Planning Your Book

There truly are some authors who can create an entire novel 'off the cuff', without plotting, character outlines or planning of any kind. Actually, I'm inclined to believe they simply hold all this information, or the bulk of it, but in a more informal way than we might define as 'planning', in their heads.

But anyway, for the bulk of us normal mortals, a degree of planning is essential. This applies to a non-fiction book even more than to a novel, but many of the principles are similar, whatever we're writing.

There are important differences, though. Whereas in a novel it's a very good idea (nowadays) to begin at the most exciting point of the story, drawing-in the reader and encouraging them to puzzle at the history, even disorientating them to good effect, with a non-fiction title the opposite is often true.

I'll exclude biography at this point, which is a hybrid form, in many ways more akin to the novel since it tells a human story in much the same way. Although there have been some pretty dusty biographies, of course...

Assuming for the moment that you wish to write non-fiction, perhaps a 'how to' manual of some kind, or an instruction leaflet for a new product, maybe even a guide to your favourite hobby, your first job is to set the background for the reader. Never assume your reader has a similar level of knowledge to yourself, or else why would they read your book?

First, try to establish just what level your readership is likely to be at, and aim to set your starting-point just a little lower (because you'll probably still under-estimate your own level of expertise). Well-informed readers can simply skim the 'easy' bits, although you can still surprise them with your own unique insights. Less informed readers will be able to gain a grounding in the subject, for which they will be grateful.

So, you need to start with the basics before moving on to specifics, and you must plan your book or manual in that way. The really mundane stuff can be put into a glossary at the end of the book, but your reader needs to be able to read through the book without constantly flicking back and forth, so don't hide important stuff away there.

This is especially important if you're given the job of writing an instruction manual for a new product. Manufacturers are understandably nervous about being sued by mis-informed or uninformed consumers who couldn't understand the manual, or found it too complex or incomplete, and managed to injure themselves or suffer some loss or damage. In those cases you must spell out absolutely everything, in words of one syllable if necessary, and don't worry about insulting anyone's intelligence!

Roy.

If you've any questions arising out of this article, or indeed anything to do with writing, from amateur poetry to absolute professionalism, drop me an email or leave a message here and I'll do my best to help.