Tuesday’s writing tip for authors
I’d like to share a new perspective on writing informative nonfiction books, i.e., books intended to advance your career by attracting new business, promoting your competence, and opening doors to new opportunities. My perspective? Writing a nonfiction book can be a lot easier than your fourth grade teacher probably lead you to believe.
Why “easier”?
In contrast to “creative,” or fiction writing, which is typically what everyone thinks of when they hear the word “writing,” nonfiction books can be planned as a series of short topics that–each–can be completed in a relatively short time.
As shown in the mind map example, above, a typical, career-building non-fiction, “information” book is based on the following simple structure:
- 3 main sections. These chunk the book’s content into a beginning, middle, and end.
- 10 chapters. The first chapters set the stage, the middle chapters describe what to do, and the last chapters provide a wrap-up and tips for reviewing your progress.
- Each chapter contains between 8 and 12 major points. Each of these points is introduced by subheads. Often, only a few paragraphs are needed to describe the main points, accompanied by questions or bullet lists of tips and suggestions.
Implications
There are major implications to the above. Specifically, once you identify the 10 “big ideas” you want to share with your market, and have organized the 8 to 12 supporting ideas for each chapter, finishing your book becomes a relatively simple, “paint by number” exercise of filling in the paragraphs between the subheads.
Published & Profitable is dedicated to helping business owners and self-employed professionals identify the skills needed to plan, write, promote, and profit from a nonfiction book. Members enjoy access to over 300 pages of articles, assessments, author interviews, checklists, e-books, mind maps, templates, worksheets, and videos. Take the free 24-minute site tour now! We take the mystery out of writing a book.
October 28, 2008
Roger,
You sure make writing a book look “really easy”!
Plus, it all makes alot of sense to me when you lay out your step-by-step outline like that.
It appears the toughest parts are coming up
with the “big” idea and a few “supporting” ideas for each chapter.
And even coming up with those ideas is a piece of cake when using your book, The Content Catalyst, to get them.
Thanks for making it simple and making perfect sense at the same time.
Merrill Clark
Direct Response Copywriter
http://www.crestviewmarketing.com
October 28, 2008
Roger, what works for me is to write a little bit each and every day. I prefer early mornings. 50,000 words is daunting. But 500 words a day for 100 days is simple.
David Meerman Scott
bestselling author of The New Rules of Marketing & PR
October 28, 2008
Roger, your article is right on. One additional comment is that if you take the 12 subpoints and write really fast for 5 minutes each, you can finish the book in no time flat.
When I wrote Guerrilla Marketing in 30 Days, I tried this and it worked.
The other thing is that with the ADD world we live in, you can jump from point to point and write, not necessarily proceeding linerally.
I write fast since it simulates speaking which is what I do best. The book generates association meetings, break out sessions, business expos, chamber meals, webinars and more for speaking.
Thanks, Al.
Al Lautenslager
Author, Guerrilla Marketing in 30 Days
http://www.marketforprofits.com
October 28, 2008
Great post Roger:
Thanks for writing it.
And you’re right. Writing a non fiction book isn’t all that difficult if you follow the simple model you’ve laid out.
I followed a modified version of your model when I was writing “Straight Talk for Success.” I used five sections, with three chapters each.
“Straight Talk” became an amazon.com bestseller.
One point I would like to mention though. You have to know your stuff. If you cannot easily come up with three sections and 10 chapters — or in my case, five sections and 15 chapters — you’re probably not ready to write a book. Spend your time on creating the type of outline Roger describes in the post before you begin writing.
All the best,
Bud Bilanich
http://www.SuccessCommonSense.com
http://www.StraightTalkForSuccess.com/recessionoffer.html
October 28, 2008
Roger,
Thanks for the simple and easy to follow steps to writing a non-fiction book.
You take a seemingly daunting task and make it very do-able!
Your guidelines are helping me considerably as I write my book about how my husband and I lost a lot of weight between us when we switched from eating grain fed beef to eating grass fed.
Sincerely,
Cathy McNeil
Co-owner and operator of McNeil Ranch and Diamond F Brand Grass Fed Beef
October 28, 2008
Yes, everyone’s right, you make it sound easy. In fact, SO easy that I have to wonder why I’m still not finished with my book! Well, you keep me inspired. Thanks for your ongoing work.
Deni
October 28, 2008
Roger — you are the premier book-writing guru. Your information is valuable to any nonfiction author. I know, because I have 17 non-fiction titles under my belt. If I had your information back then the writing process would have been easier — and my books would have been better. You will help many people with your site.
Great job! Brian Jud
brian@premiumbookcompany.com http://www.premiumbookcompany.com
October 28, 2008
Roger,
It occurs to me that as writers, we can not only break our work into manageable task lists which emerge as a book, but that can also break our time into “portable” space modules, allowing us to work productively almost anywhere we go.
Mobile devices are so advanced today, that we can stay in touch with our blog, our readers, and our writing projects anywhere and anytime.
In fact, I’m posting this message to you nowfrom my iPhone, as I board a train in Tokyo headed for a morning meeting!
That is where I got your blog message too, in real time, and the whole thing happened on my feet, while waiting to board a train.
William Reed
Blog: http://www.EntrepreneursCreativeEdge.com
October 28, 2008
Roger:
Wonderful and simple model to use for successfully writing a non-fiction book.
Because of you, and with the information I’ve gained from your sites and books, I’ve been able
to write well over 400 pages in a short period
of time…
My first “book” turned into over 33 course
modules on real estate investing, which are
still growing,and are founded on your direct
influence, guidance, support and encouragement.
Another 20 lessons or so, and I’ll have enough
for several books in there… which, of course,
is the plan!
Your information is always right on target and
I want to personally thank you for helping to
launch my writing career from “procrastinate to
proliferate!”
Keep up the great work, wonderful guidance, and
though many may not have experienced it yet
personally, the truly empathetic and self-sacrificing
contributions you make for those of us, like me,
who ask and have the good fortune of finding
your valuable information and benevolent guidance.
Great article… thank you for keeping it simple
enough for my two arguing brain cells to really,
fully, grasp.
Steve
P.S. Happy belated birthday!
October 29, 2008
Hi Roger,
Great post and great comments too. Here’s my process:
1. I use the story board method to develop an outline – I basically list all topics on individual Post-it notes, stick them on a big wall and move them around until I have a logical flow of information.
2. Then I write a TOC based on story board.
3. I tackle each topic bit by bit. I like books that move quickly, have plenty of sub-headings and bullets, and get right to the point. So that’s the same strategy I take when writing.
4. I used to carve out an hour a day to write but my life is just too crazy these days. Instead, I check in to a hotel every six weeks or so! I am very disciplined when I write so I spend 48 hours with my laptop and some room service and it’s amazing how much I can accomplish!
Keep up the great work,
Stephanie Chandler
“The Author’s Guide to Building an Online Platform: Leveraging the Internet to Sell More Books”
October 30, 2008
Hi Roger,
I know for a fact that mind mapping is an invaluable tool for writers; it’s useful for both brainstorming and outlining. I think your advice is right on target. Keep up the good work.
October 30, 2008
Roger lays out a simple to follow plan for creating the informative nonfiction book. The three part emphasis: Getting started, Steps to Success and Moving On are a great way to plot your ideas. The trick is to find your big ideas and then write your supports or expand on those ideas. Roger’s map makes a daunting job, a completely doable job.
~ Nancy McCurry
Freelance Editor