Are you gifted in the area of self-discovery, living within your means, or self-healing? Then writing a self-help book should be on your to-do list. Why not share your inner wisdom with others who may be experiencing difficulty or lack in their daily lives. It is always rewarding to help those who need a hand and it might even be profitable.
Writing books doesn’t have to be difficult. These steps to writing a book about self-improvement will make it easier. Use these book writing tips to learn how to write a self-help book.
- Identify your topic. What do you want to write about? What message do you want to convey? This should to be a topic that you are knowledgeable about and have interest in researching. When figuring out how to write a successful book, you should make sure you know your topic inside and out. Your topic should be clear in your mind. It should be something that you have first-hand knowledge about and should be something in which you are an expert. Experience is the best teacher so you should write about something that you have gone through and have successfully overcome.
- Read other self-help books. If you are not a natural author, this will give you a feel for how to organize your book. You can get valuable input for your book in terms of how these are presented and the style of writing. While doing research is essential, it goes without saying, do not plagiarize. It is always a good idea to check your work before publishing for unintentional issues. There are several good sources on the Internet to help. People want your information, that special something that you have to offer to improve their lives. Don’t change your ideas to mold them into what everyone else is presenting.
- Create an outline. Create an outline of the different topics that you intend to talk about in your self-help book. This is just a preliminary outline, which you can edit anytime during the writing process. This will be your road map, but it can change direction as needed as the book takes shape.
- Use an inspirational tone. Self-help books are meant to help the readers. When writing, do not be condescending in your choice of words. Instead, motivate your readers to take control of their lives for the better. Encourage them by using a positive tone. That doesn’t mean your topic needs to be sugar coated, but the presentation does need to accentuate the positive outcome, especially if the changes needed may be difficult to make.
- Describe real events. You don’t have to mention specific names of people (unless you have their written consent) and events. But do tell stories that are true. Anecdotes are useful in supporting your statements and advice. Real life achievements and success stories give readers hope and help them believe in their own ability to succeed. Your life stories must have been powerful; they moved you to write a book after all.
- Write in a clear manner that is light and easy to read. Your book should be informative yet easy to read. Be sure to cover each point thoroughly before moving to the next point. It is fine to let each section of the book build on a previous section, just make sure that the main focus of each section is clearly discussed. Don’t be afraid to edit for clarity and brevity.
- Include step-by-step instructions. By breaking down what readers need to do or accomplish in steps, you are helping them become more organized and approach one issue at a time. They will feel less overwhelmed and more in-charge of their destiny. Always include strategies or ways to cope that are doable. Making lifestyle changes is difficult, but it is easier to do if there is a clear road map to follow.
- Use empirical data. Throughout your book, make use of statistics and other empirical data to support your claims. Validate all your suggestions with proof that this information can work. Cite resources as necessary. Mention Web sites, other books, publications and support groups that your readers can use as resources.
- Find a publisher. Your book can be self published as an e-book or you can have your book officially published. The decision is totally yours. There are several companies that will publish a limited run copy of your book.
Writing a self-help book will take work and dedication to the project. Even if you feel you are an expert in the topic, sometimes you can’t effectively translate this knowledge into a book writing format. You may need writing help from classes online or at community colleges in your area. However, if this is your passion, the journey will be well worth the effort.