Writing Nonfiction: Turning Thoughts Into Books

I've just finished reading/heavily highlighting this book. If you are planning to write/publish/market a book on your own, please read this book....with a highlighter in hand. You'll be glad you did. Here are some of the things I love about this book, and why I have ordered every other of Dan's books that fall within the same category: 1. Some authors write in a way that unnecessarily lengthens a book--wordy phraseology, repetition of the same info within the same book, etc. Dan's not one of them. His writing style is very tight; he writes succinctly and each page is filled with important and relevant information and instruction. 2. He outlines exactly how to write your book, which is different and better than the way I've done it before. He explains the why and how step by step and it makes total sense. 3. He's a man who loves books, and although they CAN be a means to an end, he sees them as having great value, in themselves. I like that. In a world in which marketing websites, selling programs, and generating speaking careers is often the endgame for authors, Dan's motivation is to create a great book. I like taking advice from a guy who honors the process and the end-result. There are more things I love about this book, but you get the drift. I started reading Dan's books after visiting his website, and after about 3 minutes of reading the material on his website, I got a lightning flash idea that will save me about a month on the production of a book scheduled to be released late Fall. When a 3 minute investment saves me a month of hardwork, and probably results in a better book, I'm hooked. I highly recommend this book and Dan as an important resource. You won't be disappointed.

Sitting down in front of a blank computer screen to write a book is intimidating. Where do you start? What should you say? How should you format your manuscript?Dan Poynter takes much of the pain out of writing, even if you are not experienced. His organization systems help you to pull together all the bits and pieces you will need to write your book. Not sure where to start? Dan suggests starting not with the first chapter, but with the one that will be shortest or easiest to write. (Good advice--it always works for me!)You may find it odd that he addresses creating a mock-up of your cover before you start writing. That not only makes good sense from an organizational perspective (after all, the book cover promises what you will deliver in the book), it also helps you to think of what you are writing as a "real" book. Once you complete the book you need to get it published. Dan helps you decide whether to self-publish or seek and agent and traditional publisher. Of course, Dan is "Mr. Self-Publishing," so if you decide to self-publish, be sure to get a copy of "The Self-Publishing Manual," his excellent resource for publishing and marketing your book.This is a user-friendly and approachable guide to writing a nonfiction book that can be followed by anyone who wants to be published.Cathy StuckerSpecial Interests Publishing

This is an extremely useful book for writers. Many people have difficulty putting on paper what they know and think. Dan Poynter gives them a very good guide to follow. With this book's help writers can translate their thoughts and knowledge into words with organization and clarity. I recommend this book to all nonfiction authors with whom I come into contact.

Because I've published and sold books for 20 years I get calls from others who want to do the same. I give one line of advice: READ DAN. If you planned to do house maintenance, I'd recommend pliers. Dan's book contains tools like that, the most basic thru advanced to direct writers on the path to profit. Each page is a gem of a tool, vital if you want to avoid sticking a hairpin into an electrical socket. I wish I had read this book 20 years ago. Even today, I learn from Poynter because he takes the time to stay on top of the trade. His method of organizing thought and getting it into book form will amaze you. He shows you promotion, solves critical questions and guides you through the new technology you have to follow if you want to be known as an author. Plus all that, he "shows you the money." Before you fix anything in your home, get pliers and screwdriver. Before you even THINK book, read Dan!