How to annotate your very first book | Step by step beginner guide

Sharing tips to help you start annotating your very first book including the supplies NOT to use, the differences between techniques like underlining and highlighting, some good books to start with, and I'm also doing a REAL TIME annotation session to show you exactly how it's done!
Timestamps:
- Why annotate? 02:17
- Supplies not to use 3:59
- Techniques 14:18
- Books to start with 21:07
- Real time annotate with me 28:26
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Let me know what other videos you'd like to see from me! Whether that be more general life vlogs about slow living and small joys, or more sit down book recommendation videos, or reading vlogs about specific books. Or if you would like to see combos of reading plus mindful living content around New England or the Boston area. I would love to hear from you!
#annotations #annotationforbeginners #bookishthings #howtoannotate #bookannotations

[@coatesrt]

I have watched so many how to annotate videos and tried it on a couple books, but this is the single most helpful video and I am excited to try again!

[@sweetteatohightea]

Love this - so glad you're giving it another go!

[@YellowChick-rp1ef]

Annotating is literally so fun... It's like recording ur reaction ... There's no perfect way to annotate just have funn

[@sweetteatohightea]

Exactly! There's no wrong way to do it. What's your favorite book you've annotated?

[@bobasaurirl7700]

id love more videos of you annotating. I love your writing

[@poneegrl6735]

Not me currently annotating my first book and it's a contemporary fantasy that heavily focuses on a mystery 🤡 This is a super helpful guide, thank you for posting this!

[@sweetteatohightea]

Love this - you're going to learn so much about your own annotating style by diving into a complex book!

[@lexi9040]

Annotating a mystery could be so fun! You could use a tab for all the clues you find throughout the book. And as you read through, if you forget some clues you could just tab back to see what you’ve learned

[@cozyhobbytime]

I love how you explained everything. I'm going to annotate my first book since school now! Would also love to see a video on how you annotate nonfiction books?

[@jessicatippett9868]

This is so helpful! I started and ended up feeling overwhelmed. Thank you for making this!

[@JesusLightsYourPath]

This will be my first book annotating but I'm not writing notes in it I'm just putting color coded sticky tabs in it to keep track of my feelings.

[@99sydthesquid]

I love how thoughtful your videos are! I annotate mostly nonfiction and classics because I do it to help my understanding when it’s a more difficult book. Definitely something I took away from school even though I’m way past that timeframe lol

[@sweetteatohightea]

Thank you! I need to start annotating more non fiction books.

[@t21girl]

I love this vid what amazing info and perfect explanation! Thank you

[@mona891]

I loved seeing this guide on how to annotate more in-depth with an example. I feel so overwhelmed with writing in my books to begin with and this has made me feel like I can make it look beautiful and loved. I appreciate you taking the time do do this. I would personally love if you would make this a series where I can see how we annotated the same books. It’s an amazing idea. Thank you!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@sweetteatohightea]

That's a great way to think of annotations - they definitely make books feel extra loved! I think I will definitely add more book annotations to my content.

[@jadelander266]

I needed this!!

[@Rachierooh]

The best video on how to annotate. Thankyou x

[@joannaed77]

You explain that so well thank you very much❤

[@Sallyannestitches]

Thank you so much for this video, off to get some supplies 😊. More annotating videos please xx

[@katiea2487]

I love your library 😍

[@BooksCatsandBathBombs]

I loved this, you broke this down into manageable pieces and I feel not as overwhelmed. Thank you!

[@CozyDaysMimi]

Ah, the glitter gel pens! I had big plans for my pretty annotations and the book I ruined using them 😭 This was a great idea to mention what “not” to use! You popped up in my feed, loved your video this was so helpful. Subscribed! I have a book, craft & crochet channel. Come say hello if you like!

[@sweetteatohightea]

Hi, thank you and welcome! Your channel looks so cozy!

[@CozyDaysMimi]

@@sweetteatohightea Thank you so much! Your channel is cozy too, we have similar taste. Have a great week🤗

[@jessicah4631]

this is the best video I've seen on annotating, and I've watched a lot.

[@fdetrius9154]

Exactly the video I wanted to watch :) Thanks for explaining everything in detail and for showing an example :) I'm going to try it out on my very next book :)

[@jaynobeanies7979]

I’m new to annotating and i have watched so many guides over the past few days, this was definitely the most helpful

[@raysagar2518]

Thank you so muchhhh ….. I really needed this . I was so confused on how to do this

[@Gotaluvpolish]

I have just decided to annotate and felt a little overwhelmed when I did research on what I need to do and use and how to do it all. I love this video because it give you things not to do because it didn't work for you and why it didn't. Thank you so much! What are you using to highlight now? You mentioned a neutral highlighter.

[@izzimi2728]

This video reminded me of how beautiful reading fiction is. Thank you. ❤

[@CharlaniEveryday]

Thank you SO MUCH for this video! I can’t wait to implement all of this! This was perfect for beginners like me!

[@sweetteatohightea]

Would love to hear how your annotation journey goes!

[@sakareeh]

Love the vibes

[@lillysummeroriginals1213]

I will say the purpose of your annotations is really important. For example, if you were annotating for an academic purpose what you were looking for is going to be different than if you were annotating simply for your own enjoyment. Informer you are most likely looking for important information while in the latter it is information you want to go back to. For the latter this information could very well be important but it also could simply just be a quote that you enjoyed reading would you want to refer back to in the future even if that quoteis not vital for the novel. Hope this can help

[@mtb1202]

Thank you for this beginners guide. I've watched many of attonation videos and this was the best yet. This book sounds good and I will have to add it to my list. Glad you shoed up on my feed.

[@sweetteatohightea]

So glad it was helpful!

[@IvyGirl22]

this was SO helpful thank you!! i love your techniques for bracketing/circling/etc

[@sweetteatohightea]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikaellefigueiredoteixeira562]

Thank you so much, you help me to understand better the techniques. I rereading a book the I love and making notes. 😊

[@sweetteatohightea]

So glad the video helped!

[@LindselleCreates]

I tried annotating but it got difficult with a baby and a toddler lol! But thank you for this video it was so informative yet we know annotating is so personal. I love the idea of highlighting quotes said by characters and underlining non dialogue! That is so smart and that is what I will be doing moving forward. ✨✨

[@sweetteatohightea]

I can definitely empathize with having a little one around making things more difficult! Excited for you to get back into it!

[@taylorjanefifield5467]

Thank you for this video, it was wonderful ❤️

[@sweetteatohightea]

Thank you - I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@ginaharold6250]

I love how your books are organized by color! 😍

[@juliesiefke1173]

It looks absolutely beautiful, but I’d never find what I wanted. 😂 I need all authors together, all the genres together… A shelf (or 2) for Tolkien, a shelf for for Potter and Young Wizards, a cookbook section, non-fiction…

[@dolliebops7402]

I really enjoyed this video. It was very informative, I really liked your presentation style and I’m in love with your book shelves 🥰 thank you so much xx

[@denisebattocchio-xb1eh]

the rereading through your annotations is so real 😮

[@sweetteatohightea]

Rereading them might actually be my favorite part of the whole process!

[@kerryT123]

This was super helpful thank you so much. I’ve always been nervous to annotate in case I do it wrong 🙈

[@Jadefox-ev7qy]

OMG, I’ve always been anxious about annotating my books. I used to be an avid reader before life took over ,I want to start reading again. Love your channel , amazing tips. Could you please link your beautiful supplies? Thank you for sharing.

[@signatuscrafts]

Shout out from a fellow sharpie s-gel .38 user 👋. I like to use a different color highlighter each time for favorites I reread and mark the date with it in the front. I love making predictions in the margins so a mystery or thriller would be perfect for me to annotate. And I usually circle words I don't know and write in the definition. Loved your video! Definitely filled in some knowledge gaps for me! ❤

[@sweetteatohightea]

Love your different techniques!

[@rudytoot100]

Have never annotated a novel and found your video to be quite inspiring! Excellent content and truly for “beginners”, which I greatly appreciate. Your presentation is easy to follow and understand and has great pace. Thank you for taking the time to create this video.

[@sweetteatohightea]

Thank you - so glad you enjoyed it!

[@kayhammock]

Your video came up on my feed. I've been curious about annotating and didn't have a clue on how to get started. This video was perfect! I read A Man Called Ove and when you mentioned Fredrick Backman that book came to mind. I may start with the romance though. Somerhing light and fluffy. More videos of you annotating would be great! ❤❤❤

[@sweetteatohightea]

Both would be a great option to start with, especially A Man Called Ove. I'd love to hear your thoughts after you try your first go at it!

[@Triciajeanne98]

I have been looking for a good video to help me start annotating… every video I have watch has given me anxiety and turned me away from annotating… this one has helped me so much and made me so excited to start!

[@sweetteatohightea]

I'm so glad it helped - hope you enjoy annotating your first book!

[@Indy-van-Salem]

I‘m an absolut beginner in the world of annotation. You’re Video was really helpful, I loved the live Annotation Part, that was really helpful. I think I‘m going to try the Techniques you‘ve mentioned with my first annotation tomorrow. How exciting.

[@sweetteatohightea]

Glad it was helpful - hope you enjoy your first experience annotating!

[@Kizer7]

This is so useful ..Thank u❤

[@sweetteatohightea]

You're welcome! Glad you found it useful!

[@terriesnow39]

I just found ur channel and love how u annotate and ur description how u do ur books. I’m new to annotating and want to buy ALL the books! 🤣. Thank u for sharing ur ideas. I didn’t read responses from others but I would LOVE to see ur videos of annotating! ❤️

[@sweetteatohightea]

Thank you - I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@Deeareads]

Yes, I would love to see you annotate and say your thoughts out like the example in this video!

[@zero-player9424]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I am just getting into annotating as another way to express my love of reading. You are a joy and you made this new journey less intimidating.

[@sweetteatohightea]

Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@racheltichy6406]

Loved this!! Just found you and thought this was fantastic!! Going to show this to my teens that have to do some annotating for school too.

[@sweetteatohightea]

So glad you (and hopefully your teens) found it useful!

[@KarinLarven]

Ah, love the detail in this. Thank you for walking us through your active thoughts and why you chose to annotate what parts. Sometimes it seems so overwhelming and i end up annotating 1-2 quotes only. But this was a nice tutorial on how to do it more in depth 🩷🩷

[@carynsmith7806]

Thank you so much for sharing tips on annotating a book for beginners. I will definitely try your tips on my next book. Also, I would love for you to delve deeper by reading and annotating. It brought the passages of the book to come alive with your inner thoughts and comments.

[@sweetteatohightea]

So glad it was helpful!

[@ShawnaRadRN]

Your hair is gorgeous

[@kacis8426]

This was so so helpful and inspiring. I’m going to annotate my first book now! Loved all your tips and I took note. But will definitely just have fun. Thank you for sharing! Very organized - you’re so clear with your messaging. Excellent delivery too. Public speaking prof here 😉 Couldn’t help but notice the skill on display.

[@sweetteatohightea]

Thank you! I'm so glad you found it helpful, excited for you to annotate your first book!

[@ashleyevalise]

This is absolutely the BEST annotating video on this platform. As someone who is still fairly new to annotating my books I always catch myself watching videos on how other people annotate to see if there is something different I can add to my system or understand it better but what I find is that people tend to repeat themselves so it's not really beneficial to me as someone whose trying to really learn it, ya know? But, this video actually broke it down and provided examples on HOW to annotate and WHAT to annotate and how to use the different techniques you see on so many social posts. Truly, thank you so much for making this video ❤ I feel like it finally makes sense and im not just annotating for the sake of it lol

[@sweetteatohightea]

So glad it was helpful! Would love to hear more as you annotate books and if there's any other types of videos that would help!

[@YarnGeek]

I’m trying to get into annotating so this is perfect. Would love to see a full video.

[@sweetteatohightea]

Love that, what book do you think you'll start with?

[@YarnGeek]

@@sweetteatohightea going to start with a favorite pride and prejudice.

[@koalaskrypin]

Thank you for all the tips, and wonderful that one of your tips of books was from a Swedish author, I might read it in the original language as it is my native tongue (Fredrik Backmans "Folk med ångest" aka "Anxious people"). His other book A man called Ove is very popular here as well. It is now a thing to call people that: "Oh, yeah, he is an Ove for sure". I have read his "Min mormor hälsar och säger förlåt" which I don't know the eng title for but the swe one translated to "My grandmother says she's sorry" but as in saying it from a distance or maybe from beyond the grave.

[@sweetteatohightea]

Reading an author's works in their native language sounds like such a beautiful experience! I highly recommend Anxious People, and I have 'My Grandmother asked me to tell you she's sorry" on my list!

[@katiea2487]

How do we not have more subscribers here?? Awesome content and very well done!

[@sweetteatohightea]

Thanks so much!

[@livbee9453]

44:16 I’d love to watch and listen to someone go through their annotating process of a book, but legally I think you’d only be able to do small excerpts. An actor friend of mine tried to start a channel reading books aloud chapter by chapter while also filming the actual pages so you can see the text and got copyright strikes for it. She could only read books that were in the public domain.

[@sweetteatohightea]

Wow, I would have never known. Thank you for sharing!!

[@ambershalom33]

The seven year slip sounds like the movie, the lake house with Keanu reeves and Sandra bullock ❤️

[@MaggiesDream]

Thanks for this useful information! Where did you get your bookshelves?? They display the books so beautifully ❤

[@sweetteatohightea]

They're from Wayfair! I don't have the exact link anymore but just search for 'ladder bookcase'

[@xxDebbyx]

Please keep doing the annotate of this book in a video, I want to start doing it soon but I do not like to write on my books at all, just my name and date I started reading... So if you do more of those videos, and continue with this one I am sure I am going to just want to do it! Love your explanations and exemples.

[@ba_samsoum]

Have you thought about trying transparent sticky notes?

[@xxDebbyx]

@@ba_samsoum I did but I think I would need a bigger sticky note to do so and find a pen that will not stamp the other page. :x baby steps over here.... But I am starting to think that I would be making the book my own and not damaging it 😄

[@ba_samsoum]

@xxDebbyx there are sticky notes that are full page sized. I don't personally use them. I just thought I'd suggest you start with those until you can do more. I also had a hard time annotating at first. I was thinking, what if I want a reread? I would want a fresh experience. What if I lend the book to someone. But once I started I think I like it, maybe? not sure yet. Highlights are a big NO for me personally, but I am able to underline passages and write on the margins... with a pencil.

[@xxDebbyx]

@@ba_samsoum I do think I am going to start that way or maybe just using the tabs and have a journal to write down the page and my thoughts… whenever I start I will let you know 😊Thank you for being so kind and helpful 😘😘

[@ba_samsoum]

@xxDebbyx I wish you the best darling 🩷🌹

[@oliviaoescher8216]

Hi loved your video! Just curious do you ever give out your books for someone else to read with your annotations in the book?

[@sweetteatohightea]

I've never thought of doing that - that's a great idea!

[@sanssmithy8246]

I usually watch the flip through annotating videos but yours is so chock full of really good tips. I barely buy books since I’m a kindle /libby app girl and audiobook 🎧 girl but some books do warrant a need for annotation which for me has been the night circus 🎪, the invisible life of Addie larue and the midnight library …I adored every single one of them 💫 … so far I only have the night circus on hand and about 70% done with annotating the heck out of it 🤣🤣🤣✍️ 💕

[@sweetteatohightea]

I'm glad the video was helpful! I really want to read the Night Circus soon - seems like a perfect book to annotate!

[@sanssmithy8246]

@@sweetteatohighteaoh man it’s so much to annotate in that book. The imagery really is next level. I have not found anything that has compared to it yet and I’m almost 80 books in since august 2023. Granted I don’t read a ton of high fantasy so there’s that. I love how you mentioned circling one main word or descriptor and a different annotating video mentioned something like waves instead of underlining and I use that very often for alliterations - the night circus is chock full of so many alliterations I just love it so much. All of it 😂❤

[@CarlosSainz-fm8wy]

I don't wanna f up the first book i annotate that's why i am watching to atleast do an average job of course we learn from practice but still i wanna do an ok job so when i look back at it at least i can appreciate a few things

[@sweetteatohightea]

Took me ages to work up the courage to annotate my first book too because I was so nervous but you just have to dive right in!

[@CarlosSainz-fm8wy]

@@sweetteatohightea yeah ia m currently annotating 1984 by George Orwell and it's taking a lot of time but it's just the beginning 🥲

[@JesusLightsYourPath]

I'm also a beginner so I'm not going to be writing directly inside my book. It may be best to write on sticky notes in the book instead of writing directly on the page.

[@nanskugirl1762]

When it comes to gel pens, The MUJI gel pens work perfectly fine when annotating. I can Imagine other kinds of gel pens tho like u said dont necessartily work as well (especially the glitter ones ! hahaha) Maybe it depends on the tip size tho? I use 0.5, but m,aybe 0.7 and up would be more inconsistent like u mentioned?

[@sweetteatohightea]

I'll have to try out the MUJI ones - thanks for the tip!

[@PatriciaGonzalez-cn3pn]

Great video!!! And you’re gorgeous!

[@sweetteatohightea]

Thank you!

[@Siv-z6c]

I don’t know if you talked about where you put tabs, do you tab everything you highlight and underline etc?🤨 or do you have places where you have underlined but not put a tab?

[@carminamoore2138]

A lot of things make me cry too

[@katiea2487]

Hi! I'm new here but I have a question - do you have any books where it pains you to actually write in them? Maybe particular books that are more special to you? Back in high school (AP lit) I was an annotating fiend and didn't mind marking up those books, but now as an adult newly on my adult-reading-adventure, there are some books that I'm afraid to touch with ink, while also totally understand your stated value in annotating.

[@sweetteatohightea]

Absolutely! There are definitely books I won't go anywhere near because they are too precious! I've also seen annotation supplies that are translucent that won't damage your books if you want to check those out!

[@sadieledger4374]

When you were highlighting, what was the black pen you used (I think it was on your desk between the square pink ones and the midliners)? Are you able to link it?

[@sweetteatohightea]

The two types of black pens I showed were 1.) Sharpie S Gel .38 and 2.) Pentel Energel Needle Tip .3. Got mine on Amazon but I'm sure Target and places have them too!

[@Ruthi3ry]

@@sweetteatohightea I found the Sharpie one but Amazon is only showing me one with a 0.5mm tip that delivers a 0.25mm line. Can you let me know which type of highlighter you use? Thanks in advance xx

[@st4bmovies]

I wanna annotate my holly Jackson books which are thrillers but I’ve already read them so I think it’s okay

[@sweetteatohightea]

You may be able to spot different clues if you do re-reads of them!

[@XshivaniX]

What brand tabs do you use?

[@sweetteatohightea]

The 2 brands I currently have are Mr Pen and Color Note - both from Amazon and both are great!

[@brenda5297]

As a beginner, is it okay to start by just writing your thoughts on the margins of a certain dialogue, or paragraph, etc? And is that also considered annotating? 🤔

[@brenda5297]

I finished watching this video and I love how you took us along your thought process of the book you are reading. I would love to see more please? ❤

[@sweetteatohightea]

Yes, absolutely you can start by writing in the margins! You can start however you are comfortable.

[@brenda5297]

@@sweetteatohightea Oh yay awesome!! Thank you so so much! Will do 👍☺️💖💖💖

[@Call_M3_Karma]

Which pen is the sharpie

[@sweetteatohightea]

It's the Sharpie S Gel .38

[@koalaskrypin]

I wonder though, why don't you write your categories ON your tabs on the title page? (I haven't pick my first book to annotate yet so I am really curious for all tips.)

[@sweetteatohightea]

It's really just a personal preference - you can absolutely write on the tabs too.

[@koalaskrypin]

@@sweetteatohightea Thank you, and if you don't mind another question... I have a memoir I wiuld love to reread and annotate. Should I annotate a few other books before? Any other pointers?

[@sweetteatohightea]

I think a reread of a favorite is a great place to start, but even a new book is fine too. Your annotation style will grow and evolve the more you do it so I would say just jump in and see where it takes you!

[@koalaskrypin]

@@sweetteatohightea Thank you ❤️

[@oshun5880]

I love this video. I set up my first book to annotate when you did it in the video.

[@sweetteatohightea]

That's great - hope you enjoy the annotating process!

[@readingdino711]

I actually started annotating in the first Harry Potter book I read, which is the third one. I just couldn't get past the animal abuse by characters like Snape and Hermione, without writing down my disgust (I can't stand characters who abuse animals, no matter if they think it isn't abuse). And that's also why I hate Snape now. I don't care about his redemption anymore, it won't fix the horror he threatened to put Trevor through or the horror he put Neville through in general (I also hate child abusers just as much as animal abusers and you can't tell me Snape didn't at the very least verbally abuse Neville).

[@sweetteatohightea]

Books that evoke a lot of emotion are definitely some of the best to annotate!

[@MiladIslamicVoyage]

You read many books but Why there is not a Quran? I recommend to read it once

[@bethandmilly]

Nice video. As being new to annotating.

[@sweetteatohightea]

Thank you!!

[@bethandmilly]

you're welcome I learned a lot. @@sweetteatohightea

[@bxtl-313]

Hii, I just discovered your channel..Honestly you seem like a sweetheart🎀🤍