How To Write Non-Fiction: Turn Your Knowledge Into Words Second Edition (Writing Craft Books)

Are you ready to share your expertise, tell your story, or build a thriving author career?

Do you want to write a non-fiction book but don’t know where to start?

Writing a book can change your life. It can help you share your unique knowledge and experience with the world, build authority in your field, and even generate multiple streams of income.

But writing a book can also be hard.

You might get paralyzed by writer’s block or self-doubt. You could get stuck because you don’t know the next step to take. You may be bewildered by everything there is to learn about getting to a finished manuscript.

In this book, award-winning author and creative entrepreneur Joanna Penn takes you step-by-step through the process of writing, publishing, and marketing a successful non-fiction book. You’ll get the guidance you need to turn your knowledge into a valuable resource.

Inside this updated and expanded second edition, you’ll discover:

• The mindset shift you need to start and finish your book—even if self-doubt is holding you back.
• How to structure and organise your ideas into a compelling manuscript that delivers value to readers.
• Proven techniques for writing, editing and refining your book, whether you’re writing general non-fiction, memoir, or a combination of both
• Marketing strategies tailored to non-fiction, so your book reaches the right audience and drives sales.
• How to monetise your book, from licensing and bulk sales to speaking opportunities, and more.

This comprehensive guide combines practical advice with mindset support to help you navigate every stage of the writing journey. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your author career, How to Write Non-Fiction gives you the tools and confidence to write the book you’re meant to write.

Don’t let fear and uncertainty hold you back. Start your non-fiction author journey today.

Buy your copy of How to Write Non-Fiction and start creating the book only you can write!

Table of Contents

Part 1: Before You Write

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

Part 2: Writing and Editing

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

Part 3: The Business of a Non-fiction Book

• Business models
• Multiple streams of income from your book
• Book marketing basics and your author platform
• Book-centred marketing
• Author-centred marketing
• Updating your books over time