2. What is Nonfiction?
Three types:
1 How to
2 Informational
3 Narrative nonfiction
(Biography, memoir, true story, etc.)
3. Where Do You Start?
Gather information
Take notes
Organize
Follow the rules
4. Rule # 1
Write What You Know
It’s a cliché for a reason!
If you don’t believe it, no one else will
either
Research what you don’t know
5. Rule #2
Write What You Love
If you have no passion for your subject, how
can you expect your readers to care?
Without passion, the writing will take a LONG
time, and the reading even longer!
6. Rule #3
Be an Expert
Why should anyone want to read your book?
What makes you an authority?
7. Rule #4
Do Your Homework!
Make sure your facts are accurate
The one thing you get wrong is the only thing
your reader will remember
8. Rule #5
Determine Your POV
Take a stance and be consistent
Support your position
9. Rule #6
What Makes Your Book
Special?
What is unique about your book?
What books are similar, and where are the
differences?
10. Rule #7
Add Humor
Even the most serious subject will benefit by the
addition of humor
Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself
11. Rule #8
Know Your Market
Who is your target audience?
Why will they want to read your book?
12. Rule #9
Know Why People Read
Those who want to FEEL read novels – Fiction transmits
EMOTION
Those who want to LEARN read nonfiction – Nonfiction
transmits FACTS
Even with nonfiction, give your reader an emotional
connection
13. Rule #10
It May Be All About You
But Don’t Be Self-absorbed
Even memoir & autobiography contain other
people
Look beyond your expertise and interest
14. Rule #11
Write, Don’t Whine!
Tell an interesting story, but don’t feel sorry for
yourself
Lead your readers to the emotions, don’t spoon-
feed them
Allow readers the ability to draw conclusions
15. Rule #12
Give Credit
Attribute all material from other sources
Know the copyright rules
When in doubt, don’t!
16. Rule #13
Write it Well!
No one wants to read a badly-written book
Edit, Edit, Edit
Get the mechanics right
Be concise and specific
17. Rule #14
Write a Great Proposal!
Why should your book be published?
What are you willing to do to promote it?
Why will people want to read it?