You’ve got a story the world needs, but where do you start? You’ve been thinking about it for months, maybe even years.

Every time someone asks about your journey, your expertise, or your ideas, you hear it again: “You should write a book!” You smile politely, nod, and tuck the compliment away. But now, the thought lingers a little longer. You feel a pull to do something with that idea. The only problem? You have no clue how to begin.

If this sounds like you, welcome. Writing a nonfiction book may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right roadmap, support, and clarity, it becomes completely doable. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from clarifying your idea to preparing to publish.

And if you’re looking for a solid jumpstart, The Publishing Pad offers a free eBook, “10 STEPS TO FINALLY START WRITING YOUR BOOK,” packed with helpful tips to push you past procrastination and into action. Download it here.

Let’s dive in.

What Is a Non-Fiction Book, Really?

At its core, a nonfiction book is any written work based on facts, real-life experiences, or true events. Unlike fiction, which is built around imaginary characters and worlds, nonfiction writing seeks to educate, inform, persuade, or inspire readers using reality.

Types of Non-Fiction Books:

• Memoirs & Biographies: Personal stories and life lessons
• How-To Guides: Instructional or step-by-step books
• Self-Help: Personal development or motivational content
• Business & Marketing Books: Share strategies or case studies
• Academic or Research-Based Texts
  

Sometimes, people confuse nonfiction novels with fictional ones. While the term “nonfiction novel” may sound contradictory, it usually refers to real-life events told in a narrative format, like Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood.

Why Do People Write Non-Fiction Books?

There are thousands of reasons to write a nonfiction book, but here are some of the most common and powerful:

1. To Build Credibility

If you’re an expert, entrepreneur, coach, or consultant, a book can instantly position you as a thought leader in your space. It’s a business card that never expires.

2. To Share a Story or Message

Some people write to document life-changing experiences, while others want to teach a skill, spread a message, or help others overcome something they’ve already navigated.

3. To Grow Their Business or Brand

Books can fuel speaking gigs, courses, podcast interviews, and even media appearances. They become marketing assets that work for you around the clock.

4. To Leave a Legacy

Writing about your life, family, history, or unique perspective can leave something lasting for future generations.

Step 1: Define Your Core Message and Purpose

Before writing a single word, you need to answer this:

What is your book really about, and why does it matter?

Start by clarifying:

• What transformation will your reader experience?
• What problem are you solving or story are you telling?
• What do you want readers to feel or do after reading?

Example:

Instead of saying “This book is about leadership,” say “This book helps new managers become confident team leaders by mastering emotional intelligence.”

Pro tip: Write a one-sentence mission for your book and post it where you can see it every time you sit down to write.

Step 2: Research Your Topic and Target Reader

Nonfiction books live and die by how relevant and useful they are. That starts with knowing:

• What has already been written on your topic?
• What gaps are there in existing content?
• Who exactly are you writing for?

Use tools like:

• Google autocomplete (type your topic and see common search queries)
• Amazon book reviews (what readers loved/hated)
• AnswerThePublic or Ubersuggest (for keyword insights)

This step will shape your tone, structure, examples, and even chapter titles. It also helps with SEO, as you’ll naturally use phrases your audience is already searching for.

Step 3: Create a Working Title and a Solid Outline

Think of your title and outline as the GPS for your writing journey. Without them, you’ll waste time wandering.

Working Title Tips:

• Be clear, not over clever
• Promise a benefit or transformation
• Use keywords (but make it reader-friendly)

Examples:

• From Blog to Book: How to Turn Your Ideas into a Published Bestseller
  
• Parenting with Purpose: A No-Nonsense Guide for First-Time Moms
  

Outline Strategies:

• Break the book into 3–5 major sections or milestones
• Outline chapters within those sections
• Add bullet points of what each chapter will cover

Outlines are essential for nonfiction. They make your content easier to write, edit, and digest and they keep you from going off-track.

Step 4: Write the First Draft; Just Write

This is where many aspiring authors freeze. Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for progress.

Tips for getting words on the page:

• Set small goals: e.g., 500 words/day
• Use writing sprints (25 mins focus, 5 mins break)
• Don’t edit while writing; keep the momentum

You’ll come back and clean things up later. Right now, just tell the story or teach the lesson.

Step 5: Edit, Revise, and Get Feedback

Once your first draft is done, celebrate—seriously. You’ve accomplished what most people never do. But now comes the part where good becomes great: editing and revising.

Start with Self-Editing

• Read your draft aloud to catch awkward phrasing.
• Look for repetition, unclear transitions, or off-topic tangents.
• Trim the fluff and tighten your message.

Seek External Feedback

Bring in beta readers, writing coaches, or professional editors. An outside perspective is vital for catching blind spots.

Types of editing:

• Developmental Editing: structure, logic, clarity.
• Line Editing: flow, language polish.
• Copyediting: grammar, syntax.
• Proofreading: typos and formatting.

Tool tip: Use Grammarly or ProWritingAid for an initial polish, but always bring in human eyes for serious editing.

Step 6: Understand the Nonfiction Book Proposal

If you’re aiming for a traditional publishing deal, you’ll need a nonfiction book proposal—a pitch document sent to agents or publishers. Even if you’re self-publishing, this is a great tool to organize your book’s value.

What Goes Into a Nonfiction Book Proposal?

• Overview: What the book is and why it matters.
• Target Market: Who it’s for and why they’ll care.
• Competitive Analysis: What makes your book different?
• Author Platform: Your credibility and reach.
• Chapter Outline & Sample Chapters
  

This is often required before the book is finished. You’re selling the concept, not the manuscript.

Step 7: Choose Your Publishing Path

You have two main publishing options—traditional and self-publishing—and each has pros and cons.

Traditional Publishing

Pros:

• Established credibility
• Upfront advance (sometimes)
• Professional editing and design

Cons:

• Competitive and slow
• Loss of creative control
• Royalties are lower (typically 8–15%)

Self-Publishing

Pros:

• Full control
• Higher royalties
• Faster time-to-market

Cons:

• You fund everything
• Must handle marketing yourself
• Quality varies without pro help

Today, hybrid options exist too, such as assisted self-publishing or small indie presses. But for a truly professional experience that gives you both creative control and expert guidance, a superior choice is The Publishing Pad.

We are the best option for hybrid publishing because we perfectly blend the creative freedom of self-publishing with the high-quality standards of a traditional press, ensuring your book is polished and positioned for success on your own timeline.

How Long Does It Take to Write a Non-Fiction Book?

The short answer: It depends. But here’s a general guide:

On average, 3 to 6 months is realistic for a focused writer. Add more time if you’re balancing a job, family, or perfectionism.

Tip: Writing just 500 words a day = 60,000 words in 4 months.

The Publishing Pad Can Help You Start Writing Today

If you’re feeling stuck, unsure, or overwhelmed, don’t worry. You don’t have to do this alone.

The Publishing Pad has helped more than 100 first-time authors go from blank page to published book. Start by grabbing our free eBook: “10 STEPS TO FINALLY START WRITING YOUR BOOK,” a no-fluff, actionable guide to get your ideas flowing.

Download your free copy here, because your story deserves to be told and read.

Conclusion: You Already Know Enough to Begin

Writing a nonfiction book isn’t about being the world’s best writer. It’s about having something worth saying and the commitment to share it.

Start with your idea. Outline your purpose. Write badly if you have to, but write. One step leads to the next. The next thing you know, you’ve written something you’re proud of.

And remember: you don’t have to do it perfectly, you just have to begin.

What could happen if you stopped waiting and finally started writing your book?

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between fiction and nonfiction?

Fiction is made-up or imaginary writing (novels, short stories, etc.), while nonfiction is based on facts, real experiences, or actual people and events.

2. Do I need an agent to publish a nonfiction book?

Only if you’re pursuing traditional publishing. Self-publishing doesn’t require an agent, though having one can help you get a better publishing deal.

3. How long should a nonfiction book be?

Most nonfiction books range from 40,000 to 70,000 words, depending on the topic and audience. Shorter guides may be around 25,000–30,000 words.

4. How do I write a nonfiction book proposal?

Start with an overview, define your target audience, list competing titles, outline your chapters, and provide sample content. A well-structured proposal helps sell your book to agents or publishers.

5. Can I self-publish a nonfiction book?

Yes! Self-publishing is a popular and accessible option. Platforms like Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, and IngramSpark make it easy to reach readers worldwide.