Have you always wanted to write a nonfiction book? Perhaps you’re a business owner, coach or consultant who wants to take your brand to the next level. Or maybe you’re an expert on a specific topic, and writing a book would assert your knowledge on a wider scale and break through to your reader.
Whatever the impetus behind your nonfiction book, it’s a common first-time author tendency to think What will my book do for me? rather than What will my book do for my readers? It’s essential to have the latter question at the forefront of your mind, both when writing your manuscript and later when promoting your book. By writing directly to your readers, you establish a stronger connection. You have a better chance of readers viewing your book as a go-to resource — and you as a go-to expert.
So, how does one craft a non-fiction book that “speaks” to readers? Follow the three steps below.
3 tips for writing an effective non-fiction book:
1. Think from your readers’ perspectives.
Whenever I work one-on-one with nonfiction authors, the first task I have them tackle often surprises them: I ask them to tell me about their target reader. We consider, “What problems does this target reader have that the author can help ameliorate?” Often to identify the target reader, we envision a dream client who has all the questions, needs, and roadblocks that the author can help them overcome. When writing, it’s essential to consider every aspect of this “ideal client.” Taking the time to walk in this hypothetical person’s shoes gives you the spine that will tie your entire book together.
Ask yourself: What problems does my ideal reader have? Why haven’t they found a way to break through their issues yet? How can I help them solve their problems through my expertise?
2. Engage with quality content.
Most non-fiction books don’t materialize out of nowhere. Usually, an author has been generating quality content for months or even years, such as through a blog, newsletter, social media account, or magazine/newspaper column. You can even use non-public materials, such as client notes to generate good content. Even if you haven’t been blogging regularly, it’s helpful to start before or during your book-crafting process. You’re able to get hyper-specific on all the facets of your expertise.
For instance, if you’re a Feng Shui coach, you can write blog posts on designing different parts of the home: an office, a living room, a bedroom, etc. You can get even more specific, bringing in articles about specific pieces of furniture. By connecting your content to a social media account, you can create before-and-after photo galleries to show off your expertise, or take it a step further and produce videos on the topic. The bonus: When writing your book, you can incorporate this already created content to break through to your reader.
Ask yourself: What avenues would be best for me to assert my brand? What specific aspects of my expertise could I delve into in a series of detailed articles? How can I start writing my book now?
3. Follow up!
Don’t write in a vacuum. Frequently ask your potential readers how your advice is helping, or ask for what more information they want from you. You can do this on social media, through a regular newsletter, or at in-person events like speaking gigs or coaching sessions. Feedback can help you write more content — or get more specific in your advice — and can also connect you in deeper ways to your readers. People will begin to see you as someone who deeply cares about their issues. Plus, seeing from your audience’s perspectives can offer you anecdotes for your book.
When writing your non-fiction book, you’ll be able to write about the topic in detail and sprinkle in real-life anecdotes that break through to your reader. If you’re done with your manuscript, the feedback you continue to receive from your audience can grow into a supplementary e-book, or even your second book.
Ask yourself: How can I engage with people in a way that grows my brand and feeds my book? How can I get feedback from readers—a survey? Social media? A community based group?
Do you have any questions on the non-fiction process or how to break through to your reader? Reach out to me!
