Have you ever read one of those articles titled something like, “Proven Strategies for Writing a Book in One Month” and thought — “No Way?” I must admit that I have always been skeptical of this concept. But using my nonfiction book writing process, which I outlined in an article on this blog last month, I started my latest book on September 17th. It is …
Many new authors struggle with writing marketable nonfiction books. In reality, it is a process of researching and planning content that will satisfy reader needs, wants and expectations. Fiction books typically revolve around characters, situations, plots and other real or imagined elements. Nonfiction books contain information based on people, issues, facts, data based on reality and actual events. This means that nonfiction authors …
In Part I of this article, How to write nonfiction books that sell, I shared four phases of nonfiction writing that I use. That is the process that I follow when creating a new manuscript. Those phases are: Select a marketable topic Identify the reader audience Provide content of value Create a writing plan Once I have completed those phases, I …
My first three nonfiction books were published in 1994. Thirty-seven books and compilations later, I am still working to perfect my technique in order to write nonfiction books that sell. Like most authors, I have made mistakes along my path to make a solid living from my craft. Even so, after selling a couple hundred thousand books, I feel that my …
Whether your book is traditionally or self published, the book cover design is a crucial element in helping guarantee sales. Obviously good book content is critical, but the first thing that a potential reader encounters will be your cover. For that reason, the book cover design should be a priority when creating your masterpiece. If you go with a traditional publisher, …
There are many things to remember when starting a nonfiction book writing business. So that you do not forget anything, use a checklist and tap into the volume of free and inexpensive resources available on the Internet and through other resources. Here are some key steps to help during your journey, along with resources to get you started: Write a business …
If you are like me, you sometimes pause when writing a sentence in an article or book and try to recall a rule of grammar, syntax, or punctuation. Obviously, we want to get it right. More importantly, readers who know the correct way to spell, punctuate or create a sentence will potentially form a negative impression of us if we are wrong. …
Many people say “someday I am going to write a book.” For a variety of reasons, most never accomplish that vision. Life takes over. They have kids, work two jobs, encounter medical and family issues, and the list goes on. The reality is that many people simply do not have the drive, determination, or ability to set a long term goal …
There are a variety of ways to succeed as a nonfiction author if you take time to plan ahead before you start writing. Like many other things in life, writing a successful nonfiction book takes more than just a dream. Some people have the mistaken belief that writing a nonfiction book will bring them fame and fortune. While there have been many exceptions (e.g. …
Do authors need a website? When I speak to author groups, I am often asked my opinion on that topic. Two questions that I typically receive include: “Do I really need to spend time and money developing a website?” “Should I have one author website that has information about me and my books or is having a book website to highlight and sell my book(s) …