| If you're planning on writing nonfiction, then the first | | | | overcome a major milestone. |
| question you have to ask is whether or not you think | | | | • Planning the book - While planning the outline |
| yourself capable of embarking on this trying yet | | | | of the book, never rush it. Carry a notepad around with |
| rewarding journey. With general non-fiction, there will | | | | you so that you can jot down little ideas and other |
| always be space for a good new non-fiction book in | | | | forms of inspiration. With non-fiction, it always helps to |
| the market. So, what makes a non-fiction book a best | | | | work to a closely defined structure. Spend time |
| seller? Firstly, your book should be able to attract a | | | | planning the chapters and make sure they all run in the |
| considerable amount of readers; it has to be something | | | | right order. If you need research material, you must |
| that is new and interesting, preferably a topic that no | | | | first assemble it and then file it under each chapter. |
| one else has broached. Or, if you're writing on a topic | | | | • Write it up - Now that all your work is done, |
| that isn't new, then you should come up something | | | | you need to take the plunge and get started. Since |
| that's new and interesting to contribute to the whole | | | | you have mapped out the subject matter carefully, |
| concept. | | | | you'll find it easier to start writing. Your job comes |
| So, why write non-fiction? Having your own non-fiction | | | | down to linking and smoothing out the plot, rather than |
| book published still holds a certain distinction and people | | | | having to think of what the next chapter will contain. |
| generally associate a book author as someone who is | | | | Once you've finished your final chapter, take some |
| an expert on the subject. If used the right way, your | | | | time off from the writing project. Go through your |
| book can act as a helpful PR tool. But, don't ever | | | | work and make the necessary changes. |
| make the mistake of thinking that you can retire to the | | | | In reality, most publishers don't really do a good job of |
| Caribbean's on the proceeds of its sales. | | | | marketing books. This can be really annoying when |
| Here are a few tips on how to become a best selling | | | | you consider that they take the lion's share of the |
| author: | | | | proceeds from the sales. So, you have two choices |
| • Choose a good title for your book - The title | | | | for effective marketing of your book: |
| is one of the most important aspects for marketing | | | | • Hire a good publicist - This is quite a popular |
| your book. With non-fiction books, like every other | | | | option amongst the famous public speakers and |
| form of marketing communication, the title of the book | | | | business gurus who don't have the time but have the |
| has to suggest some kind of benefit to its readers. It's | | | | money to get the job done. |
| the title that draws everyone's attention to the book, | | | | • DIY - Do it yourself! You can market your |
| whether it is placed in a bookstore or whether it is | | | | book without really spending a lot of money. |
| available online. So, make sure you come up with | | | | So, whether you're writing career books or you are |
| something that's catchy and interesting. Sub-headings | | | | writing memoirs, these few marketing and writing |
| are also very fashionable and work quite well. | | | | techniques should go a long way in helping your writing |
| • Writing your own book - If writing your first | | | | career get kick started. So, if it's a bestseller status |
| book seems like a daunting prospect, then you should | | | | that you're looking out for, remember that it isn't too |
| probably approach this task in a methodical manner. | | | | hard to get. With the right methods and the right style |
| Don't think of your book as a tough project. Think of it | | | | of writing, your first no-fiction book should be a |
| as a fun activity. As you start working through the | | | | blooming success. The New York Bestseller List |
| book, you will get a stronger sense of achievement, as | | | | couldn't ask for more! |
| the completion of each chapter will seem like you've | | | | |