The essays contained within The Plot Thickens are written by an array of people from different backgrounds. Their educational backgrounds range from a few with Ph.D.'s to one still in elementary school. Regardless of author, all of the essays attempt to shed some light on particular theories and explain some of them events and people within the Harry Potter series thus far.

The final section of the book attempts to shed some light on the investigation of who the Half-Blood Prince may be in J.K. Rowling's next book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The theories and charts are compiled by many of the authors of the essays seen earlier within the compilation.

You may ask why these essays have been published in a book rather than put online, and the answer to that question has many facets. Firstly, all authors desire to be published on paper. These authors worked hard and deserve to be supported (not to mention, many of us habitually print things to read them rather than look at the computer screen all day-you know who you are). Secondly, we wanted to expose these authors to much more than the Internet community from which they came. Every day, those who may not have joined us online may pick up the book in their local bookstore, read it, and choose to bring their insights as well.