How to Organize a Nonfiction

This week we're going to talk about how to "herd pages," meaning book organization. I recently did a writers' workshop where book organization became the main topic. Many writers struggle with getting their books into an understandable format that works. This week, though, let's discuss organization of nonfiction books vs. fiction (two different animals). In some ways, organizing a nonfiction book is much more formulaic - that is, unless you're doing a biography or memoir. Memoirs are more like fiction books, and you can take several different approaches.

 

When it comes to nonfiction books, here are some basic tenants to structure (consider this your quick-tip guide):

 

Preface - you may or may not want one. A subject matter expert often writes the preface. This person has reviewed your book and comments about what the reader is about to read. When it comes to nonfiction book you definitely want to invite someone to write it who has a name in the field, which gives your book more credibility.

 

Introduction - the author usually writes the introduction. It addresses what to expect in the book and what the reader should take away from the book. I like to consider it like a personal letter to the reader. The author welcomes the reader to the experience he/she is about to have with the book.

 

The chapters - I always recommend constructing the chapters in a building blocks, logical type of way. Think about the "steps" it takes to do something or the process. Start with the first to the last step and then wrap it up. If you can sequentially put something together, you can outline the chapters. Try not to digress when writing, meaning keep it all going forward so you don't meander off. If you need to meander somewhere (related, of course)...

 

Use sidebars - the sidebars allow you to dig deeper into a subject in the middle of the chapters without digressing too much. When you digress you lose focus. Each chapter has a beginning, middle and end (much like the book itself). Stay sharp on each topic and fully explain your points.

 

Case studies - theories are nice, but people understand practical applications and hands-on experience better than theories. So, you want to show and not just tell someone. Case studies show readers real-world use and outcomes. They also give people the human element and experience. Readers relate better to other people's experiences.

 

Resources - a great resources page always help readers find more information on the subject. If a reader is curious or wants more information, a Resources page can provide it.

 

Well, my time is up. I hope those "nuggets" helped anyone interested in writing a nonfiction book. You can always hire me to help you by sending an email to info@3LPublishing.com.