Writing Nonfiction: Turning Thoughts into Books

If you only buy one book on writing nonfiction, this should definitely be it!

I loved this little book! Despite sixteen years' experience of the publishing business I learned a lot, and found some of the suggestions truly inspiring. For anyone who is planning on writing nonfiction, this is THE book to buy. Even if you've been in the business for years, like me, Dan can make you a better writer. You'll learn important information about how to organize your writing activities, how to give your book an effective title, and how to actually publish your book. No book is any good if potential customers don't know about it, and Dan comes through on this subject too. If promoting your book has been a huge problem for you, buy Writing Nonfiction and you'll be off to a really great start. Dan shows you to effectively capitalize on your work. Isn't that why we're all here? Order this Writing Nonfiction: Turning Thoughts into Books before you put any more words down on the page. You'll be so glad you did!

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

writing non fiction

Writing and publishing a book involves clambering over a myriad of obstacles. From finding time to write and edit, to deciding on publishing options, the steps involved in getting a book from idea to bookstore are numerous. Dan Poynter, has followed the path numerous times with his books, which total over 100, and in his book he openly shares some of his secrets. Dan describes the methods that he uses to take an idea and turn it into a book, in just a matter of weeks or months, rather than the standard years. He keys in on aspects like organization and optimizing the time that you have to write effectively how to motivate yourself by designing your book¿s cover early in the process so that you have a true feel for what it is like to have the book in print. Practical matters such as finding people to comment on the book so that you have the `blurb¿ on the back cover are also mentioned. These not-so-little details are omitted in many writing books. Perhaps the most important part of the book, though, is that it is short, concise and informative. Following these easy steps really makes the process of writing a book look doable. Indeed, I am already half way through my first book, following his method.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Why reinvent the wheel?

Two of the most frequently asked questions by aspiring writers are, ¿How do I get my book published?¿ and ¿How do I go about writing a book?' The answers to those two pertinent questions and others are in _Writing Nonfiction: Turning Thoughts into Books_. This book takes the guesswork out of planning, organizing, building, publishing and promoting your book, so why reinvent the wheel? It outlines publishing options so you can make an informed decision on whether to seek commercial publication or self-publish. _Writing Nonfiction_ will motivate you to writing your book and allow you to proceed with a clear understanding of what is involved. And, because the author updates this title on a regular basis, readers are guaranteed up-to-date information as he incorporates the newest technologies and approaches to publishing not covered in previous editions. The Appendix of resources alone is worth the price of the book! Lavern Hall, Editorial/Publishing Consultant and author of three editions of _Writing in Ohio_.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

The Father of Modern Self-Publishing Does It Again

Dan Poynter's work is of inestimable value. In his book, he shares tips for writing non-fiction books in a way that is practical and inspiring. Dan knows his topic. He's single- handedly revolutionized the field of self-publishing and is the author of many books. By generously sharing his wisdom, he makes it clear that he wants you to succeed as well. Writers who follow his advice will produce books that will help others. I know. I used Poynter's guide to write and self-publish my first book (which has won four awards) and my first e-book. One tip that Dan offers his readers about how to start writing a book (and make it real as it's taking shape) is worth much more than the cover price of his book. This idea has me excited about writing my next book. Laura Ramirez, author of 'Keepers of the Children: Native American Wisdom and Parenting.'

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Read All About It

Dan Poynter has given us another of his insightful reference books. WRITING NONFICTION is a creative guide to aid those who choose to write the amazing world of true stories. I am a Writer and Author that highly recommends this book for any Nonfiction Writer or student.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Everything you need to know - quickly and easily

I have owned and nearly memorized three editions of Dan Poynter¿s The Self-Publishing Manual over the last 15 years. His new book, Writing Non-Fiction, is also a great resource for authors (even if they don¿t self-publish), anyone who would like to become an author, and self-publishers. In addition to telling you how to write a book, it covers all of the new technology that is revolutionizing self-publishing. It is also perfect reading for busy people. I read over 1/3 of the book in less than an hour the day I received it in the mail. (It is one of the very few non-fiction books I can say, ¿I couldn¿t put it down¿ about). I finished it a few days later after reading 15-30 minutes per day. With this book, you can learn everything you need to know about book-writing and self-publishing quickly and easily from the master of self-publishing.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Probably the Best Book on Writing Nonfiction on the Market!

Dan Poynter's book takes the work of writing and publishing and breaks it down into steps that are easy to follow. It takes you from your idea, to writing and building your book, to promoting your published book. This is an invaluable guide and it will be used by me constantly as I write.

A valuable resource...

Chapter One asks 'What will your book do for you?' but a better question would be: 'What can this book, 'Writing Nonfiction' by self-publishing guru Dan Poynter, do for you?!' When it comes to writing, nonfiction (like any genre) is it's own animal however authors shouldn't be deterred for with this simple but valuable text Dan provides the fundamentals of what they'll need to know in order to effectively select and research their topic, choose a title, establish a writing system, find a publisher or self-publish, layout a work, create a cover, and more. By walking the reader through the 'New Book Model' and enhancing the text with helpful tips, ideas, examples, references and resources, this book is a wealth of information designed to help authors learn how to succeed when 'Writing Nonfiction.' A valuable resource for any author's bookshelf, this book (along with most of Poynter's works) can help an author successfully start their nonfiction publishing career then take it to the next level all while sharing what they already know. Great job, Dan!

Self Publishing New Technologies

I thought my niche market botany book was complete until reading this book. I knew my subject from training and experience, could get the reader to overcome fear and then chuckle, the manuscript had been reviewed by experts and peers for accuracy and application, illustrations drawn, great title, background and competition research done. ¿Self Publisher¿s Manual¿ had guided me well. Then Dan Poynter presents ¿Writing Nonfiction.¿ Like a magician with a few deft twists of the wrist, he transforms that manuscript into a New Book Model, marketable for optimal cost. Then he converts the same words into an audio tape for a trucker to absorb as he barrels down the highway. You watch the manuscript explode into single chapters that can travel the internet for study by readers who need limited information. My reaction is, ¿I can¿t do all that.¿ Then Poynter shows me, not only that I can do it, but -- step by practical step -- how to take my blood-, sweat-, and tear-soaked manuscript and polish it for each of the changes. Building a binder to feel the progress. Size and spine decisions. Comparing appearance to others of the genre. Soliciting free(!) expert blurbs. This compact book incorporates the latest steps to success, new technologies and approaches not covered in his previous books.

Writing Biz 101

You have knowledge I want and need. Getting your information to me via a book I can buy fulfills my need and puts a jingle in your pocket. Sounds good, but unless you¿re an experienced professional writer, all the steps you should take between turning on your computer and going to the bank can be vague and a little daunting. Enter Dan Poynter. He will hold your hand throughout the development and production of your manuscript via his website, ezine and books on the business of writing, most especially, ¿Writing Nonfiction.¿ As a writer, editor and publisher, I can honestly say Dan Poynter has shown me the way to success at greenlightwrite.com. I own several of his books, and I refer to them frequently because they have answers I need. Thanks, Dan.

Get ready, set, write!

That's how I felt after reading 'Writing Non-Fiction: Turning Thoughts Into Books.' Poynter offers practical advice on everything from how to choose a title to how to market your book in multiple formats. And yet, despite the richness of the material, writing and publishing a book as defined by Poynter's New Book Model still feels completely doable and manageable. If you've always wanted to write a book but had no clue where to start, this book will walk you through the process from choosing a subject to final publication.

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