Create
a fabulous framework to house each chapter of your book.
The best non-fiction books have a set structure to house their
chapters. That structure provides the framework for each chapter.
It's stressful to re-invent the wheel every time with a blank
screen.
Most people including the author are intimidated by a blank
screen. Instead of starting from scratch each chapter, use repeating
elements to create structure. In John Maxwell's "21 Irrefutable
Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You"
foreword by Zig Ziglar contains repeating elements that house
each chapter. Each chapter has the same basic form. To build
chapters that keep your readers reading include these 8 elements:
1. Chapter title: The title immediately followed
by a subtitle emphasizes and explains its meaning.
2. Brief quote: Following the title are one
to two quotes from your speeches or other authorities in your
field which support the title.
3. Introduction: Each chapter begins with
a six to eight paragraph of introduction that may include a
story presenting the chapter's main principle or underlying
thesis. For short books 3 to 4 paragraphs sound great.
4. 7 to 10 points: Following the introduction
may be lessons or tools used to achieve the goal presented in
the introduction. Condense your material as you develop each
point. Some lessons may require one paragraph and others may
need several.
5. Case studies: Each chapter may include one
or more story form case studies that support the chapter's central
idea.
6. Self-evaluation tools: The chapter may include brief
questions that permit readers to measure their progress with
each of the principles described in the chapters.
7. Conclusion: Each chapter may end with four
to eight paragraphs that summarize the central idea and supporting
points.
8. Other Engagement Tools: The chapter may
include other engagement tools such as worksheets, note sheets,
lists that work to engage your readers and make them active
participants in the book instead of just observing.
Step out of your comfort zone prepare your marketing plan,
mine your existing knowledge and create a framework for each
chapter, speed write your book and you'll be surprised at what
you accomplish by following the simple steps of an easy writing
program.
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