Write the non-fiction book only you can write.
A step-by-step guide for experts, first-time authors and memoir writers, from idea to published book. Second edition, written and narrated by Joanna Penn.
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 that someone has already written your book?
The first non-fiction book I wrote changed my life. It helped other people, but mostly it altered the course of my own life, so much so that I have made a living with my writing since 2011.
In this book, I share everything I’ve learned over more than forty books, including an award-winning memoir, so you can save time, effort and frustration on your own author journey. The second edition is rewritten and updated for the way we write and publish now.
Who this book is for
This book is for experts, professionals, coaches and creators who want to turn their knowledge, experience or story into a published book. That includes how-to and self-help books, business books, and memoir, or a combination of memoir and practical advice.
It’s for you if you’re writing your first non-fiction book, if you’ve started and stalled, or if you have blog posts, talks, podcasts or a thesis that could become a book. It also helps fiction authors who want to add non-fiction to their business.
What you’ll learn
The book is organised in three parts: before you write, writing and editing, and the business of non-fiction. Each chapter ends with questions to answer for your own book and a list of resources. Here are the questions it answers.
- Why write a non-fiction book, and what is your definition of success?
- Can I write a book if I’m not an expert?
- What kind of non-fiction book should I write, and who is it for?
- How do I choose a title and subtitle, and should I use a pen name?
- How do I research, gather existing material, and structure the book?
- How do I write the first draft, and what about dictation and AI tools?
- How is memoir different, and does non-fiction have to be true?
- How many words does the book have to be, and how long will it take?
- What are the legal issues around quotes, lyrics, images and real people?
- How do I self-edit, then find and work with a professional editor?
- What are my publishing options, and how do I make multiple streams of income from one book?
- How do I market a non-fiction book, and build an author platform that lasts?
Read sample chapters
The whole book is published chapter by chapter on my store, so you can read before you buy. These three are a good place to start.
See the full chapter list on my store, or the compact list further down this page.
Listen to a sample of the audiobook, narrated by me.
Listen to the full audiobook on YouTube
I’ve put the whole second-edition audiobook on my YouTube channel, with chapter markers, so you can try it before you buy. If it helps, you can support my work by buying a copy in whichever format suits you.
Where to buy
Available in ebook, paperback, hardback, large print, audiobook (narrated by me), and a companion workbook. Buying direct from my store gives you the best price on bundles and supports me directly. Thank you.
What readers say
★★★★★
There's a great deal of thought put into this book. Many helpful suggestions and ideas to bring you and your writing into the modern reality of writing in a digital world. Highly recommended!
Diane F.
★★★★★
Commencing the journey of writing my first non-fiction book, I purchased this book for what I knew would be practical advice and step by step guidance. And it didn't disappoint. The questions and activities really made me think.
Pauline Wilson
★★★★★
As I am finishing my 3rd nonfiction book and my 1st memoir, this book reminded me of some important skills and practices to ensure the success of my newest book upon publication.
Joanna Branson
About Joanna Penn
I’m an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. I write non-fiction for authors as Joanna Penn, and thrillers, dark fantasy, horror and travel memoir as J.F. Penn.
I’ve hosted The Creative Penn Podcast since 2009, with interviews on writing, publishing, book marketing and making a living with your writing.
I have a Master’s degree in Death, Religion and Culture from the University of Winchester (2026) and a Master’s in Theology from the University of Oxford. I live in Bath, England.
Articles on writing non-fiction
Start with my step-by-step guide, How to write a non-fiction book, then dip into these chapters from the first edition, which you can read here on the site.
- Why write a non-fiction book?
- Can I write a non-fiction book if I’m not an expert?
- Business models for non-fiction books
- Decide on the book title of your non-fiction book
- How long does your non-fiction book have to be?
- How long will it take to write your non-fiction book?
- Structure and organise your non-fiction book
- How to write the first draft of your non-fiction book
- How to turn a boring non-fiction book into an engaging read
- Legal issues: using real people, quotes, lyrics, images and citing sources
- Self-editing a non-fiction book
- How to turn your non-fiction book into a workbook
- How to dictate your book
- Resources for writing memoir
- My list of recommended editors and proofreaders
Podcast episodes about writing non-fiction
I talk about the book, and about writing non-fiction, on The Creative Penn Podcast. These episodes go deeper into topics from the chapters.
- Crafting non-fiction books that build your brand and income (Joanna on The Biz Book Broadcast)
- The evolving author and second editions (Joanna on The Indy Author Podcast)
- From blog to community to book: a non-fiction author’s journey with Suzanne Smith
- Book proposals, writing non-fiction, and Supercommunicators with Charles Duhigg
- Building a business ecosystem around non-fiction books with Michael Bungay Stanier
- Self-publishing a second edition of a non-fiction book with Gin Stephens
- Author mindset, writing and marketing non-fiction with Ariel Curry
- The craft and business of writing non-fiction books with Stephanie Chandler
- How to write a non-fiction book proposal with Alison Jones
- How to write narrative non-fiction with Matt Hongoltz-Hetling
- How to write memoir with Marion Roach Smith
More sample chapters from How to Write Non-Fiction
Every chapter is on my store as an excerpt. Browse the full list, or start with these.
- Your publishing options
- Writing a book proposal
- Fear and self-doubt
- The day a non-fiction book changed my life
- Gather existing material
- Research, interviews, surveys, and social listening
- Structure and organise your book
- The particular challenge of writing memoir
- How to write the first draft
- Writer’s block
- How to dictate your book
- Turn your online content into a book
- 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 or memoir have to be true?
- Legalities: Copyright and licensing, quotes, lyrics, images, and more
- Self-editing your manuscript
- Editing for audio
- How to find and work with a professional editor or proofreader
- How many words does your book have to be?
- How much time will it take to write the book?
- When is the book finished?
- Business models
- Multiple streams of income from your book
- Book marketing basics and your author platform
- Book-centred marketing
- Author-centred marketing
- Updating your books over time
- Conclusion
Questions about writing non-fiction
Can I write a non-fiction book if I'm not an expert?
Yes. When I surveyed my audience, over half said self-doubt and imposter syndrome stopped them writing. You don't need a writing degree, perfect grammar, or to be the top expert in your field. You need some knowledge and experience, and the willingness to share where you are. The book is about the reader, not you.
How long should a non-fiction book be?
If you want a traditional deal, expect a target of 50,000 to 80,000 words. If you self-publish, you choose. A cornerstone book might run to 60,000 to 80,000 words, but many readers prefer concise books. Mine range from 25,000 to about 70,000 words. Under 20,000 words is hard to print: the spine is too thin.
How long does it take to write a non-fiction book?
It depends on research, genre and experience. Self-help and business books are usually faster than memoir: my books for writers take a few months, and Pilgrimage took years. Estimate from your words per hour and the hours you can give each week, then set a deadline. Allow as long again for editing.
How do I structure a non-fiction book?
Think in parts first, then expand each part into chapters, then add sub-headings so readers can skim. You don't have to nail the structure up front. I'm a discovery writer and mine usually falls into place once most of the book is written. Scrivener, mind maps, dictation and AI tools like NotebookLM all help.
What kinds of non-fiction book are there?
Four broad types: how-to and instructional books that promise a clear transformation; inspirational personal stories, memoir and narrative non-fiction; deep-dive books on a single topic for a general audience; and textbooks, manuals and trend books that need regular updating. Most of my books are the first type, and my memoir Pilgrimage is the second.
Do I have to write every day to finish a book?
No. I've been a full-time author since 2011 and I still don't write every day. I work in projects and phases: research, then a compressed first draft in scheduled writing blocks, then editing. There are no rules, only what works for your life. Schedule the time, turn up for it, and get black on white.
Does the book cover memoir?
Yes. Memoir has its own chapter on structure, because a life story needs a narrative arc rather than a list of lessons, plus a chapter on whether non-fiction and memoir have to be true, and a chapter on the legal side of writing about real people.
What's new in the second edition?
The second edition is rewritten and updated: the use of AI tools for research, structure and editing; current publishing platforms and selling direct to readers; more on memoir; and how to monetise a book through licensing, bulk sales and speaking. The first edition came out in 2018, and a lot has changed since then.
Next steps
Get the free Author Blueprint
Join my email list and I will send you my Author Blueprint, with the steps on the author journey from idea to published book and beyond, plus my newsletter with tips on writing, publishing and marketing.
Listen to The Creative Penn Podcast
New episodes every Wednesday, wherever you listen to podcasts: interviews and solo shows on writing, publishing, book marketing and making a living with your writing. Browse the podcast.
Watch on YouTube
Tutorials, interviews and full audiobooks of my non-fiction on The Creative Penn channel.
