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When Writing Nonfiction, an Author Has Far More Freedom

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  • September 11, 2023

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Table of Contents:

The role of nonfiction, teaching and sharing information:, persuading and making a case:, expressing personal thoughts and feelings:, showcasing creativity:, research and data in nonfiction, choosing the right style, audience engagement, freedom in subject matter, the boundaries of ethical nonfiction writing, the power of imagination, perplexity in nonfiction, bustiness in nonfiction, maintaining specificity and context, writing in a conversational style, can memoir writing services use creativity while writing a memoir book, do fiction writing services write on nonfiction books, what are the preferences of book publishing services while publishing a nonfiction book, key characteristics and profound details.

When Writing Nonfiction, an Author Has Far More Freedom

When we talk about nonfiction writing, we usually think of it as a type of writing that’s all about presenting facts and information and has to be strictly based on the truth. But the truth is, nonfiction comes in many different forms, giving writers a lot of room to be creative and engage readers in ways that go beyond just sharing facts.

Nonfiction writing is all about real stuff, not made-up stories. It’s used for many different reasons. Here are some of them:

Nonfiction helps people learn things and understand the world better. Imagine reading a book or an article to learn about history, science, or how to do something. That’s nonfiction at work, giving you knowledge and facts.

Sometimes, nonfiction is used to convince people of something or to argue for a particular point of view. It’s like when someone writes an article to persuade others to care about the environment or to support a new law. They’re trying to make a change by using their words.

Nonfiction also allows people to express themselves. People paint a picture with words When they write about their experiences, thoughts, or feelings. They can share their ideas and emotions with others.

Nonfiction isn’t just about boring facts and figures. It’s a place where writers can be creative and bring their unique style. They can make their writing interesting and engaging, even when discussing real things.

Nonfiction Author deals with real facts and information rather than made-up stories. It’s like building a strong foundation for your work. When you include well-researched information and give credit to the sources you got that information from, it makes your writing more believable and trustworthy. It’s like saying, “I’m not just making this up – I’ve done my homework, and here’s where I found my information.”

Nonfiction writing comes in different styles, like how you choose different outfits for different occasions. Some nonfiction is like telling a true story (narrative nonfiction), while other types are all about explaining facts (expository writing) or trying to convince people to see things your way (persuasive writing).

Your style depends on what you’re trying to say and to whom you’re trying to say it. Imagine talking to your friends about your favorite book – you might tell a story about how exciting it is (narrative). But if you’re explaining how to bake cookies, you’d use a different style (expository). And if you’re trying to persuade your parents to let you have a sleepover, you’d use yet another style (persuasive). So, picking the right style helps you get your message across effectively.

To write nonfiction that works, you need to know your audience, which means understanding the people you’re writing for. If you can connect with your readers, it’s like making new friends. You want them to keep reading and be interested in what you’re saying. To do this, you can use storytelling techniques like telling a good story to make your point.

You can also use relatable anecdotes, personal stories your readers can relate to, like sharing a funny or interesting experience. And don’t forget rhetorical questions – these are questions you ask not because you expect an answer but to get your readers thinking. These things can make a boring topic interesting and keep your audience engaged.

Nonfiction authors have a lot of freedom regarding what they write about. They can explore a wide range of topics, like past historical events, current issues, or even their own experiences. It’s like having a big buffet of topics to choose from.

This freedom lets nonfiction authors share their thoughts and feelings and bring all subjects to life. So, whether you want to talk about a big historical event, the latest news, or your life journey, nonfiction writing allows you to do that. You can be as creative and expressive as you want while sharing important information or personal stories.

With great freedom comes great responsibility. Upholding ethical standards in nonfiction involves rigorous fact-checking, avoiding plagiarism, and respecting individuals’ privacy.

Imagination is not limited to fiction. Nonfiction authors can infuse creativity into nonfiction, striking a balance between facts and imagination, especially in creative nonfiction, where poetic license is welcomed.

Nonfiction can be perplexing, offering depth and complexity that encourages critical thinking. Analogies and metaphors are tools that bring a touch of poetry and intrigue to the narrative.

Creating a burst of excitement in nonfiction involves vivid descriptions, unexpected insights, humor, and wit to make the content more engaging and memorable.

While adding perplexity and burstiness, it’s crucial to maintain specificity and context. Concrete examples and clear explanations prevent ambiguity and maintain the reader’s understanding.

To engage readers effectively, nonfiction writing should employ the active voice, personal pronouns, and rhetorical questions. A conversational tone keeps readers hooked and involved.

Yes, Memoir Writing Services can certainly use creativity while crafting a Memoir book. While memoirs are based on real-life experiences, authors and services like Book Writing Founders can use creative elements to enhance storytelling, making the narrative more engaging and compelling.

Fiction Writing Services primarily focuses on creating works entirely based on imaginary or fictional events and characters. They usually do not write nonfiction books, as the genres and writing styles differ significantly.

Book Publishing Services consider several factors when publishing nonfiction books, such as the book’s quality, relevance to the target audience, the nonfiction author’s credibility, and the potential impact or marketability of the content.

The idea that nonfiction writing is all about strict facts is not quite right. Nonfiction authors can be creative, engaging, and captivating in their writing. By embracing creativity and ethical principles in nonfiction, writers can unlock the genre’s big potential.

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When Writing Nonfiction, An Author Has Far More Freedom

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  • March 28, 2023

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Table of Contents:

Freedom of nonfiction writing compared to fiction writing, comparing fiction and nonfiction, advantages of writing nonfiction, what makes nonfiction writing different from fiction writing, working with a ghostwriting company :, potential for growth and development as an author for nonfiction writing, essential elements and detailed insights, conclusion:.

When Writing Nonfiction, An Author Has Far More Freedom

As a nonfiction writer, you have a unique opportunity to share your expertise, experiences, and insights with the world. Unlike fiction writers, who must create imaginary worlds and characters, nonfiction writers have the freedom to write about real-life events, people, and topics. This freedom can be both a blessing and a challenge, as it requires you to have a deep understanding of your subject matter and be able to present it in an engaging and accessible way.

Whether you’re writing a memoir, a self-help book, or a guide to a particular subject, nonfiction writing offers the chance to educate, inspire, and make a difference in the lives of others. And, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the writing process, consider working with a ghostwriting founder to help bring your book to life. With their expertise and support, you can focus on your message and let the ghostwriters handle the writing , editing , and publishing tasks. So, embrace your freedom as a nonfiction writer and start sharing your story with the world today!

As a writer, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to write fiction or nonfiction. Both have their pros and cons, but nonfiction offers a freedom that fiction simply can’t match. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between the two and what makes nonfiction such a unique and exciting genre to write.

Nonfiction is a type of writing that is based on real events, people, and facts. It can include memoirs, self-help books, how-to guides, and more. On the other hand, fiction is a type of writing that is purely imaginative, with fictional characters and events. While fiction can be a lot of fun to write, nonfiction has a few key advantages that make it an appealing choice for many writers.

Writing nonfiction is a wonderful way to share your knowledge and expertise with the world. Nonfiction writing allows you to educate, inform, and inspire others, and it’s a powerful tool for self-expression and personal growth. If you’re considering writing a nonfiction book, you should know that there are many advantages to this type of writing.

1.      Sharing Your Expertise:

 One of the biggest advantages of writing nonfiction is that it gives you the opportunity to share your expertise with others. If you’re an expert in your field, writing a book can help you establish yourself as a thought leader and provide valuable information to your audience. Whether you’re writing about business, health, history, or any other topic, writing nonfiction allows you to share your knowledge with others and help them improve their lives.

2.      Improving Your Writing Skills:

Another advantage of writing nonfiction is that it can help improve your writing skills. Writing nonfiction requires discipline, research, and structure, and it can help you hone your writing skills and become a better writer overall. As you write your book, you’ll learn how to organize your thoughts, develop your voice, and communicate effectively with your audience.

3.      Personal Growth and Self-Expression:

 Writing nonfiction is also a powerful tool for personal growth and self-expression. By writing about your experiences, knowledge, and beliefs, you can reflect on your own life and learn more about yourself. Nonfiction writing can help you gain a deeper understanding of your own thoughts, feelings, and motivations, and it can be a therapeutic and rewarding experience.

4.      Building a Platform and Establishing Your Brand:

 Finally, writing nonfiction can help you build a platform and establish your brand. Whether you’re writing a memoir, a self-help book, or a guide to a particular subject, your book can help you reach a wider audience and build your brand as an author . By writing nonfiction, you can establish yourself as an expert in your field, and your book can serve as a marketing tool for your future work.

For starters, nonfiction requires a different approach to storytelling. Instead of creating imaginary characters and events, you have to present real-life events and information in an interesting and compelling way. This can be a challenge, but it also gives you the opportunity to showcase your writing skills and connect with your audience in a deeper and more meaningful way.

In addition, nonfiction writing also requires a level of discipline that fiction simply doesn’t. You have to stick to the facts and be precise and accurate in your writing. But, at the same time, you also have the freedom to express your own opinions and perspectives. This balance between accuracy and creativity is what makes nonfiction writing so unique and challenging.

Finally, nonfiction offers a level of impact that fiction simply can’t match. When you write nonfiction, you have the opportunity to educate, inspire, and make a difference in the lives of others. Whether you’re writing a memoir, a self-help book, or a guide to a particular subject, nonfiction writing gives you a chance to share your story and make a difference in the world.

Nonfiction writing is a unique and exciting genre that offers writers a level of freedom and impact that fiction simply can’t match. Whether you’re an expert in a particular field or just have a unique perspective on life, nonfiction allows you to share your knowledge and experiences with the world. So, if you’re considering writing a book, consider nonfiction as an option. You never know what kind of impact your words might have!

when writing nonfiction an author has far more freedom

Writing nonfiction can be challenging for some authors. It requires a lot of time and effort to research, write, and revise a book. For those who want to write nonfiction but lack the time or expertise to do so.

As experts provides authors with the opportunity to work with professional writers who have the skills and experience needed to create high-quality content. This is particularly beneficial for authors who have a great idea for a book but lack the writing skills to bring their vision to life.

When working with a fiction writing experts, the author provides the ghostwriter with their ideas, thoughts, and experiences, and the ghostwriter takes care of the rest. The ghostwriter researches the subject, writes the book, and ensures that it is well-written and free of errors. The author is free to review and provide feedback on the content, but the ghostwriter does the majority of the work.

Nonfiction offers authors the freedom to explore their passions, learn about new subjects, and make a positive impact on the world. Whether an author decides to write their book themselves or work with a book writing company, the potential for growth and development as a writer is unlimited. So why not embrace the freedom of nonfiction writing and start exploring this exciting genre today?

When it comes to writing, nonfiction offers a world of opportunities for growth and development as an author. Unlike fiction writing, nonfiction writing allows authors to draw upon their own experiences, knowledge, and research to create compelling content. This, in turn, can lead to personal and professional growth.

One of the key benefits of writing nonfiction is the opportunity for learning and growth. Researching and writing about a subject can help authors gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of the topic. This new-found knowledge can be applied in a variety of ways, both professionally and personally. It can also help authors position themselves as experts in their field, which can be beneficial for their careers.

Another advantage of writing nonfiction is the ability to share important information with others. Writing about a subject that the author is passionate about can be a way to help others. It allows them to educate themselves and make a positive impact on the world. It can also be a great way to raise awareness and help others understand complex issues or topics.

Collaborating with experts and professionals in a particular field can also help authors grow and develop as writers. This can give authors the opportunity to learn from experts and get feedback on their work. This can help them improve and hone their writing skills. Additionally, working with a team can also help authors better understand the publishing industry, including the process of publishing a book .

Finally, writing nonfiction can provide a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. The feeling of sharing one’s knowledge and expertise with others can be rewarding. And it can be especially fulfilling when others receive the author’s work.

When writing nonfiction, authors have far more freedom to explore and express their thoughts. Nonfiction allows authors to draw upon their own experiences and expertise to create compelling content. This freedom allows authors to grow and develop as writers, learn about new subjects, and share important information with others.

Writing nonfiction can help authors positively impact the world. It helps them raise awareness about important issues and position themselves as experts in their field. With all these opportunities for growth and development, there’s no reason not to embrace the freedom of nonfiction writing. So if you’re considering writing nonfiction, now’s the time to explore this exciting genre!

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8 Rules for Writing Non-Fiction Books (and Reasons To Become a Non-Fiction Author)

Stephanie chandler.

Nonfiction Books

In 2003, I quit my Silicon Valley job and opened a 2,800-square-foot bookstore in Sacramento, California.

My grand plan was to sit in the back office and write novels while the bookstore paid the bills. Nearly everyone I knew back then thought that I had lost my mind, and looking back, I can see why. But at the time it seemed like a perfect plan to me.

I’ve wanted to be a writer since I wrote my first short story in the second grade, so naturally, I assumed I would someday write The Great American Novel.

But when I sat down to tackle the task, it turned out that fiction wasn’t my strength, and that’s putting it mildly. I had to face reality—I completely lacked the imagination needed to write compelling stories.

This realization was rather devastating at the time. After all, I had gambled my entire life savings and career on opening a bookstore, along with the idea that I would finally get to devote my time to writing.

In the midst of all of this, my Silicon Valley friends were making the two-hour trek up to Sacramento to see my store and ask about the whole experience of starting a business.

Many expressed that they wished they had the courage that I did to make such a big leap. They wanted to pursue their own dreams but felt bound by the corporate golden handcuffs.

Their questions inspired an idea. I decided that I would help them realize there could be life after corporate America. In response, I wrote and self-published a business startup guide and began blogging about entrepreneurship.

Those efforts ultimately led to signing with an agent, selling several business and marketing books to traditional publishers, and eventually choosing to return to self-publishing (though that’s a story for another time).

The point is that, because I’ve always loved to write, I thought that meant I should be writing fiction. But in the process of realizing that fiction wasn’t my strength, I discovered a passion and talent I didn’t know I had. I could enrich the lives of readers by writing nonfiction.

Nonfiction includes memoir, self-development, business, health, history, academic writing, and much more, and there are many reasons why you may want to consider delving into this expansive genre.

1. Readers buy more nonfiction.

2. nonfiction can be easier to write., 3. nonfiction can be easier to market., 4. nonfiction readers pay less attention to price., 5. you can build a profitable business around a nonfiction book., 6. nonfiction authors are branded as experts., 7. nonfiction books can have a long shelf-life., 8. nonfiction can allow you to make a difference in the world..

According to a report from the Association of American Publishers , Adult Trade Nonfiction became the fastest growing trade category of book sales in 2016, surpassing Children’s/Young Adult, which had been the growth leader for the previous two years.

Adult Nonfiction also showed the strongest year-over-year growth among the five Trade sector subcategories tracked (the others: Adult Fiction, Juvenile Fiction, Juvenile Nonfiction, Religion).

This backs up previous data from a report in Publisher’s Weekly , based on tracking done by Nielsen BookScan.

Adult Nonfiction sold over 225 million units in print format, compared to just 103 million units of Adult Fiction and 111 million units of Juvenile Fiction. And Juvenile Nonfiction sold 33 million units, an increase of nearly 6% over the previous year.

Speaking from my own experience, fiction requires a lot of imagination and skill. Some writers spend years developing a novel.

Nonfiction, on the other hand, can be like writing an over-sized report for school. If you loved writing essays in high school and college, nonfiction might be a good fit for you.

It’s no secret that marketing books isn’t easy. There is a lot of competition out there for readers’ attention.

But if you write a niche nonfiction book about topics such as living with diabetes, becoming a runner or building a pet services business—it’s relatively easy to identify your target audience and get their attention.

An annual survey conducted by Smashwords revealed that nonfiction readers are far less price sensitive than fiction readers. Smashwords encourages nonfiction authors to experiment with higher ebook prices, versus the lower ebook prices fiction writers are encouraged to offer based on market demand (for fiction, Smashwords currently indicates $2.99 and $3.99 as the “sweet spots” for pricing).

The harsh reality is that only a small percentage of fiction writers actually earn a living from their books, but I know many nonfiction authors who leverage their books to grow their businesses.

For example, Dana Manciagli is a job search coach based near Seattle, Washington. Her book Cut the Crap, Get a Job helped her land the opportunity to write a national column for The Business Journals.

Her book has also helped her get paid speaking engagements and consulting clients, and has become the foundation for an online course she sells. That little book has generated hundreds of thousands in related revenue.

Whether you write a book about caring for ageing dogs or living with food allergies, you will become instantly recognized as an authority in your subject matter. (Have you ever noticed that the word “AUTHORity” begins with “author”?) And experts are valued as sources for media interviews, speakers at events, and corporate sponsorships. The opportunities are abundant.

When you write a book about an evergreen topic, your book can sell for many years to come because readers won’t care about the release date as long as the content is still relevant. Unfortunately, fiction isn’t always granted the same consideration with readers.

Have you overcome some adversity in your life? By writing about it, you can help others going through similar experiences. Have you figured out how to save money as a single parent? Why not teach other single parents how to do the same?

Nonfiction has the power to impact readers and teach them something new. If you have a cause that is close to your heart, imagine how many people could be impacted by writing a book on the topic.

I love nonfiction so much that in 2010 I launched an annual Nonfiction Writers Conference , a 3-day event conducted entirely online.

I followed that in 2013 with the launch of the Nonfiction Authors Association , a vibrant community of writers at all experience levels. What inspires me most each day is how the books produced in our community are making a positive impact in the world.

By the way, I sold that bookstore three years after flipping on the open sign. It turns out that owning a bookstore store isn’t nearly as romantic as it sounds. But that journey was full of lessons that led me down an even better path—one I never imagined for myself—all because I decided to write nonfiction.

How could your path change if you did the same?

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when writing nonfiction an author has far more freedom

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Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.

Stephanie Chandler is the author of several books including The Nonfiction Book Marketing Plan: Online and Offline Promotion Strategies to Build Your Audience and Sell More Books. Stephanie is also founder and CEO of the Nonfiction Authors Association, a vibrant educational community for experienced and aspiring writers, and the Nonfiction Writers Conference, an annual event conducted entirely online. A frequent speaker at business events and on the radio, she has been featured in Entrepreneur, BusinessWeek, and Wired magazine. See also: @steph__chandler and @NonfictionAssoc on Twitter and Facebook.com/NonfictionAuthorsAssociation.

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The Complete Guide to Writing Non-Fiction

Publishing your work doesn’t have to be a difficult, complex process..

Publishing a book can feel like a monumental task, especially when you do it on your own. There’s a whole world of design choices, marketing strategies, and printing options that you need to navigate before your book finds its audience. Count on Palmetto Publishing to guide you along the way.

While there’s no simple formula for writing non-fiction, all authors go through certain processes as they develop their manuscripts and publish their books. But how do you get from a glimmering nugget of inspiration to a strong non-fiction book? You’ll need a dollop of insight, a smidgen of skill, and a lot of hard work.

Pre-Writing

The term “pre-writing” can be misleading since these early stages often include a fair amount of writing. Most writers find writing a book easier when they have some idea of what they want to say and to whom. Just don’t let pre-writing drag on endlessly. At some point, you need to start drafting your non-fiction masterpiece.

Pick Your Topic and Genre

You (presumably) want to write a book. Why? What kind of book do you want to create? Even if you already have a clear vision, let yourself dwell in the idea space and brainstorm for a while. Think about possible directions or related subjects to cover.

In addition to  finding your big book idea , you need to place it within the proper genre. If someone were to shelve your book in the library, where would they place it? What books would make good neighbors?

The right genre can help you focus your project, and it isn’t always obvious. Consider an entrepreneur writing about their journey to the top. On the one hand, they could write a memoir focusing on human interest elements and a chronological narrative of their life. On the other hand, they could write a business book, incorporating their experiences into the text but structuring it around business lessons they want to teach others. Both could be successful books, but they’re different in important ways.

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Popular Non-Fiction Genres

This list is only partial, and some of its items have been grouped together. There are  many non-fiction genres , but here are a few popular types of non-fiction books to get you started.

  • Memoir : Autobiographies and memoirs tell stories from the author’s life. Autobiographies tend to cover the person’s whole life and come from well-known figures. Memoir is a looser genre, and authors shape them according to their own interests and priorities.
  • Cookbooks: Cookbooks are extremely popular. They share a collection of recipes that the reader can make for themselves at home.
  • Health/wellness, parenting, and self-help: These books come from writers who want to help readers address personal issues (self-help books), refine their child-rearing philosophy (parenting books), or adopt a healthier lifestyle (health/wellness books).
  • History, philosophy, and science. In all of these genres, the writer focuses on a given topic, teaching the reader all about it.
  • Business and economics: There is a huge market for books that can teach people how to be more effective in business and with their personal finances.
  • Interests and hobbies: This category covers everything from arts and crafts to travel or food writing that isn’t in the form of a cookbook. Authors want to share their passion and related expertise.
  • Essays: The chapters in essay books are related more loosely, often around a theme. Each piece can stand as an independent work. In many cases, some essays have previously appeared in magazines or digital publications.
  • Arts: Art books collect images, often in large “coffee-table” volumes.

No matter your genre, you need to know its conventions. What do you find when you open a book from that aisle of the library? Read books like yours. Palmetto’s authors write in a wide range of genres, and you can find their titles in  our bookstore .

Narrative, Argumentative, Expository, and Other Creative Non-Fiction

These categories aren’t genres so much as larger categories that have to do with the general shape and purpose of the book.

A narrative tells a story. That story determines its shape, giving it a beginning, middle, and end. Argumentative writing seeks to persuade the reader of something, building up a case chapter by chapter.

Most non-fiction falls under the third heading. Expository writing covers a topic in detail, teaching the reader. It may have a linear progression — where each chapter builds on the one that came before — or it may move around to cover different areas.

Finally, some creative non-fiction takes a looser, more exploratory approach that doesn’t fit into any of the first three categories.

Technically, any of these approaches can also be  literary non-fiction  — non-fiction that is as self-conscious about its artistry as fiction is. But narrative and exploratory books are more likely to fall under this heading.

Find Your Audience

In addition to the genre, you want to consider the audience. What is your ideal reader like? What’s their background and personality? What will they hope to get out of your book?

Strong non-fiction writers know  how to write for a specific audience . They develop writing styles that appeal to their readers, cover the topics those readers expect, and stay level-appropriate. A specialist’s book on an obscure area of digital marketing will look very different than a general introduction to the topic, and their readers will differ too.

Identifying your audience also lets you  connect with them , an important part of book marketing. Don’t wait until the book is completely done before you get involved with social networks and interest groups.

Children’s Non-Fiction

Age is more than just a number. If you want to write children’s non-fiction, clearly identify your readers’ age range. Reading levels change rapidly as children develop, and you don’t want to overwhelm a young audience or bore an older one.

Familiarize yourself with popular books written for that age range. Later in the process, you can also enlist younger beta readers to help you identify potential problem areas.

Develop Your Routine

The truth is that there’s only one hard and fast requirement for someone to qualify as a writer — you need to write. More great books are started than are finished.

Set yourself up for success. Identify when you can work on the book and guard that time zealously. Have backup plans for when life interferes, and be honest with yourself about upcoming obstacles.

If possible, you might try establishing a regular practice — writing at the same time or on the same day every week. The more you can turn writing into a habit, the better.

At last, it’s time to start writing your book. You may discover things that cause you to change direction or go back to the drawing board. That’s fine. But as much as you can, try to forge ahead. You can (and will) edit later.

Create the First Draft

Want to know a trade secret? First drafts are almost always bad. The absolute best thing that you can say about a first draft is that it’s done. Here’s the good news. No one has to see it but you. So just get that first set of words on the page.

One trick is to make yourself hit a certain word count every day/week/month. Doing so will force you to press on even when you really want to do more (never-ending) research or fine-tune earlier writing.

Pantsing vs. Plotting

Many writers — both non-fiction and fiction — use these words to describe two different writing processes. “Pantsing” means flying by the seat of your pants, writing without a specific outline. Plotters, on the other hand, outline their work rigorously.

In truth, most writers fall somewhere in the middle of the two extremes. Figure out what works for you, and finish that draft. (Are you sensing a theme?)

Once you have a full first draft, take some time to pat yourself on the back. A little time away from the book is also helpful. You’ll be able to come back to the project with fresh eyes and energy.

This is when you want to put on your editor’s hat. You should be your own first editor. Before you start incorporating other points of view and feedback, take the book as far as you can.

The Big Picture

When  self-editing a non-fiction book , start with the big-picture questions. Read through the manuscript and figure out what large-scale changes are necessary.

Pro-tip: It often helps to print out the manuscript. Reading a hard copy helps you achieve some distance.

Questions to ask yourself include:

  • Have I achieved my main objective? Have you proven your argument, covered your subject, or conveyed your story or idea?
  • What’s missing or not yet full enough? Do you need to do more research or write a new section?
  • Does everything in the book belong? Are any sections bloated?
  • Does the structure make sense? Does each chapter propel you into the next one?
  • How’s the personality and tone? Is your voice present throughout? Are any sections dry and in need of some humor or a relatable anecdote?

Incorporating these changes probably won’t be a quick job. Take your time, and make that second draft better than the first one.

After you’ve addressed these major concerns, go through the text again, looking at the individual parts of the book. Strengthen individual chapters and  check your facts . As a non-fiction writer, you need to make sure that all your information is solid.

You also want to clean up your prose. The writing itself should be easy to read, clear, and error-free. If you’re a newer writer, consider reading a  book on the craft of writing . They’re full of good advice you can use to improve each line.

Check your writing for grammatical errors and typos too. These mistakes make books look sloppy.  Grammar-checker tools  can help, but there’s no substitute for your own due diligence.

Get an Outside Perspective

Once you’ve polished your book into a draft that makes you proud, it’s time to bring other people on board. Ask friends and writing groups (if you have one) for feedback. They’ll help you see problems of clarity and communication.

If they’re within your budget,  Palmetto’s professional editing services  can take your book to the next level. Get the expert insight of people who work with books for a living.

There are  different types of editing  to answer different needs, and you can choose the best option for your project. You can choose whether to invest in large-scale developmental editing or if you’d rather have someone help you with final polish and copyediting.

Post-Writing

Once your manuscript is finished, it’s time to send it out into the world. Take your project from a document on your computer to something you could find in online bookstores or even in person.

Turn It Into a Book

This is your baby. Give it the packaging it deserves.

There’s a difference between a thrown-together PDF and a professional eBook. Take advantage of Palmetto’s options for non-fiction books.

Our  interior formatting services  ensure that your text reads well across different devices. You can even include images or play with more sophisticated layouts.

Get readers excited from first sight with Palmetto’s  cover design services . Work with our artists, all of whom are well-informed about the conventions relevant to your genre. We know what works and what doesn’t in the competitive non-fiction marketplace.

Finally, get yourself a print copy you can display on your mantelpiece. We partner with IngramSpark to provide  book printing services . On-demand printing means that you don’t have to worry about buying the right number of books or figuring out where to store them. IngramSpark prints books as they are ordered, delivering each volume hot off the presses.

This is your baby. Give it the launch it deserves.

Palmetto  marketing services  can handle everything from the press release — and its distribution — to your author’s website and promotional materials. We make sure that the people most likely to respond to your work have the opportunity to add you to their list of favorite authors.

For the best results, pair our services with your own marketing efforts. Tried-and-true tactics like  publishing an author blog  and  developing a newsletter  are ways to spread the word efficiently. You’ll also need to encourage readers to leave reviews, which help the next round of potential readers find you.

And don’t forget simple word of mouth. You wrote and published a book! Brag about that baby and pass around baby pictures at gatherings of friends and family.

Let Palmetto Publishing Help

We won’t lie. There’s a lot of work ahead — but you don’t have to do it alone. Use us as a source of advice and check out the top-notch  services we offer for non-fiction books .

At Palmetto Publishing, we love books. We can’t wait to get our hands on yours and work together to perfect it.

Start Your Publishing Journey

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IMAGES

  1. When Writing Nonfiction, An Author Has Far More Freedom

    when writing nonfiction an author has far more freedom

  2. The Everything Guide to Writing Nonfiction eBook by Richard D Bank

    when writing nonfiction an author has far more freedom

  3. How To Write A Nonfiction Book: 21 Steps for Beginners

    when writing nonfiction an author has far more freedom

  4. Write Your Nonfiction Book Manuscript: Ultimate Author Toolkit

    when writing nonfiction an author has far more freedom

  5. The Benefits and Challenges of Writing Nonfiction

    when writing nonfiction an author has far more freedom

  6. Writing Effective Nonfiction

    when writing nonfiction an author has far more freedom

VIDEO

  1. WHAT I READ FROM APRIL TO AUGUST

  2. Unintentional ASMR Joyce Carol Oates Relaxing Voice Interview About Writing Nonfiction Soft

  3. 8 Nonfiction Writing Secrets with Jess Keating!

  4. NDP Shorts: Marda Dunsky, author of STORIES FROM PALESTINE

  5. Conventions and Forms || Creative Nonfiction

COMMENTS

  1. When Writing Nonfiction, an Author Has Far More Freedom

    Explore the limitless possibilities nonfiction authors have when crafting informative and engaging narratives. +1-312-625-1056 | [email protected] |

  2. When writing nonfiction, an author has far more freedom A. to

    When writing nonfiction, an author has far more freedom A. to use their imagination and create new ideas. B. to move around from one setting to another. C. in what they have the characters say and do. D. in how they present their internal conflicts.

  3. When Writing Nonfiction, An Author Has Far More Freedom

    Writing nonfiction can help authors positively impact the world. It helps them raise awareness about important issues and position themselves as experts in their field. With all these opportunities for growth and development, there’s no reason not to embrace the freedom of nonfiction writing.

  4. 8 Rules for Writing Non-Fiction Books (and Reasons To ... -

    Nonfiction readers pay less attention to price. 5. You can build a profitable business around a nonfiction book. 6. Nonfiction authors are branded as experts. 7. Nonfiction books can have a long shelf-life. 8. Nonfiction can allow you to make a difference in the world.

  5. The Complete Guide to Writing Non-Fiction

    While there’s no simple formula for writing non-fiction, all authors go through certain processes as they develop their manuscripts and publish their books. You’ll need a dollop of insight, a smidgen of skill, and a lot of hard work and Palmetto Publishing can help.