Many aspiring writers think that before they can write a nonfiction book, they must be an expert. This idea has the potential to paralyse writers, keeping brilliant ideas from reaching their potential audience. The fact is that you can write an engaging nonfiction book without being an authority. Curiosity, research abilities, and a distinct viewpoint are what you need.
Here are some doable strategies to realise your dream of writing a nonfiction book if you’ve ever felt that your lack of credentials is preventing you from doing so.
1. Choose a Topic You’re Passionate About
Persistence is fuelled by passion. Your passion will sustain you throughout the protracted book-writing process if you have a strong interest in the subject. Curiosity, not experience, was the starting point for many successful nonfiction authors.
Think about writers such as A.J. Jacobs, who immersed himself in religious activities and chronicled his experiences, wrote The Year of Living Biblically. He was merely interested; he was not an expert a theologian. Years of experience or a degree may not be as valuable as your enthusiasm and openness to learning.
2. Embrace the Role of a Researcher and Curator
You only need to be a superb researcher and curator; you don’t need to be the ultimate expert. Rather than being based on firsthand knowledge, many best-selling nonfiction books are the result of extensive research.
Information can be gathered and arranged as follows:
- Read a variety of materials, including books, scholarly articles, reliable websites, and industry reports.
- Make thorough notes and search for trends in the data you gather.
- Make connections between concepts from different sources to offer a novel viewpoint.
3. Use Personal Experience and Storytelling
For instance, Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project is based on her own research into happiness rather than a psychology degree. Don’t be scared to use your personal story as the basis for your book because readers connect with authenticity.
Consider this:
- Which life events or struggles have provided me with special insights?
- How can I present my journey so that readers gain something from it?
- What knowledge have I gained that could be useful to others?
Your book’s core can be your own experience, which will make it interesting and relatable.
4. Conduct Expert Interviews and Gather Insights
Using advice from actual experts is one of the best methods to increase your credibility. You only need to be the one who asks the right questions; you don’t need to be the expert.
Ask for interviews with academics, business executives, or experts in your field. Many professionals are eager to share their expertise, particularly if it is mentioned in a book. How to incorporate their insights is as follows:
- To bolster important points, use expert quotes.
- Utilize their viewpoints to provide complexity and subtlety.
- To lend credibility to your book, organize the chapters according to the opinions of experts.
By using this method, you can write a book that is authoritative without having to be the main authority.
5. Leverage Case Studies and Real-World Examples
Case studies give ideas more substance and legitimacy. You can record how others have succeeded or failed in your chosen field, even if you are not an expert.
Think about:
- Books on business that examine the tactics used by prosperous organizations.
- Books on self-help that tell transformational stories.
- Books on history that combine various points of view to piece together historical events.
Your book will offer readers useful real-world insights if you conduct thorough research and present case studies in an interesting manner.
6. Write from the Perspective of a Curious Guide
The success of many nonfiction books can be attributed to the author’s role as a fellow traveler rather than an authoritative figure. This method makes it easier for readers to relate to the content.
This idea is the foundation of books like Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love and Tim Ferriss’s The 4-Hour Workweek. The writers share what they have discovered along the way, without claiming to be the ultimate experts.
Think about using words like these when writing:
- “When I tried, this is what I found.”
- “It appears from my research that…”
- “This approach may work for you as it did for me.”
Nonfiction books seem more interesting and approachable with this method.
7. Use a Strong Framework to Organise Your Book
A lack of traditional expertise can be compensated for by a well-structured book. Frameworks that offer a clear road map are highly favoured by readers.
Typical nonfiction formats consist of:
Detailed instructions (such as James Clear’s Atomic Habits)
Frameworks for problem-solving (such as Eric Ries’ The Lean Startup)
narratives with a journey (such as Cheryl Strayed’s Wild)
Select a format that best suits your subject and facilitates reader comprehension.
8. Develop Your Unique Angle or Point of View
Books on business, productivity, and wellness abound, but what makes you stand out is your own perspective.
To discover your new viewpoint, inquire:
- What is lacking from the discussion of my selected subject?
- How can I present this topic in a novel manner?
- What unique experiences or personal insights make me unique?
Even in a crowded market, you can still have an impact by positioning your book differently.
9. Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Keep Writing
Feeling unqualified to write a book is normal, but you shouldn’t let imposter syndrome stop you. When they first started, some of the most successful writers weren’t experts.
Here are some strategies for overcoming self-doubt:
- Understand that expertise is developed over time and that no one is born an expert.
- Put more effort into adding value than establishing your authority.
- Remember that readers value genuineness and curiosity more than credentials.
Along the way, you’ll develop authority and confidence by acting consistently.
PARTING WORDS…
You don’t need a Ph.D. or decades of experience to write a great nonfiction book. By being passionate, conducting thorough research, using storytelling, and embracing the role of a curious guide, you can create a book that readers find valuable and engaging.
Start today. Pick a topic that excites you. Research and then share your perspective with the world. The best nonfiction books aren’t always written by experts—they’re written by passionate, curious people like you.
Caret Publishing is a small press and imprint of niche non-fiction books, including self-help and business books. Feel free to send us a book proposal if you have an idea for or have completed a book. Go to Submit Your Work for more details.