Writing your non-fiction book...
1. Who is your audience? Who would be the perfect reader and the perfect individual? Think of one real person. (You will write a better, more compelling book if you write it to one specific person, instead of a vague generality. Pretend they are across the desk from you and you are speaking to them.)
2. Write a short 2-3 sentence paragraph that is your thesis statement, or the main point you are going to drive home with every chapter, story and illustration.
3. Write a short paragraph about how the book will begin. (Do you need to introduce yourself?)
4. Write a short paragraph about how the book will end. (Will you have a call to action?)
5. Be aware of what you can leave out as you move forward. (Great writers know where to begin, where to end and what to leave out.)
6. Have a brainstorming session by yourself or with your inner circle of people. Brainstorm 100 - 150 possible chapter titles.
7. Choose the top 12 chapter titles that make the most chronological sense, speak the best to your individual audience and are all directly connected to your main thesis.
8. Create 3 sub-chapter titles under each chapter title. You will find most of them in your 100+ chapter title list.
9. Write 2-3 sub-sub-chapter titles for each sub chapter.
10. You now have an in-depth outline for your book.
11. Write "Introduction" and each of 12 chapter titles on a note card. Laminate if you can. Keep note card with you at all times and read over it several times a day.
12. Create a file folder for "introduction" and each chapter. As you do life… stories, illustrations, articles and facts will come to you. File these in the relevant folders as the come.
13. Fill folders over weeks or months.
14. Write each chapter, sub-chapter and sub-sub-chapter using material from your folders.
15. When finished, have it edited by a pro.
16. Cover design by a pro.
17. Publish it yourself, pay to have it published or maybe you are answering a question people are asking and the book will be published and sold for you.
18. You have a book.
Learned from J. Keith Miller, Ray Bard and Dr. Jim Talley
