The Best Books about Writing Nonfiction
Writing a nonfiction book isn’t an easy endeavor.
Coming up with a great idea, organizing it effectively, and writing a crisp, engaging narrative—then getting it published and in readers’ hands—takes a lot of know-how.
Along the way, you may require some author coaching, editing, and encouragement. (That’s where I come in!)
You may want to take a step-by-step digital course.
In any case you may want to start (or improve your craft) with a great book on writing nonfiction books.
Scroll down for the list. . . .
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Are you an American author writing a nonfiction book? This is for you.
Here are my top 5 best books about writing nonfiction.
1. Thinking Like Your Editor: How to Write Great Serious Nonfiction—and Get It Published by Susan Rabiner and Alfred Fortunato
(W. W. Norton & Company, 2003, 288 pages)
“Distilled wisdom from two publishing pros for every serious nonfiction author in search of big commercial success. . . . Whatever the topic, from history to business, science to philosophy, law, or gender studies, this book is vital to every serious nonfiction writer.”
2. On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction, 30th Anniversary Edition by William Zinsser
(Harper Perennial, 2016, 336 pages); older editions available.
“Whether you want to write about people or places, science and technology, business, sports, the arts or about yourself in the increasingly popular memoir genre, On Writing Well offers you fundamental principles as well as the insights of a distinguished writer and teacher. With more than a million copies sold, this volume has stood the test of time and remains a valuable resource for writers and would-be writers.”
3. Storycraft: The Complete Guide to Writing Narrative Nonfiction by Jack Hart
(University of Chicago Press, 2012, 274 pages) (A newer edition is also available, but I prefer the original.)
“Hart covers what writers in this genre need to know, from understanding story theory and structure, to mastering point of view and such basic elements as scene, action, and character, to drafting, revising, and editing work for publication. Revealing the stories behind the stories, Hart brings readers into the process of developing nonfiction narratives by sharing tips, anecdotes, and recommendations he forged during his decades-long career in journalism.”
4. The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan: The Professional Guide to Profitable Self-Publishing by Stephanie Chandler and Karl W. Palachuk
(Authority Publishing, 2018, 288 pages)
This book, geared toward nonfiction indie authors, “is the result of over four decades of publishing industry experience” by the founder and CEO of the Nonfiction Authors Association (highly recommended!) and her co-author who has written several successful business books.
5. Writing the Damn Book: How to Start, Write & Publish a Non-Fiction Book for Creative People Who Have a Hard Time Finishing Things by Stacy Nelson
(BadAss Publishing, 2016, 170 pages)
“This isn’t a formula—no book on creativity ever truly is. But it is a series of the un-Google-able steps which if actually taken, will end up with you finally having that damn book in your hands.”
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If you’re looking for the best books on how to write nonfiction, these books will serve you well.
You can find them all for purchase online and in many libraries. Get your copy (or copies) today!
What book about writing nonfiction do you recommend? If it’s not on this list I’ll include it in a future blog post. Let me know!
Thanks for reading,