Understanding the Market for Non-fiction Books
People Need Factual Books That Contain Useful Information
There is a huge market for non-fiction books as people are always looking for knowledge on how to do certain jobs or achieve personal goals.
People Need Knowledge and Information
There are always people looking for information on subjects as diverse as opening a business, basic plumbing skills and cooking a gourmet dinner. The market is wide open to writers who have the ability to capture this information in written form. Personal hobbies, interests and passions are a good starting point.
How-to Books
These are books that explain how to master a skill or craft. Look at topics such as the following:
- Text Language for Dummies
- How to Play Chess
- How to Lose 100 Pounds
- How to Keep your Dog in Top Condition
- How to create Floral Art
Self-help Books
These are normally based on personal experience of a difficult situation. If the experience is not the writer’s, he can base it on interviews with someone who has experienced a trauma. Typical titles would be along the lines of:
- Dealing with an Abusive Childhood
- Overcoming Alcohol and Drug Addictions
- What is Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome
- Coping with the Death of a Child
Travel Books
Travel is a huge market and there is plenty of space for travel guides. Consider starting in familiar areas and put together a book about local facilities. Look for subjects that will appeal to readers:
- 50 ways to Explore Denver for Free
- The Best Eating Places in Chicago
- What Children like to do in Mexico City
Spiritual Books
There is a market for books about Christianity and God and these may fall into the how-to or self-help category:
- How to Pray Effectively
- How to Read the Bible
- Finding Meaning in Life after a Near-death Experience
Business Books
This is a wide category with lots of scope for writers with business experience. Look for interesting angles and niche topics such as these:
- Business Planning and Strategy
- Understanding Web Marketing
- Business Leadership
- How to run a Successful Business
Aim at a Specific Market
Non-fiction books need to be tightly focused and aimed at specific groups. Think of categories such as these:
- Handymen
- Dog Lovers
- Families of Addicts
- Sportsmen
- Writers
Be Informed
Read widely on the subject concerned and interview people who are skilled in that area. Look for newspaper articles and study current trends. Once the book is ready for submission to a publisher, ask a couple of experts to comment on it.
How Long Should a Non-fiction Book Take to Write
A well-researched, non-fiction book should be completed within six months if treated as a full-time project. An average recommended length is from 60,000 to 75,000 words.
Can a First Non-fiction be Made Into a Series
If a first book is a success, it may be possible to expand it into a series. For example a book about dog training could be diversified into books about large breed dogs and small breed dogs. A book about fishing techniques could develop into a series about various types of fishing and the equipment needed.
There are plenty of opportunities for non-fiction writers. The first job is to identify a suitable subject and research it thoroughly. Once the book is complete, a catchy title and comments from an expert will add leverage and appeal.
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