How to Write Non-Fiction - 2nd edition - Print

How to Write Non-Fiction:
Turn Your Knowledge into Words — Second Edition

By Joanna Penn

A practical and inspiring guide to writing, publishing, and marketing non-fiction books, helping authors turn their knowledge and expertise into compelling content.

Learn how to:

• Transform your ideas and knowledge into a structured non-fiction book
• Identify and connect with your target audience
• Plan, outline, and write with clarity and confidence
• Improve your writing process and productivity
• Navigate self-publishing and traditional publishing options
• Market your book effectively to reach more readers
• Create a sustainable writing business from your non-fiction work

Features

• Updated second edition with new insights on the non-fiction publishing industry
• Practical exercises and checklists to guide your writing journey
• Advice on structuring different types of non-fiction books
• Strategies for overcoming writer’s block and self-doubt
• Marketing and monetisation tips for long-term author success

Soft cover 328pp
1.75 cms H x 20.32 cms L x 12.7 cms W (0.33 kgs)
ISBN 9781915425768
Curl Up Press, UK (2025)

[2 in stock 13 Feb 2025]

Description

Writing non-fiction can be a powerful way to share your expertise, build authority, and create an impact. This updated second edition of How to Write Non-Fiction provides a clear and actionable roadmap for aspiring and experienced authors alike.

Joanna Penn, a bestselling non-fiction author and self-publishing expert, walks you through every step of the process, from idea generation to writing, publishing, and marketing your book. Whether you want to write a practical guide, memoir, or thought-leadership book, this resource equips you with the tools and techniques to make your book a success.

With practical exercises, real-world examples, and up-to-date insights, this book covers essential topics such as structuring your manuscript, engaging your audience, overcoming writer’s block, and positioning your book in a competitive marketplace. It also explores publishing options—self-publishing, hybrid, and traditional—so you can make informed decisions about your book’s future.

Whether you’re writing your first book or refining your approach as a seasoned author, this guide will help you turn your knowledge into words and make an impact with your non-fiction writing.

About the Author

Joanna Penn is an award-nominated New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of non-fiction and thrillers. She is a leading voice in the self-publishing industry, sharing insights through The Creative Penn blog and podcast. With years of experience helping writers publish and market their books, Joanna provides practical, actionable advice for authors at all stages of their careers.

Contents

Part 1: Before You Write

1. 1. Why write a non-fiction book?
   2. Types of non-fiction books
   3. What if you don’t know what kind of book you want to write?
   4. Can I write a book if I’m not an expert?
   5. Who are you? Personal stories, originality, and the importance of voice
   6. Who is your reader? Identify your target market
   7. Decide on your book title and subtitle
   8. Your author name
   9. Your publishing options
   10. Writing a book proposal
   11. Fear and self-doubt
   12. The day a non-fiction book changed my life

Part 2: Writing and Editing

1. 1. Gather existing material
   2. Research, interviews, surveys, and social listening
   3. Structure and organise your book
   4. The particular challenge of writing memoir
   5. How to write the first draft
   6. Writer’s block
   7. How to dictate your book
   8. Turn your online content into a book
   9. Co-writing a non-fiction book
   10. How to turn a boring book into an engaging read
   11. Elements of fiction in non-fiction
   12. Does non-fiction or memoir have to be true?
   13. Legalities: Copyright and licensing, quotes, lyrics, images, and more
   14. Self-editing your manuscript
   15. Editing for audio
   16. How to find and work with a professional editor or proofreader
   17. How many words does your book have to be?
   18. How much time will it take to write the book?
   19. When is the book finished?

Part 3: Publishing

1. 1. Your publishing options: Traditional, self-publishing, and more
   2. Self-publishing eBooks, print books, and audiobooks
   3. Book titles, subtitles, and author names
   4. Book covers and sales descriptions
   5. ISBNs and publishing imprint names
   6. Pricing your book
   7. Metadata, keywords, and categories
   8. How to publish an eBook
   9. How to publish a print book
   10. How to publish an audiobook
   11. Your publishing schedule
   12. Your launch plan

Part 4: Marketing

1. 1. Mindset for marketing
   2. Short-term marketing
   3. Long-term marketing
   4. Building your author platform
   5. Your website and email list
   6. Content marketing
   7. Social media
   8. Paid advertising
   9. PR and media
   10. Speaking and live events
   11. Marketing audiobooks
   12. Marketing for memoir
   13. Marketing with traditional publishing
   14. Your marketing plan

Part 5: Making a Living with Your Non-Fiction Writing

1. 1. Multiple streams of income
   2. Products and services
   3. Freelance writing and content creation
   4. Professional speaking
   5. Online courses and membership sites
   6. Consulting and coaching
   7. Affiliate income
   8. Advertising and sponsorship
   9. Patreon and crowdfunding
   10. Rights licensing and translation
   11. Your business plan

Conclusion

1. 1. The transformation of writing a non-fiction book
   2. Next steps

Appendices

1. 1. Recommended resources
   2. Acknowledgments
   3. About the author
   4. Index

This comprehensive structure guides readers through every stage of writing, publishing, and marketing a non-fiction book, providing valuable insights and practical advice at each step.