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Do the same concepts of copy writing apply when you are writing a nonfiction book?

by bigfoot12
6 replies
Do the same concepts of copy writing apply when you are writing a nonfiction book?

I am trying to write a book where it informs the reader of how to make good choices, and which choices should be made.

But I gave a snippet of my first chapter to somebody, and they said they stopped reading at the 3rd sentence. So how do I make them interested in what I have to say?

Where can I find info on how to write a good book where it teaches how I can capture and maintain the readers attention?

Should I hire an editor to edit my book, and give me tips on what I did wrong?
#apply #book #concepts #copy #nonfiction #writing
  • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
    The purpose of direct response copywriting is to get the reader to take an action.

    Non-fiction writing is a different discipline.

    Making a non-fiction book interesting seems like a worthy goal to me, so that would be one mutually applicable concept. There must be others.

    Alex
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  • Profile picture of the author erinwrites
    Like Alex said, non-fiction writing is different than copywriting (but it's easy to get confused because "copy" is used colloquially for all sorts of writing that aren't actually copywriting).

    It sounds like you're still working on your first draft and so my advice to you is this: just write it. Don't worry about making it "good" or "polished" or even "publishable" yet. Just get the words out of your brain and down on the page. Tell your story, etc.

    THEN worry about making it readable for other people (a good editor can help you here).
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  • Profile picture of the author Marvin Johnston
    I suspect how you write to maintain attention will depend on who your target audience is... your friend may not be a part of that group.

    As an example, I wrote a short book on a topic where the target audience were beginners in a given sport. Members of the US team thought it was way too simple and didn't give enough information... a waste of their time to read. Beginners found it to be just what they needed to get started.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ricardo Furtado
    No, they are different methods of writing.

    And mainly, the mindset is different to accomplish these different tasks.

    All the best. Regards.
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    • Profile picture of the author Shadowflux
      I've actually written quite a few non-fiction books and I'm going to go a bit against what others have said.

      While the exact, specific formula and details may be different, the fundamental concept is still the same. You want them to keep reading. Non-fiction can often be incredibly dry and boring which makes it very easy to lose the reader's attention.

      To combat this, you'll need to keep it exciting. This can be tricky when you're writing something very technical but you need to get into your reader's head. You have to keep them motivated.

      This motivation starts right away, in the first couple sentences, in the first paragraph of the introduction. The introduction is, in fact, primarily about motivating the reader to turn the pages and get to the first chapter.

      I generally begin each book the same way I would begin copy, by addressing the problems the reader might have. I speak directly to them, even when I'm ghostwriting, in a way which makes them feel understood. I address the main problems and then let them know that the answer is coming.

      Just like copy, each chapter builds on the previous one. Just like copy, you'll need to keep reading if you want to find that information. It can often be a good idea, for example, to mention something in Chapter 1 which won't be covered until Chapter 2 or 3.

      I like to end each chapter with a bit of motivation as well. If each chapter tackles one specific issue, for example, then the layout is rather clear. Your problem > Information > You've just solved the problem! > Read on to discover how to solve the next problem.

      Then, of course, I end the book with more motivation. I congratulate the reader, give them a sense of accomplishment, remind them of how valuable this information is, and then give them a bit of a push to go out and take action in the real world.

      So we all have different methods of writing but, if you were to ask me, I would say there are many fundamental concepts used in copy which are applicable to non-fiction writing as well. This is especially true for instructional material which, I feel, relies heavily on a reader's motivation.
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