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Q&A How to write a non-fiction book?

As @ChrisSunami says, most non-fiction books are sold before they are written. Typically you have a synopsis, the Chapters and an outline for each, and for some books, a list of people you plan to...

posted 5y ago by Amadeus‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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#4: Attribution notice removed by user avatar System‭ · 2019-12-19T22:13:53Z (about 5 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/47610
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#3: Attribution notice added by user avatar System‭ · 2019-12-08T12:49:29Z (about 5 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/47610
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#2: Initial revision by (deleted user) · 2019-12-08T12:49:29Z (about 5 years ago)
As @ChrisSunami says, most non-fiction books are sold before they are written.

Typically you have a synopsis, the Chapters and an outline for each, and for some books, a list of people you plan to interview (along with commitments from them).

You will also need a query letter to agents or publishers, and a sample of your writing for the chapters, like write the first chapter.

Some people will write their book first and try to sell it; just like fiction a finished work is easier for an agent to sell. Particularly if you have no compelling credentials or publication history. Most non-fiction writers have some sort of authority on their subject. For example best-selling novelists write books on writing, or getting an agent, or self-publishing.

Unlike breaking into the fiction market, publishers tend to want that subject-matter authority to sell your book. For example, you probably won't sell a book (to a publisher) explaining quantum mechanics without a doctorate in fundamental physics.

#1: Imported from external source by user avatar System‭ · 2019-08-27T20:59:19Z (over 5 years ago)
Original score: 0