What a journey this book has been. I’ve always loved illustrating the maps for my stories, and some time ago a friend asked me to illustrate hers. Then another friend asked the same. Then random strangers would occasionally ask about a commission… I’ve learned a lot since then. Map design, even for world of magic and future tech, are rooted in a basic understanding of geology, history, and design. The map is informed by the setting, just as it can inform the story, depending on the order which you make it vs. the story.
I started writing An Author’s Guide to Setting Design about three or four years ago, after writing a few blogs on the topic, which only ballooned in scope. The project became extremely collaborative, as I sought out feedback and interviewed some incredible authors and illustrators. Among them, Isaac Stewart, the illustrator of Brandon Sanderson’s maps.
I am thrilled to finally share the book’s cover with you, illustrated by the wonderful Braken.
About An Author’s Guide to Setting Design
Genre: Non-fiction reference book, featuring lots of fictional examples.
Release Date: July, 2026 (est.)
A map at the beginning of a book is a sure sign of adventure, discovery, and a story to get lost in. This reference book helps you bring fictional settings to life, whether you’re trying to improve your story’s worldbuilding or illustrating a map for it.
To do this, we must ask how the story affects the map. What cultures, magic, advanced technology, or alien life might play a role in shaping the world? The story and map should be intricately connected.
This reference book includes over 100 illustrated examples of maps both real and fictional. It is a love letter to science fiction & fantasy, and a guidebook for authors who seek to immerse readers in new worlds.
Featuring authors and cartographers including Adrian M. Gibson, Aiden Chan, A.J. Calvin, Amber Toro, Ben Galley, Blake Penn, Daniël Hasenbos, Dave Lawson, Dewi Hargreaves, Eliza Leone, Emory Glass, Isaac Stewart, Jack Shepherd, Janice E. Sheen, Kate Korsak, Kiersten Michele, K.M. Alexander, Konstance, Lamia N. Bayen, J.L. Odom, Michael R. Fletcher, MistyBeee, N.J. Alexander, Philip Chase, P.L. Stuart, Raven Penn, Salinee Goldenberg, S.J. Lee, Steven Raaymakers, Tori Tecken, and Z.S. Diamanti.
Back it on Kickstarter
On September 22nd, you can back this book on Kickstarter! Backing An Author’s Guide to Setting Design also helps fund additional art for the book—which already has a ton of illustrations inside.
Until the 22nd, you can follow the pre-release page so that you’re notified when it goes live! And, if you’re reading this from the future (after the Kickstarter has run its course), check out my website where you’ll be able to find links to get the book & more info about it.
Back An Author’s Guide to Setting Design and reserve your copy of the eBook, or the full-color hardcover edition (which comes with the eBook!).
About the Author & How to Get Updates
Adam Bassett (that’s me!) is the author of the cyberpunk Digital Extremities series, as well as my forthcoming fantasy novel Copper Skin, Oaken Lungs. His maps have been published in several works including The Ascenditure by Robyn Dabney, and Dead Malls by Darby Harn.
The best way to follow my work is follow the newsletter, which I update about once per month (if there’s news to share). That’s where I talk about not just this book, but all of the others as well.
My work is also on my website, where you can learn more about my work, and even browse my portfolio of maps!
You can also add this book on Goodreads and Storygraph.
Leave a Reply