Writing Nonfiction - This requires different skills than writing fiction, and we can tell you how to do it!

1. Writing Nonfiction
Larry K. & Lorna Collins

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?

18. And Last…
Write it!