How to Write Non-Fiction

ebook Turn Your Knowledge Into Words

By Joanna Penn

cover image of How to Write Non-Fiction

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Do you want to write a non-fiction book but don't know where to start?
Or perhaps you worry that you're not 'the expert' or have enough authority in your niche to write a book on it?

Are you ready to help other people and change your own life with your words?

The first non-fiction book I wrote changed my life. 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.

I've written seven other non-fiction books and co-written two more and built a multi-six-figure income around my non-fiction eco-system. In this book, I'll share everything I've learned along the way and save you time, effort and frustration on your author journey. The book includes:

Part 1. Before You Write: Mindset

  • Why write a non-fiction book?
  • Can I write a book if I'm not the 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
  • Part 3. Writing and Editing

  • 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 and quality
  • 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
  • Truth and perfectionism
  • 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
  • The different formats for your book
  • 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 book! Download a sample or buy now.

    How to Write Non-Fiction