For each sovereign state, the list must include only books which feature texts by authors born in that particular state. The list of states includes states having undisputed sovereignty and states having disputed sovereignty (including de facto states). The states are sorted by population.

Note that the place of birth must be located within the current borders administered by each state. For example:
- Birthplace: An author known to be British that has been born in a different sovereign state should be included in the list of the state they were born in. Please check the correct birthplace.
- Territory administration: The birthplace location must be administered de facto by a single sovereign state, irrespective of geopolitical recognition. Please check the current administration of a location for each state.

Also note that the books have to feature texts, rather than being fully authored by a writer. All primary authors and contributors are therefore eligible for inclusion. Translators are allowed, as long as they have additional texts featured in the book (such as a translator's note, or an introduction). As the focus is on writers, illustrators should not be included.