What are the Essential Dos and Don'ts of Writing Nonfiction?

NY Times bestselling author Amy Bloom said, "Nonfiction is both easier and harder to write than fiction. It’s easier because the facts are already laid out before you, and there is already a narrative arc. What makes it harder is that you are not free to use your imagination and creativity to fill in any missing gaps within the story."

With that in mind, I’ve decided to share some dos and don'ts of writing nonfiction that I picked up over the years as a nonfiction writer and editor. Hopefully, these will make your journey a little easier.

FAQ: Can you give me some basic tips for writing nonfiction?

I've put together a list of what to keep in mind when writing your nonfiction book and what to avoid. Let's start with what you should do.

DO:

1. Know your audience: Before you start writing, identify your target audience and tailor your writing style and tone to their needs and interests.

   
   

2. Do your research: Conduct thorough research to ensure your writing is accurate, credible, and well-informed.

   
   

3. Create an outline: Put together a detailed outline before you start writing to organise your thoughts and ideas.

   
   

4. Be concise and clear: Use simple, clear language and avoid overusing jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to your readers.

   
   

5. Use anecdotes, real-life examples, and case studies: Use anecdotes and real-life examples to illustrate your points and make your writing more engaging. Incorporate brief case studies to provide deeper exploration of specific examples.

   
   

6. Include visuals: Enhance the effectiveness of your content by including relevant visuals, such as graphs, charts, or infographics. Visuals clarify complex information and make your content more engaging for your readers.

   
   

7. Edit and revise: Take the time to edit and revise your work, and seek feedback from others to improve your writing.

   
   

8. Use proper citation: Cite your sources correctly to avoid plagiarism and maintain credibility.

   
   

Don't:

1. Plagiarise: Plagiarism is unethical and can damage your reputation as a writer. Always cite your sources and give credit where it’s due.

   
   

2. Overcomplicate: Avoid using overly complex language or concepts that could confuse or alienate your readers.

   
   

3. Assume everyone knows the jargon: Explain or clearly define the industry terminology you use.

   
   

4. Make unsupported claims: Ensure that your claims are supported by evidence and facts, and avoid making unsupported claims.

   
   

5. Use overly emotional language: While it's important to connect with your readers, avoid using overly emotional language that may come across as manipulative or insincere.

   
   

6. Ignore your audience's needs: Always keep your audience in mind and tailor your writing to their needs and interests.

   
   

7. Rush the process: Take time to research and plan your work to ensure that it's the best it can be.

   
   

8. Skip the editing stage — invest in a good editor.

   
   

One last tip before I go — a piece of great advice from William Zinsser that I often share with my authors:

Every successful piece of nonfiction should leave the reader with one provocative thought that he or she didn’t have before. Not two thoughts, or five – just one. So decide what single point you want to leave in the reader’s mind.

As a book-writing coach and editor, I will help you craft your nonfiction book from the start, ensuring it is structurally sound and conveys your message in the voice and style you intend.

To pin or download: Dos and Don'ts of writing nonfiction

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