The best non-fiction books have a set structure to house their chapters. That structure provides the framework for each chapter. It’s stressful to re-invent the wheel every time with a blank screen. Most people including the author are intimidated by a blank screen.
Instead of starting from scratch each chapter, use repeating elements to create structure. In John Maxwell’s “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You” foreword by Zig Ziglar contains repeating elements that house each chapter. Each chapter has the same basic form. To build chapters that keep your readers reading include these 8 elements:
1. Chapter title: The title immediately followed by a subtitle emphasizes and explains its meaning.
2. Brief quote: Following the title are one to two quotes from your speeches or other authorities in your field which support the title.
3. Introduction: Each chapter begins with a six to eight paragraph of introduction that may include a story presenting the chapter’s main principle or underlying thesis. For short books 3 to 4 paragraphs sound great.
4. 7 to 10 points: Following the introduction may be lessons or tools used to achieve the goal presented in the introduction. Condense your material as you develop each point. Some lessons may require one paragraph and others may need several.
5. Case studies: Each chapter may include one or more story form case studies that support the chapter’s central idea.
Step out of your comfort zone prepare your marketing plan, mine your existing knowledge and create a framework for each chapter, speed write your book and you’ll be surprised at what you accomplish by following the simple steps of an easy writing program.
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Are you ready to get started writing your book? Go get my free 7 lesson mini-course Jumpstart Writing Your Book! You can get instant access to this ecourse and other How to Write a Book tips at the Write to Win web site or send email to iscribe@writetowin.org From Earma Brown, 15 year author and book writing coach
About Author Earma Brown
Earma Brown, aka America's Book Success Coach, 12 Book Authorpreneur, Indie Publisher, and Creator of Book Success Academy, teaches entrepreneurs, experts, professionals, writers and wow women how to write and publish a 24/7 lead generating book YOU and their readers love and create multiple money streams for life.” Visit New! Jumpstart Resource: Free Book to get started with a book of your own.
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