Do you want to write a non-fiction book but don't know where to start? Or perhaps you worry that you're not ‘the 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.
PART 1. Before You Write: Mindset
Why write a non-fiction book?
Can I write a book if I'm not the 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 and quality
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
Truth and perfectionism
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
The different formats for your book
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, podcaster, and YouTuber. Her site, TheCreativePenn.com has been voted in the Top 100 sites for writers by Writer's Digest.
Her other non-fiction books include:
- How to Make a Living with your Writing
- How to Market a Book
- Business for Authors: How to be an Author Entrepreneur
- Successful Self-Publishing
- The Healthy Writer
- The Successful Author Mindset
- Co-writing a Book
- Public Speaking for Authors, Creatives and Other Introverts
- Career Change
