Writing A Book: How Do You Provide Enough Detail?

17 replies
I'm in the beginning stages of writing my first book, which is something I've thought about doing for a long time, having started out as an article writer. I have a general outline for the chapters, along with some notes which I'll expand on later as I write. I'm going to start by writing rough drafts of everything, and then go through and refine and integrate it all later.

My question is somewhat general. I'm wanting to know if anyone has techniques they'd like to share regarding how to create enough detail for an entire book. I know this can vary wildly, but I'd be interested in suggestions. I know part of the key is in delving deep into the subject matter and providing plenty of examples, but I'm sure there's more that I can do. The book I'm writing has to do with something I'm really passionate about, and I want to create the best work that I can. I want this book to improve people's lives.
#book #detail #provide #writing
  • Profile picture of the author E. Brian Rose
    I don't know what your book is about, so I will guess it is some sort of "how to" book. If that's the case, my suggestion is to not to just fill the book with typical how to filler. Tell some stories, let the readers get to know you a little.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rose Anderson
    If the book is a "how-to" it's important to offer step-by-step directions. When an author is writing about a subject they know a lot about it's easy for them to skip the details. Remember what it was like when you were first learning about the subject.

    Add stories about real people when possible.

    Rose
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  • Profile picture of the author kaymehelp
    what's the subject of your ebook ??
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  • Profile picture of the author theteach
    Assuming it is a non-fiction book, and you want to add more detail, it would be best that you start researching information online.

    Find websites that contain the information you are looking for. Take down notes and then reassemble them through your own writing. Try to organize the information into sections so that you have some sort of plan.

    Don't plagiarize!

    Make sure that the content, and the way it is written, is completely yours. This will ensure that your book is original (and legal).

    Hope this helps.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      How do I provide enough detail?

      On a subject I'm truly passionate about, I usually start with way too much detail and scale back from there...
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      • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
        Banned
        Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

        How do I provide enough detail?

        On a subject I'm truly passionate about, I usually start with way too much detail and scale back from there...
        I subscribe to this theory myself. Better to put too much into your first draft and trim the fat later. It's a lot harder to come up short when you reach "The End". Some won't even make the necessary additions/changes and put out inferior products.
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      • Profile picture of the author fin
        Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

        How do I provide enough detail?

        On a subject I'm truly passionate about, I usually start with way too much detail and scale back from there...
        This.

        Plus there's lots of other suggestions about adding stories etc.

        I'd dumb it down as much as possible. Explain it in a way everyone will easily understand.

        Add concepts that no-one else has. Things you only know from experience.

        Don't have any fluff. Look through it will a fine-tooth comb and take away anything that doesn't need to be there.

        Don't start to write passively. Get people excited.
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  • Profile picture of the author Long Beach Nathan
    Thanks for your feedback, everyone.

    Yes, it's a how-to book. I'm seeing now that I can provide more examples and get further in depth than I thought, so hopefully having enough info won't be too much of a problem after all. I've also realized that it doesn't have to be the length of a novel either.
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    The problem with many how-to books is they don't go into nearly enough detail. If you're really familiar with the topic it's likely you know where most people get stuck, where they have trouble understanding something critical to the desired outcome. Most topics have several of these little sticking points.

    Do an excellent job at showing people how to overcome these obstacles from the viewpoint of someone who's been there. As mentioned, stories are an excellent way to convey information, especially stuff that would be dry and uninteresting otherwise.

    As for overall detail, stop when you're convinced people will understand what you're explaining and will be able to do it on their own.
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
      I agree with Travlinguy!

      There are so many how to books out there already that you really need to infuse your piece with personal stories, ante dotes and quips to not only keep it from being boring, but to have your piece stand out against the others by offering insights others may not have.

      Also, people relate to people who have experienced the same problems and/or difficulties they find themselves in, and who have overcome them.

      I personally like to read as well as write "how to" books that tell a compelling personal story rather than drab "how to" books that read more like a school text book.

      Terra
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  • Profile picture of the author Marcus Rockey
    Many marketers put more focus on the marketing of the product than the product itself. That's not to say that the product isn't important cause we all know it is but watch you don't take your eye off the road ahead.

    For content...

    If you write about something that you are truly passionate about the content should come pretty easily. I use a journal as a thinking tool to discern what I will keep in and what I will leave out.... All governed by the needs, thoughts, feelings and desires of the audience I am targeting.

    Marcus Rockey
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  • Profile picture of the author David James
    To go off at a bit of a tangent to the other replies, I really like the software Scrivener for organizing a long book or report. It would help you structure your ideas better and develop the details in the logical sections. There's a free trial I think.

    Literature and Latte - Scrivener

    (not aff link)
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  • Profile picture of the author Long Beach Nathan
    Thanks, everyone.

    The quality of the content is one thing I'm getting excited about. I'll try to differentiate myself from the crowd as much as possible, and I hope to really inspire people with this.
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  • Profile picture of the author sodette1
    Hey Nathan...

    It's different for a short report than a book, manual or course.

    For an actual book, I try to start with a 10 x 3 x 3 model.

    10 chapters
    3 Main topics
    3 Sub-topics under each main topic.

    It never works out exactly this way, but it's a good, solid start for a full book.

    To engage your reader I use a few copywriters tricks - not taught in most book writing courses.

    Bucket brigade, tag-on or add-on questions, stories, descriptive language, illustrations (both verbal and graphical), etc.

    Always put your strongest information first and last... in the book and in each chapter.

    Try to end each section or chapter with a zeigarnick that get's folks peaked for the next chapter or section...

    Anyway, just a few of the things I teach in my newest course and coaching about this.

    If you would like to go through the course to get some help... reach out, I'd be happy to help you. Inside, I cover how to write short reports, books, manuals and courses and give personal coaching for a week as well.

    Not a pitch - If you're interested, I'll walk you through the program on me.

    Hope the suggestions above help also...
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  • Profile picture of the author David Sneen
    Find high achievers in your field. Pay attention to their work. If it is more detail you want, pay special attention to their descriptions. Can you imagine yourself in the midst of the scene they set? Now, create a scene of your own. Repeat. Repeat.

    You will become good at creating a scene that the reader can envision.
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    that determines what you will be able to
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  • Profile picture of the author Long Beach Nathan
    Sorry I haven't responded. I got involved in other threads and forgot about this one.

    sodette1, your 10x3x3 idea sounds interesting. Maybe I'll see if I can incorporate something like that. Also, when you say to put the strongest info first and last in the chapter....that's an eye opener. I hadn't yet heard of that, but it sounds like it would work pretty well!!

    Thanks again to everyone for your suggestions.
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