Looking to learn how to write a nonfiction book?
Nonfiction books often stem from the author’s passion, expertise, or unique perspective on a particular subject.
Authors like Malcolm Gladwell, who began his career as a journalist transitioned to writing groundbreaking novels on psychology and sociology, while Stephen Hawking, transformed his profound understanding of cosmology into inspiring books for the masses.
These authors demonstrate how a deep-seated interest can lead to a compelling and successful story. However, many of them don’t start with book-writing expertise. Nonfiction author Bill Bryson dropped out of college and backpacked through a continent before writing any of his bestsellers.
You don’t need to be an expert in book writing to share your knowledge or story. Many writers began their journeys without prior experience, but were driven by their desire to inform, inspire, or spark curiosity.
How to Write a Nonfiction Book
Nonfiction, unlike fiction, is rooted in reality and relies on factual accuracy, comprehensive research, and clear presentation. Distinct from writing fiction, which allows for the creation of imaginary worlds, characters, and events, nonfiction aims to inform, educate, and inspire readers by exploring real-world topics, experiences, and issues.
Nonfiction encompasses a broad spectrum of genres. Some common types include:
- Memoirs, Biographies, and Autobiographies
- Self-Help and Instruction
- Academic Text
- Travel Guides and Travelogues
- Humor and Commentary
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a nonfiction book from ideation to publication.
Stage 1: Choosing a Topic
Choosing a topic is the first and perhaps most crucial step in writing a nonfiction book. A clear purpose-or understanding of the why behind your book-is essential at this stage. Ask yourself: Why do you want to write this book? What impact will it make on your readers? What do you want to achieve by writing it?
Your topic should align with your passion or expertise, as this will sustain your interest and authority throughout the writing process. Consider what unique insights and perspectives you can offer on the subject, and ensure there’s an audience interested in your chosen subject.
Identifying Your Passion
Begin by reflecting on subjects that excite you. You can also draw from personal experiences that have shaped your life. Moreover, your ideal topic should intrigue you and maintain your interest through the long process of writing a book. Whether it’s a field you have expertise in, a hobby you are passionate about, or a topic you have always wanted to explore, passion will motivate you when writing gets challenging.
For brainstorming, tools like Squibler’s Idea Generator can help you come up with ideas based on the subject you have in mind.
Assessing Market Demand
Once you’ve listed potential topics, the next step is to evaluate the market demand. This means understanding what readers are looking for and identifying opportunities in your genre. Research current trends using Google Trends and Amazon’s Best Sellers list to see what’s resonating with readers. Identifying gaps in the available literature–topics that haven’t been thoroughly explored or need a fresh perspective – can help you position your book as unique.
Conducting Initial Research
Before settling on your topic, conduct preliminary research to ensure there’s material to build a comprehensive book. Explore debates and different perspectives on the subject. It’s important to ensure that the topic strikes a balance–it is not too broad (making it difficult to cover) nor too narrow, (limiting the book’s appeal to a wider audience).
Finalizing Your Topic
After assessing your passion, understanding market demand, and confirming the availability of existing material, refine your ideas into one focused topic. It should be interesting and marketable, and offer a unique angle that sets your story apart.
Use the Hedgehog Concept to find a great topic for your nonfiction book. Read all about this concept here.
Choosing a topic for your nonfiction book requires balancing personal interest, market viability, and availability of sufficient content.
Stage 2: Research and Gathering Information
Conducting research is a fundamental aspect of writing nonfiction. It involves gathering, organizing, and verifying information to ensure your work is credible and impactful.
Detailed for Conducting Effective Research
Here are helpful methods for how to conduct research:
- Begin by seeking authoritative sources. These include academic journals, books by respected authors, government reports, reputable news outlets, and industry-specific publications. Libraries and online databases like JSTOR or PubMed, can also provide insights.
- Combine primary sources (like interviews, surveys, and firsthand observations) with secondary sources (like books, articles, and documentaries). Primary sources add originality and authenticity, while secondary sources provide context and additional perspectives.
- Take detailed notes as you gather information. Record key details like the author, title, publication date, and page numbers to simplify referencing later. Tools like Zotero can help organize your citations.
Tips for Organizing and Compiling Research Materials
Here are some more tips to streamline your writing.
- Organize your research into categories or themes related to different aspects of your topic. For example, if you are writing about climate change, you can create sections on causes, impact, and solutions.
- Use digital tools like spreadsheets, document folders, or specialized research software to keep your information organized.
- Keep a detailed log of your research activities. Record the sources consulted, keywords used, and your findings. This log will be invaluable should you need to revisit a source.
Ethical Considerations and Fact-Checking in Nonfiction Writing
Here are ethical considerations to be aware of when writing a nonfiction book:
- Verify all information included in your book. Cross-check dates, names, quotes, and statistics across multiple reliable sources. Never rely on a single source for critical facts.
- Always credit your sources, whether you are quoting directly or paraphrasing. Use proper citation formats and quotation marks for direct excerpts.
- Handle sensitive topics with care. Represent different viewpoints fairly and avoid sensationalism.
A methodical approach to research is not just about gathering information but also staying on track with writing goals. Tools like Squibler can help you manage your time and research. By mastering research techniques, staying organized, and adhering to ethical standards, you can lay a foundation for a nonfiction book that is both credible and compelling.
Stage 3: Clarify Your Core Message Before You Start Writing
Solidify your main idea before you begin the actual writing process. Whether it’s a self-help book, a business book, or creative nonfiction, you must have a clear, compelling purpose. Diving into the writing process without fully defining the “why” behind your book, can lead to disorganized content and send you back to the drawing board. You can create a strong foundation for your book by choosing your core message at the start.
Ask yourself these key questions:
- What idea do I want to share with my readers?
- Why is this message important?
- Who is my audience, and how can I serve their needs through this book?
- What outcome would I like to achieve once the finished book is published?
Once you have your main idea, you can take it a step further by creating a simple, one-sentence “elevator pitch” that captures your book’s core message. For example: “This book will teach readers how to balance the demands of a busy career and personal life through proven time-management strategies.” This statement should fully manifest in your book.
Clarifying your core message before diving into the planning and outlining phase, allows you to fully grasp your intent as the author. It acts as a bridge between brainstorming and writing. Moreover, it ensures you’re not just putting words on the page but creating a focused and cohesive book.
Stage 4: Planning and Outlining the Book
Planning and outlining are critical steps in writing a nonfiction book. This phase is where you turn your ideas and research into a coherent and logical framework to guide your writing.
Importance of Creating a Detailed Outline
Creating a detailed outline isn’t just a preparatory step-it’s the blueprint for your book.
- An outline serves as a roadmap for your book, helping you organize your thoughts and research systematically. It ensures that your narrative flows and that you cover all key points.
- A well-structured outline helps you write. It keeps you focused on your main points and prevents you from veering off-topic.
- Outlining allows you to pinpoint areas where you need additional research, allowing you to address these gaps before you dive into drafting.
Here is an example of how to outline your book based on the structure:
Methods for Outlining Nonfiction Books
There are various ways to structure your outline, depending on your book’s purpose and subject matter. Here are a few different methods:
- A chronological approach structures content in the order it occurred and is best suited for topics that unfold over time, such as historical events or biographies.
- If your book covers different aspects of a topic, organizing your outline by themes or subjects can help present information in a more integrated way. This works well for books on science and culture.
- For topics like business or self-help, this structure presents a problem to your audience and then follows up with an actionable solution.
Tips for Structuring Your Book
Read some further tips on how to create a book structure:
- Start broad, then narrow it down. Begin your outline with a broad overview of your topic, then break it into specific chapters or sections.
- Balance your chapters. Try to balance the length and depth of each chapter to keep readers engaged and ensure a smooth flow.
- Include key sections. Plan for an introductory section to set the context of your book, a body to deliver the main content, and a conclusion to wrap up and reinforce your key messages.
- Prioritize your audience’s needs. Keep your readers in mind while outlining. Structure your content to address the readers’ interests, background knowledge, and expectations.
A well-thought-out outline is the master plan for your nonfiction book, guiding you from idea to execution.
Stage 5: Writing the First Draft
The first draft is where your ideas begin to take shape. It’s where you transform your research and outline into a manuscript. This stage is not about perfection but about putting words on the page and shaping the raw material of your research into a readable and engaging narrative.
Starting the Writing Process
Here, you will find the main steps in how to start writing and healthy writing habits.
- The first step is to overcome the intimidation of the blank page. Begin writing the parts you are most excited about or comfortable with. This helps build confidence and momentum.
- Consult your outline to stay on track. However, be flexible enough to deviate if a section needs more elaboration or a different direction.
- Establish manageable daily or weekly word count goals. Small, consistent progress adds up.
- A nonfiction author creates a conversation with their readers. Create a consistent flow by using one of the four types below.
Here are four types of conversations that will give you an idea of what will work best for your audience.
Maintaining a Consistent Writing Routine
A steady routine is crucial to completing your first draft. Learn how to maintain a writing routine in each writing phase:
- Dedicate specific times for writing– whether it’s a daily hour or a few focused sessions a week. A consistent writing schedule builds discipline and keeps the project moving forward.
- Find or create a space where you can write without distractions. The right environment will boost your productivity and focus.
Dealing with Writer’s Block
Writer’s block is a natural part of the process, but it doesn’t have to derail your progress. Here are some tips on how to overcome writer’s block.
- Step away from your work when you feel stuck. A walk or even a nap can help clear your mind and spark new ideas.
- Let go of perfection in the first draft. Focus on getting your ideas down, keeping in mind that you’ll refine them later.
- Discuss your ideas with someone else to gain fresh perspectives and reignite your creativity.
Staying Motivated
Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep yourself inspired by:
- Tracking your progress can be a great motivational tool. Celebrate milestones like completing a chapter or reaching word count goals.
- Sharing sections of your draft with trusted peers or mentors to receive constructive criticism and encouragement.
- When motivation wanes, revisit why you started this project. Remember the impact you hope to make with your book.
Writing the first draft of your nonfiction book is about translating your research and outline into a narrative that flows. This stage is less about perfection and more about bringing your ideas to life in a coherent structure. Remember, the first draft is just the beginning, and refinement comes later in the editing stages.
Stage 6: Editing and Revising
Editing and revising are about refining your first draft and enhancing its clarity, coherence, and overall quality. It involves scrutinizing and improving your manuscript at every level, from overall structure to individual sentences.
The Self-Editing Process
Self-editing is the first opportunity to shape and improve your manuscript. Here are a few tips:
- Use this stage to reorganize sections, ensuring each chapter flows logically into the next, and checking for consistency in tone and style.
- Identify areas where arguments can be made clearer, descriptions made more vivid, and unnecessary repetition removed. It’s important to be concise in nonfiction writing.
Seeking Feedback
Involving others in the revision process can help give you a different perspective. Here are a few things to note when seeking feedback:
- Share your manuscript with trusted individuals representing your target audience. Beta readers or members of writing groups can provide invaluable feedback from a reader’s perspective.
- Approach feedback with an open mind. Criticism can highlight overlooked issues or ideas not considered fully.
Hiring a Professional Editor
A professional editor can take your manuscript to the next level. Here’s what to consider regarding an editor:
- When to Consider an Editor? A professional editor can bring a level of polish and expertise that’s hard to achieve on your own. They can help with structural issues, language clarity, and fact-checking. Consider hiring an editor, especially if you plan to self-publish.
- Understand the different editing services available. Developmental editing focuses on big-picture elements, such as structure, flow, and coherence. Copyediting polishes grammar, style, and consistency. Proofreading catches typos, punctuation errors, and formatting issues. Each serves a different purpose and is relevant at different stages of the revision process.
Revising Your Manuscript
Revision is an iterative process that involves several rounds of refining your work. Here are some tips to help:
- Tackle each draft with specific goals, whether it be improving the structure in the first round or focusing on language in the next.
- Verify facts, dates, and references. Nonfiction books must be factually correct and well-cited.
- Balance Integrating feedback with preserving your voice and message. Take on suggestions that align with your vision while addressing valid concerns.
The editing process requires patience, precision, and oftentimes, external input. This is the stage that transforms your manuscript into polished work.
Stage 7: Publishing Options
After writing, editing, and revising your manuscript, the next critical step is to decide how to publish your nonfiction book. Today’s authors have several publishing paths, each with distinct benefits and challenges. Choosing the right option depends on your goals, resources, and preferences.
Traditional Publishing
Traditional publishing is a well-established route that begins with securing a literary agent to pitch your book to publishers. Agents bring industry expertise, contacts, and knowledge that can improve your chances of being published. With their help, authors submit a book proposal, synopsis, and sample chapters to publishers.
This method provides editorial, design, and marketing support, as well as access to broad distribution channels. There are also a few challenges, like low acceptance rates, and relinquishing significant control over the final product and royalties.
Self-Publishing
Self-publishing gives authors complete control over their work and the entire publishing process. This allows you to oversee everything from content and cover design to pricing. The process involves formatting the book, obtaining an ISBN, and choosing a distribution channel..
While there are several advantages, such as higher royalties, faster release time, and global distribution, it also presents a few challenges. Authors are responsible for budgeting upfront costs, ensuring quality control, and managing all marketing efforts.
Hybrid Publishing
Hybrid publishing offers a middle ground by blending elements of the previous models. It offers more support than self-publishing while allowing authors more flexibility and control. The advantages include reduced risk compared to publishing on your own and it also offers editing, design, and marketing services, for a price. However, hybrid publishing requires a significant financial investment and authors need to be on the lookout for potential scams in the industry.
Choosing the Right Option
When deciding on a publishing option, consider the following factors:
- Think About Your Goals. Are you looking to reach a wide audience, maintain creative control, or see your book in bookstores? Your objectives will help guide your choice.
- Understand Your Audience. Knowing where your target audience buys books can influence your decision. Some genres thrive in self-publishing, while others fare better with traditional publishers.
- Assess Your Resources. Consider your budget, time, and comfort level with tasks like editing and marketing. Self-publishing requires more involvement, while the other two options offer varying levels of support.
Each path has its unique set of benefits and challenges, and understanding the different options can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your vision.
Stage 8: Marketing and Promotion
The success of your book relies on effective marketing, and that starts with a strong author platform. Build an online presence through a professional website, blogging, and networking with relevant communities. Become active on social media to increase visibility and direct engagement. Develop a marketing plan that includes book launch events, speaking engagements, and shareable content.
You can also boost exposure through book tours, media coverage, and email marketing. Reach out to local newspapers and podcasts for interviews and reviews, and use newsletters to connect with readers. Collaborate with a different nonfiction writer, as well as bloggers, and organizations to expand your reach and build credibility.
FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about how to write a nonfiction book.
1. How do I choose the right topic for my nonfiction book?
Choosing the right topic involves balancing your interests, expertise, and what readers are interested in. Consider topics you are passionate about and know well, then research the market to see if there’s a demand for information on these subjects. It’s also important to ensure there’s enough material available to write a comprehensive book on the topic.
2. How much research should I do for my nonfiction book?
The amount of research needed varies depending on the subject. However, gathering comprehensive and accurate information is vital to establish credibility and trust with your readers. Use a mix of primary and secondary sources and verify facts from multiple sources. Remember, in nonfiction, the quality and reliability of your information are as important as how you present it.
3. Should I write an outline before starting my non fiction book?
Yes, creating an outline is highly recommended. An outline is a roadmap for your whole book idea, whether you’re writing non fiction or fiction. It ensures you cover all necessary points and maintain a logical flow throughout the book. Outlines can be modified as you write, but having a basic structure in place can significantly ease the writing process.
4. What are the key steps in editing and revising my nonfiction book?
Editing and revising involves several steps: First, conduct a self-edit to improve structure, clarity, and coherence. Next, get feedback from beta readers or a writing group. Finally, consider hiring a professional editor for developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading. Pay attention to factual accuracy and consistency, and eliminate redundancies or unclear sections. Remember, editing and revising are crucial for enhancing the quality and readability of your book.