For anyone new to writing a non-fiction book it can seem a daunting task. Yet even the most experienced of non-fiction writers can struggle with getting a book project off the ground.
1. Work on the Core Idea. The most important phase of any book happens before you write anything. Focus on the core idea and message. Why are you writing this book? Is it because you have an important message you want to deliver? Is it to kick-start a business? Have you thought about your core audience?
2. Think About Structure. What are the most essential elements for this book? Write these down on post it notes and put it on a wall. Then think about what is missing? If nothing is missing you have your core chapters. Think of your chapters in terms of beginning, middle, and end. So now you just need to put them in some kind of logical and interesting sequence and off you go!
3. Decide on a Word Count. An average non-fiction book is between 60-70 thousand words. So add up the number of chapters and divide your total word count to get a good idea of how long each chapter should be.
4. Find a Good Place to Write. Preferably this will be different from where you do other activities. This is a place where you can focus and get inspired on your writing project. If you need quiet chose a place close to nature such as a room with a gorgeous view of trees or a lovely garden. If you do not mind noise then think about a location that fits your project. For instance if you are writing about art you could write in a local art museum.
5. Ring Fence Your Diary. Plan to take time out each day or a certain number of days a week. Let nothing intrude on your writing space.
6. Process Any Resistance to Publishing. Make sure you do not have any overt or covert resistance to writing. Do you feel confident in publishing the material you are writing about? Are there any controversial issues that might cause you to hold back or sabotage your writing? For instance if you are writing a memoir are there any family members who might disagree with your version of events? It is a good idea to check there are no unspoken or un-addressed issues that might get in the way of you writing and publishing your material.
7. Get Support/Feedback. Join a writers group or find a trusty literary friend to give you some feedback. Failing that pay for a coaching session to make sure you are on the right track early on in the book project. There is nothing worse than writing a book and then having to revamp or rewrite it. In term of getting help remember the NLP adage, there is no such thing as failure, only feedback.
1. Work on the Core Idea. The most important phase of any book happens before you write anything. Focus on the core idea and message. Why are you writing this book? Is it because you have an important message you want to deliver? Is it to kick-start a business? Have you thought about your core audience?
2. Think About Structure. What are the most essential elements for this book? Write these down on post it notes and put it on a wall. Then think about what is missing? If nothing is missing you have your core chapters. Think of your chapters in terms of beginning, middle, and end. So now you just need to put them in some kind of logical and interesting sequence and off you go!
3. Decide on a Word Count. An average non-fiction book is between 60-70 thousand words. So add up the number of chapters and divide your total word count to get a good idea of how long each chapter should be.
4. Find a Good Place to Write. Preferably this will be different from where you do other activities. This is a place where you can focus and get inspired on your writing project. If you need quiet chose a place close to nature such as a room with a gorgeous view of trees or a lovely garden. If you do not mind noise then think about a location that fits your project. For instance if you are writing about art you could write in a local art museum.
5. Ring Fence Your Diary. Plan to take time out each day or a certain number of days a week. Let nothing intrude on your writing space.
6. Process Any Resistance to Publishing. Make sure you do not have any overt or covert resistance to writing. Do you feel confident in publishing the material you are writing about? Are there any controversial issues that might cause you to hold back or sabotage your writing? For instance if you are writing a memoir are there any family members who might disagree with your version of events? It is a good idea to check there are no unspoken or un-addressed issues that might get in the way of you writing and publishing your material.
7. Get Support/Feedback. Join a writers group or find a trusty literary friend to give you some feedback. Failing that pay for a coaching session to make sure you are on the right track early on in the book project. There is nothing worse than writing a book and then having to revamp or rewrite it. In term of getting help remember the NLP adage, there is no such thing as failure, only feedback.