Skip to main content
Skalven treats book-based content as Readings, using a tag-based system combined with a specialized book-cover layout. Every Reading entry must include the readings tag and use the Post Readings template to activate the custom design and 2/3 cover effect. Readings posts use a unique visual presentation designed specifically for book reviews: the feature image becomes a vertical 2:3 book cover, enhanced with subtle shadows and depth to replicate a real book appearance. To ensure this effect renders correctly, image formatting is extremely important.

​
1. Creating the Readings Page

  1. Go to Tags → New Tag.
  2. Set the Name to Readings.
  3. Set the Slug to readings.
  4. Click Save.
All posts using the readings tag will now appear automatically at: site.com/readings

​
2. Publishing a Reading (Book Review) Post

To ensure a Reading post displays correctly:
  1. Add only the readings tag to the post.
    (Do not add articles, podcasts, products, or projects tags.)
  2. Open Post Settings → Template and choose Post Readings.
  3. Upload a properly formatted book cover as the feature image (see guidelines below).
  4. In the Feature Image Caption field, write the author’s name
    → This is important because the caption is used to display the author beneath the book cover in the layout.
  5. Publish your post.
Once published, the post will appear automatically in:
  • The Readings section on the homepage (if enabled)
  • The /readings archive
  • The book-style Post Readings detail layout

​
3. Feature Image Requirements (Very Important)

The book-cover layout in Skalven relies on exact image proportions and composition.
To ensure the book effect renders perfectly:

​
Use a 2:3 (vertical) aspect ratio

  • Required ratio: 2:3 (example: 1200×1800 px)
  • Avoid square or horizontal images
  • Images that do not follow this ratio will not align with the book-cover shadow effect

​
Use a clean, well-designed book cover

  • The cover should mimic a real book jacket
  • Avoid transparent PNGs or images without clear edges
  • Avoid excessive empty space, unusual proportions, or non-rectangular visuals

​
4. Book Cover Shadow & 3D Effect

Skalven automatically applies:
  • A subtle right-side spine shadow
  • Bottom-edge cast shadow
  • Gentle depth simulation
These effects depend on the image being correctly proportioned and unmodified.
If the feature image is too wide, too tall, or off-ratio, the 3D illusion may break or look stretched.

​
5. About the Author Name Placement

Unlike regular posts, Readings use the Feature Image Caption field to display the book’s author.

​
Correct usage:

  • Write only the author’s name in the caption
    (Example: Nira Callaway)
  • Do not include extra text, punctuation, or notes
  • Keep it clean and simple; the theme formats it automatically
This ensures the author appears directly under the book cover, matching the premium book-review aesthetic.