| That you think will make you a better person | Graphic novel | Romance | Speculative fiction | Backlist from an author you read for another square |
| Originally published this year | With recipes, patterns or puzzles | One-word title | Latest book by an author you love | Audiobook narrated by the author |
| An author from the state where you live | With more than one author listed on the cover | ANY BOOK (free square) | Debut | Blurbed by someone you admire |
| Recommended by a family member | Sub-title on the cover | With a cover that matches a current WIP | An author from a country you've never visited | Written in the second person |
| Originally published in the 20th century | Non-fiction about science | An author with a disability | Set in a country you've never visited | Title that's a character's name |