Using A Non-Fiction Checklist To Ensure You Write A Good Book

by | | Book Sales, Motivation, Productivity, Small Business

write publish brand

Write a good book in the first place. Period. That eight-word sentence is the best writing and marketing advice around. Pour your everything — heart, mind, and soul — into your book. Be careful, though, not to let your passion get in the way of your professionalism. This handy non-fiction checklist will help ensure your book is well written, has a professional cover and all the elements that go into a good book.

  • Define your target reader and know what problem your book solves for them
  • Craft a sexy or compelling title that clearly says what your book is about
  • Develop a marketing plan for your book
  • List seven to ten things you want your reader to learn
  • Use the above list to create a Table of Contents that organizes and guides your writing
  • Write an attention-grabbing introduction that compels action from the reader
  • Give credit where it’s due — appropriately cite all sources
  • Have your book scrupulously and professionally edited
  • Use photos, graphs, and charts to provide clarity or enhance a concept
  • Write an ending that sums up the current book and leaves the door open for a sequel

Use the following five-step non-fiction checklist to create the best cover for your book. Your book title should be prominent and easy to read. This is more important than ever because your cover will be used online.

  1. Use a font that makes sense and is easy to read. Don’t use Papyrus, Harlow Gold Italics, Vivaldi or other difficult-to-read fonts. Also, avoid using too many fonts on one cover. Two should be the limit.
  2. If you don’t know what you’re doing, have someone else do it. You can find great graphic designers at very reasonable and affordable rates. I highly recommend Kiwi Avenue.
  3. Do use colors on your cover but avoid gaudy color combinations. It might catch people’s attention, but it might also repel readers. Stick with sensible, timeless colors and color combinations.
  4. Make sure your cover translates well between print and digital media. Your book will, and should, be marketed online. Make sure the color looks good in social media applications and on a variety of screen sizes.

This non-fiction checklist can help you produce an attention-grabbing book. One that’s well-written, has a dynamic cover, and appeals to the right readers.