or travel abroad for one?
💡 Example: "Traveling abroad combines my love of books and adventure."
Would you rather work on a tight publishing deadline or with an unlimited timeline?
💡 Example: "Deadlines motivate me to get things done."
Would you rather mentor a new writer or be mentored by a publishing pro?
💡 Example: "Being mentored would boost my growth, but mentoring is also rewarding."
Would you rather publish a book with a major publisher or go independent?
💡 Example: "Indie publishing gives more creative control."
Would you rather write in the morning with coffee or at night with tea?
💡 Example: "Night with tea is my writing ritual."
To use these templates, simply copy and paste your favorite prompt into your community platform. Post as a regular discussion, story, or poll, and encourage members to elaborate on their choices. Rotate questions weekly or tie them to current publishing trends for ongoing engagement. For best results, reply to answers with follow-up questions or comments to keep the conversation flowing.
These Would You Rather templates are designed for all platforms. For forums and Facebook Groups, post as text discussions and pin for visibility. On Slack or Discord, use them in a dedicated channel or as icebreakers. For Instagram or Twitter, share as Stories or tweets and use polls to let members vote. Always encourage comments to maximize participation.
Incorporate scenarios specific to both publishing paths, such as, 'Would you rather retain 100% creative control but handle all marketing yourself, or have a publisher manage marketing but with input on your manuscript changes?' This approach engages both groups and surfaces ongoing industry conversations.
Absolutely—posing choices like, 'Would you rather receive a large advance with lower royalties, or a small advance with higher royalty rates?' not only fosters engagement but also sparks informative discussions about standard publishing contracts and author earnings.
Frame questions around marketing tactics, such as, 'Would you rather invest your budget into Amazon ads or author events/book tours?' or 'Would you rather focus on building a strong email list or growing your social media following?' These scenarios are highly relevant to publishers and authors.
Use open-ended, empathetic scenarios, such as, 'Would you rather face ten agent rejections before landing a deal, or self-publish with no guarantee of immediate sales?' This invites honest reflection while normalizing common challenges in the publishing world.
Yes, try questions like, 'Would you rather publish a bestseller in a niche genre or a critically acclaimed literary novel with modest sales?' These spark discussion about career goals, genre marketability, and publishing expectations unique to different types of writing.
Focus on timely decisions, such as, 'Would you rather release your next book exclusively as an e-book or as an audiobook first?' These questions prompt members to consider evolving reader habits and new revenue streams in today’s publishing landscape.
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