Do I need a map?

[Jeffrey]

OK, so I've just finished the second draft of my new (and first) fantasy novel. Shortly after I began writing I scribbled a map of my world so that I could make sure I was staying self-consistent with distances, etc.

But my question is whether I need to include a map in my book. I don't have the skills to produce one of sufficient quality myself so would need to hire it out. Personally I like to have a map in the printed versions of books I have, but I'm not bothered in ebooks as I find it's too much of a hassle to flick between the map and the page I'm reading, but what do others think?

Is it just fashionable to have a map, but it doesn't really add anything, or is it an essential?

Would appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks

[[deleted user]]

Let me answer you with a question. No, wait, let me answer with a series of questions. How important is it for the audience to know how far one place is from another? How important is it for the audience to know what directions one travels in from place to place? How important is it for the audience to know the conditions in which people travel from one place to the other?

Can you convey all (ALL, mind you) of these things without a map?

The answer to these questions should tell you whether you really need to include a map in your book.

And if your map is indeed important for the story to make complete sense, leaving it out of the e-version... well, yeah.

[Jeffrey]

I don't think the map is needed to make sense of the story, so on that basis I'm happy leaving it out.

It's more about reader expectations.

Thanks

[Richard]

Including a map in a fantasy story expresses solidarity with JRRT, and functions a bit like the blurb. If it's done well, of course.

[Glenn]

I can tell you this much: every book I have ever read that has had a map, I've briefly glanced at it when starting the book, and never referenced it again. That being said, I'd say it's pretty useless. Just my 2 cents.

[Owen]

I think maps can be handy, but are usually not necessary. Personally, I don't care for maps in eBooks much because they can be hard to read, unless they are simple. And if they are simple enough to be readable, them you likely don't need to include them.

My co-author's fantasy novel does have a nice map (which probably is helpful) which we have intended to offer separately on a website, as it is too detailed for an e-reader. Thus far, we haven't bothered with it, since it doesn't seem like it's worth the effort, given the book's sales. (We figure lack of map is probably not why the book doesn't sell well.) We did put a map for our sci-fi series on our website.

So if it's going to cost you to produce a good-looking map, my guess is it's not worth it. If you sell a lot of books and people ask for one, you can always do it then.

[Jeffrey]

Thanks everyone. Think I won't bother for now.

[Tom]

For myself, I don't put the map in the book, but provide it as a free download on my Facebook page and website for anyone that wants it. I also put a copyright on the image.