Guest Blog Post: Jennifer Harshman
Photo by MorningbirdPhoto on Pixabay
Do you want to write your nonfiction book(s) to increase your income or influence like so many people want to do? If so, then this is for you. We'll discuss the benefits of using the right recipe for structuring and writing your nonfiction book and some tips for going about it. We'll also provide a list of the best books on writing nonfiction. After reading this, you'll be on your way to writing a successful book.
Introduction to Structuring a Nonfiction Book
Writing a nonfiction book is no easy task. It requires time, dedication, and lots of hard work. You have to know how much of which ingredients to put into it, as well as when and how. Getting the right recipe is one of your most important steps. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to writing a nonfiction book, but books need certain elements. You might want to try a few things to see what works best for you. Having a plan to follow is essential. If, for any reason, you choose not to write it yourself, talk to April about being your ghostwriter.
Benefits of Planning Your Nonfiction Book
Planning your book benefits you and your readers. It saves you time and makes the writing process so much easier. It helps you stay organized and on track and maintain consistency. By having a good outline for your book, you’ll be able to make sure that all of the chapters flow logically. This will help ensure that your book is cohesive, coherent, and comprehendible.
How to Structure a Nonfiction Book
Here are some steps to structure your nonfiction book:
Decisions about your book
Determine what goes in your book and when and where you’ll write it. Select your audience, purpose, and goals for your book. Identify whom you’re serving, which problem you want to solve for them, and how your book will do that. Decide what needs to be in this book and what can be set aside for your next one or for blog posts or other content.
Set a schedule. When and where will you write? When is your first draft due (to yourself)? When do you want to have it ready to send to an editor? Many authors find using a statement of intention for writing a book—a contract with themselves—to be very helpful.
Outlining your book
The next step is to outline your content. This involves breaking down your book into chapters and creating an outline for each. A good outline ensures that your book is logically organized and detailed enough that you’ll know exactly what to write.
Writing your book
Now you get to write your book. It’s important to stay focused and productive while participating in self-care and rewards. Most authors need support during this process. It’s smart to get that help.
Tips for Structuring Your Nonfiction Book
These tips make the process easier:
• Start with a recipe. Before you start writing, it’s important to have a plan for your book and your writing schedule. This will help you stay organized and write the book you want.
• Break it down. When structuring your book, it’s important to break it down into smaller, bite-sized chunks. This will help you stay focused and make sure that each chapter flows logically from one to the next.
• Don’t be afraid to make changes. As you write your book, don’t be afraid to change your structure. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to make changes and tweak your outline.
• Get feedback at each stage. This important step can help you ensure that your book is well-developed. You don’t want to put out something that is half-baked.
Best Books on Writing Nonfiction
Here are some of the best books on writing nonfiction:
• Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser
• The Elements of Style by William Strunk
• Your Book Bakery: Making it easy to write a book by Jennifer Harshman
• The Art of Creative Nonfiction by Lee Gutkind
• Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Writing a nonfiction book can be daunting, but taking the time to find and tweak the right recipe for your particular book is part of making it easy to write a nonfiction book.
Visit www.yourbookbakery.com to get some goodies and find out more.
Writing a nonfiction book can help you serve many more people than you could on a one-on-one basis. By following the steps outlined in this article, and with the help of the best books on writing nonfiction, you’ll be successful. Get started on structuring your nonfiction book today, and make writing your nonfiction book easier than ever!
Jennifer Harshman’s helps authors create the books they want to write to increase their income and influence. She’s been helping hundreds of authors and several publishers since 1992, built Your Book Bakery: 12 Weeks to a Manuscript for her writing group-coaching clients in 2020, and wrote the book Your Book Bakery: Making it easy to write a book at their request in 2022.
Experienced professionals, Jennifer and her team, provide authors with a comprehensive suite of services and a range of self-publishing options. When she’s not helping her clients make a bigger difference, The Book Baker can be found baking (and eating) homemade rolls with melted butter, reading aloud to children, or homeschooling.
JOIN US TUESDAY, FEB 14, 2023, at 6:30 pm MST for the Beacon of Light Podcast!
YOUTUBE
コメント