Successful Nonfiction

'The advice contained in this book comes from those who have succeeded in their writing careers. The sensible counsel in this well-written anthology has immediate and long-term benefits for the serious writer.' --Ray Newton, National Coordinator, Reader's Digest Writing Workshops ***The Chapter One starts with a lucid commentary on writing. Writing is a creative act. Building a nonfiction book requires planning, structure and lots of labor. Your intellectual property is a piece of art; it will not design itself or be created overnight. Writing a book is a journey, a trip to be enjoyed on the way to the reward at the destination. Learning as you research your subject is stimulating. The thought process of distilling the pertinent information for your readers is invigorating. Crafting just the right words to convey your message is energizing and provides the power to maintain your writing momentum. The published book is your goal but the process is fun. You are fortunate to be a writer. Chapter Two focuses on the rationale of writing. There are many justifications for investing your time and money in writing a nonfiction book. Some are fame, fortune, to help other people and/or because you have a personal mission. Chapter Three stresses need of a book. A nonfiction book is a product, an information product that is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to distribute. A book speaks with more authority than other media. Chapter Four explains a reader what to write. In First, decide whether to entertain or inform. In other words, decide between fiction and nonfiction. As you will discover, nonfiction is easier to sell. Chapter Five stresses on Research. Most of a nonfiction writer's time is spent in study. You must locate and read through all the relevant materials available in other books, magazines, newsletters, newspapers, interviews, museums, historical societies, public libraries, university libraries and special (law, medical) libraries.