How To Write Non-Fiction: Turn Your Knowledge Into Words

Do you want to write a non-fiction book but don't know where to start? Or perhaps you worry that you're not an expert or have enough authority in your niche to write a book on it?

Are you ready to help other people and change your own life with your words?

The first non-fiction book I wrote changed my life. Sure, it helped other people, but mostly it altered the course of my life – so much so that 10 years later, I make a living with my writing.

In this book, I'll share everything I've learned along the way and save you time, effort and frustration on your author journey. The book includes:

Part 1. Before You Write: Mindset

• Why write a non-fiction book?
• Can I write a book if I'm not an expert?
• Originality. Or, “there are so many other books on this topic”
• Who are you? Personal stories and the writer's voice
• The day a non-fiction book changed my life
• Fear and self-doubt

Part 2. Before You Write: Business

• Types of non-fiction books
• Business models for non-fiction books
• Who is your book for? Identify your target market
• Decide on the topic for your book
• Decide on your book title
• Your author name and pseudonyms
• How long does your book have to be?
• How long will it take to write the book?
• Your perspective on time
• Writing a book proposal

Part 3. Writing and Editing

• Gather and organize existing material
• Research, interviews, surveys, and social listening
• Structure and organize the book
• How to write the first draft
• How to dictate your book
• Turn your blog/podcasts/videos/talks into a book
• Speed, quality and perfectionism
• Focus and shiny object syndrome
• Writer's block
• Co-writing a non-fiction book
• How to turn a boring book into an engaging read
• Elements of fiction in non-fiction
• Does non-fiction have to be true?
• Legal issues: Using real people, quotes, lyrics, images, and citing sources
• Self-editing a book
• How to find and work with professional editors

Part 4. Publishing and Product Creation

• Your publishing options
• Use different formats to create multiple streams of income
• Non-fiction book covers
• Book formatting for non-fiction
• Pricing your book
• Your book sales description
• Categories and keywords
• Turn your non-fiction book into a multimedia course
• Updating your books over time

Part 5. Marketing Non-Fiction

• Two models of marketing and the importance of mindset
• Book-centered marketing
• Paid advertising for non-fiction books
• Author-centered marketing. The power of a personal brand
• Build your author website
• Build an email list
• Integrate email marketing with your book
• Content marketing for non-fiction books
• My non-fiction marketing journey

Conclusion and your next steps.

It's time to (finally) write your non-fiction book!

Joanna Penn is an award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers under J.F.Penn and also writes non-fiction for authors. She's an award-winning creative entrepreneur and podcaster..