Writing often falls into two categories: fiction and non-fiction. Most people view fiction and non-fiction as opposites, but they are quite similar.
Though people typically view fiction as narrative, non-fiction should not be wholly factual and dry. It still has to attract readers and hold their attention.
Writing a non-fiction book is a big deal due to the difficulty of the endeavor. You can make writing non-fiction easier by avoiding the following mistakes first-time non-fiction writers often make:
No Purpose
The biggest mistake that non-fiction writers make is failing to know why they are writing the book in the first place. The purpose for writing the book is the foundation upon which all the time and effort it will take to write is based. Nothing will make you more productive like purpose.
Writing a book is a massive undertaking, and without a clear purpose for why you are writing the book, you will have trouble finishing it. It is the foremost driving factor that drives a writer to endure all the lonely days & nights, rejection from publishers, and the measly earnings most writers get.
Your purpose for writing a non-fiction book will differ from other authors and may even seem crazy to others. However, if you know what it is and hold your purpose in your heart, you can literally change the world with your words.
Don’t Seek Help From Ghost Writers
Another grave mistake that many first-time non-fiction writers make is outsourcing their work. Ghostwriting is giving another writer the job of writing for a fee, but the published writer gets all the credit.
The biggest issue with hiring a ghostwriter is the cost. Ghostwriter fees are often in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. It could even cost you more than it does to publish your book.
The advantage of paying a ghostwriter is that it lessens your load, and you will get your book done in the time frame you want.
The cost of a ghostwriter may seem low in the short term, but it will cost you in the long run. The quality of the writing will also suffer, which will ruin your reputation. Therefore, if you can write the book yourself, do so and avoid hiring a ghostwriter.
Not Telling a Story
Just because you are writing a non-fiction book does not mean that you only have to lay out facts. Many first-time non-fiction authors do this, leading to very boring books that do not attract any readership.
Even though your book may not have plot twists and characters, you should still use the opportunity to sell a story. Include a theme and use any of the main elements of storytelling. In the end, stories are what sell books.
A book is a platform on which to illustrate ideas and offer value to readers. If you can do it in a story, you are all but assured of readers.
Not Identifying the Reader
Everyone is not going to use a service or product, and everyone will not read your book. Many first-time non-fiction writers try and write a book that everyone will read, which is often a massive failure.
Authors should identify their target audience and write a book with them in mind. The more specifically you can identify your readers, the better your book will write and the more it will sell.
It is natural to want to write a book that appeals to the broadest audience. However, you will be better suited to save your money because you will lose it. Focus on your content and reach your audience for the best results.
Writing a non-fiction book is a daunting challenge that many people never achieve. The mistakes above are only some of the errors first-time non-fiction authors make. If you can avoid them, you should be well ahead of the competition.