10 Key Ingredients for Successful Self-help and How-to Books
by Sharon Good
Copyright 2001-2008 Sharon Good.
All rights reserved in all media.
The content of this article may be forwarded in full without special permission provided it is used for not-for-profit purposes and full attribution and copyright notice are given. For all other purposes, contact Beth Mende Conny Beth@WriteDirections.com.
People are always looking for ways to enrich their lives and improve their
skills. That keeps self-help and how-to books in demand. No wonder then
that agents and editors are always looking for unique, well-constructed
books in these genres.
To write a successful self-help or how-to book, you must win readers' trust by convincing
them that you understand their problems and will offer ways to resolve them. You must also
provide tools and techniques to further readers' knowledge and skills, and resources for
further study or growth.
In addition, your book must include each of the key ingredients below. These are the same
ones agents and publishers will expect when reviewing your book proposal.
1. Solid credentials or expertise
These can come through professional or personal experience. They may include an academic
degree, but can also be achieved through a special skill or
expertise you've developed, a topic you've studied extensively or a field
you've written about for some time.
2. A strong hook
A hook is a clear statement of what makes your book unique. The hook states the major
benefit of your book in a clear and compelling way. The hooks of many books are stated on
their back covers or front inside flap. Study several to get a better sense of how best to
write yours.
3. A compelling title
Your title should move people to pull your book off the shelf (and then purchase it!). The
title should be catchy, yet clearly convey the book's focus. Self-help titles are
promise-oriented; how-to titles are informative.
4. A strong chapter outline
The content of your book must be strong and cohesive, with a clear objective
and a logical or chronological beginning, middle and end. Use the outline
to create the structure and flow of your book. Flesh out your outline with
the specific topics you'll cover in each chapter. Reorganize as the book as it takes shape.
5. Engaging chapter titles and subheads
Use attention-getting chapter titles to draw your readers in—and keep them in. These titles
should also describe the subject matter to be covered in their chapters. Use subheads to break
up material and highlight important sections.
6. Strong first and last chapters
Set your readers up in the first chapter. Let them know the benefits they'll receive from the
book, or the skills and techniques they will learn. Fire up their enthusiasm to keep reading.
Use the last chapter to bring the book to a meaningful conclusion, with a
strong, encouraging send-off. Answer any questions that may not have been
covered in previous chapters. Include a summary of the book, if appropriate.
7. A readable style
Communicate clearly. Use a warm, friendly, conversational style. Write
simply and clearly, avoiding jargon or academic phrasing. Take a writing class or workshop if
you need guidance and feedback, although many writers develop proficiency through practice.
8. Include the reader
Address the reader as "you." Include a variety of case histories and examples with which your
various readers will identify. Let them feel you're speaking to them personally.
9. Use interactive techniques
Use interactive elements to get readers involved in making
personal changes or learning new skills, rather than just reading about
them. These may include exercises, quizzes or questions.
10. Support the text with additional materials
Use visual aids, such as charts, photos or illustrations to clarify and
enhance the text. "Front" and "back matter" inform readers about the
book's purpose and structure, and additional resources.
Front matter may include a foreword, preface and/or introduction. Back matter may include
appendixes, resources, reading lists, bibliographies, references, index, etc.
Sharon Good is a writer-editor and co-owner of Excalibur Publishing Inc., a small press in New York City, as well as a publishing consultant and personal coach for writers. She can be contacted at ExcaliburPublishing@compuserve.com.
Copyright 2001-2008 Sharon Good.
All rights reserved in all media.
The content of this article may be forwarded in full without special permission provided it is used for not-for-profit purposes and full attribution and copyright notice are given. For all other purposes, contact Beth Mende Conny Beth@WriteDirections.com.
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