My latest book, How to Write Non-Fiction, is out now!
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?
Available now in ebook, print, Large Print, and Workbook editions. Audiobook coming soon!
The first non-fiction book I wrote changed my life back in 2008. 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. Watch the video of me talking about what's in the book below, or watch here on YouTube:
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
- 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!
Also available in a Workbook edition
You can buy a Companion Workbook, which contains all the questions asked in the book and has space for you to write the answers. Click here to buy in print only on Amazon.
Want more! Also available as a multimedia course
Click here to learn more about the course
LIMITED TIME LAUNCH SPECIAL:
Use discount coupon code: LAUNCH on checkout to get US$50 off the full price/payment plan before June 30, 2018. Or just hit reply to this email if you have any questions.
View Comments (3)
Joanna, I cannot tell you how much your FB video has helped me tonight. You touched on so many topics and feelings I am experiencing as I am working on my next book. My first book was an award-winning book, and I want the book I'm writing now to inspire, encourage, and give people hope. The emotions I'm feeling have run rampant, so I thank you for sharing your heart. Your honesty and the wisdom you share is inspiring! I am adding this book to my collection of your books. I wish you continued success in all your endeavors. Have a fantastic weekend, and God bless.
Thanks Horace, I'm so glad you found it useful :)
Great information, book positioning is the most crucial part of both writing and marketing a book. If authors do not take this step seriously, they will probably get their positioning wrong and then almost nothing they do will save their book or make it successful. If they get it right, positioning acts as the business and marketing plan for the book. It makes both the writing and marketing of the book easy, and ensures authors get what they want from their books.
The positioning process can be very simple. There are three basic questions you have to answer:
1. Book Objectives: What result must the book produce for you to be a success?
2. Book Audience: Who is the audience that must be reached for your goal to be achieved?
3. Book Idea: What is your book about, and why will your audience care?
Everything is connected. The objectives lead to the audience. The audience has needs that must be met. And if the book provides value to the audience, you’ll reach the objectives you want to achieve.