The self-help book industry is booming today, and this category sells well, so it may be a good time for you to consider how to write a self-help book. It’s lucrative since people are always looking for solutions to their problems. Literary agents and publishers like self-help books because they make money for them.
Research Your Self-Help Book
To write a successful self-help book requires a lot of research. First, you must choose your topic from many possible subjects. Do you want to write about anger management? How about how to become healthier? Want to write tips on how to organize cleaning your house, becoming an online entrepreneur, and much more? Once you choose your subject, dieting, for example, you need to narrow it down. How about writing a book about nutritional supplements that help take off weight?
Envision your audience and the problem they face. You don’t need a doctorate to write a self-help book. But you must have overcome the problem yourself to have something helpful to share. And you must master how to write a self-help book tips.
Research statistics on how well your topic ranks in Amazon. Use relevant sources to find out more. Research case studies and interesting stories and interweave them throughout your book. Start your search for information online and check out relevant forums on your topic.
Read self-help books written by your competition. To be unique, your book must present different information than the ones on the market. When you read your competitors’ books, ask yourself if the authors did a good job. How could the authors have improved their presentations? Ask yourself how is your book different from what is already out there. Your unique overcoming situation can make your book differ from the rest of the books. And your research will help you establish credibility.
How to write a self-help book: tips
1. Understand your target audience.
2. Know what you’re talking about.
3. Use you and I for a warm tone.
4. Don’t preach to your readers. Instead come alongside them and share what you experienced that qualified to share.
5. Use a conversational writing style. What would you say to a friend over a cup of coffee? That way you’ll establish rapport with your readers. When you write the book think about your audience as if they are friends seeking advice.
6. Keep this advice simple and to the point.
7. Write quality content with real life stories that will motivate your readers. Offer practical solutions and fresh and different content with a new spin. As you present one suggestion, let it lead into another.
8. Before you write your book, get organized with daily goals of how much writing you’ll do each day.
9. When it’s time to submit your book to an agent or editor, properly prepare your manuscript. With your non-fiction proposal explain your book’s marketability.
10. Proofread your manuscript and invest in an editor.
Self-Help Book Mistakes
1. Don’t write in a self-absorbed manner. Instead, your book should be all about the reader.
2. Readers aren’t interested in theoretical advice. Make sure your suggestions are practical.
3. If all your content is rehashed, your book won’t succeed.
4. If you neglect to study how the publishing industry works, don’t expect to attract an agent or a publisher.
5. Research literary agents, editors, and types of publishers. Then you’ll prepare yourself to send your book proposal to the right people.
6. In the past it wasn’t an issue, but now with advanced technology you must grow a fan base and a competitive online presence. Without a strong web platform you won’t be able to compete with other writers. And you’ll show no evidence of being able to promote your book like many others are already doing.
7. Your book proposal must be of the highest quality to have a chance at publication.
8. Does your manuscript reek with typos and poor formatting? If it does, don’t bother sending it to an agent or publisher.
How to Write A Self-Help Book Step by Step
1. List 10 things readers might ask about their problem and create chapters based on those questions.
2. Choose a compelling title. It should make a promise to the readers. The title should assure your readers you’ll help them solve their problem.
3. Create an outline to keep focused.
4. Write an intro, brief bio showing yourself as an expert, and why you wrote the book.
5. Outline each chapter before you write at least 10.
6. Present one skill or subject per chapter.
7. At the end of each chapter, summarize it and give readers exercises to do.
8. Create headings and subheadings to make it easier for readers and write short paragraphs.
9. Your book should be from 60,000 to 80,000 words.
Write such an excellent self-help book your audience will buy another one from you. They may also want to connect online to get your free material, and they may buy your products too.