So you want to write a Self-Help Book!

 

So you want to write a Self-Help Book!

Every day an aspiring writer decides to write a self-help book because they had a problem or struggle that they overcame and learned some valuable lessons from and want to share those lessons learned with the world. Are you one of those aspiring writers who overcame struggles and obstacles due to a marriage break-up, medical issue problem, or how about a simple relationship with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or even a work-related issue and you want to share those experiences with the world?

It’s not that easy to just sit down and write a self-help book, in fact, it’s harder than writing a mystery novel. You see you need to have serious facts behind your idea concept, let’s go through the possible steps you’ll need to consider:

1)      Specific Problem that your book will be about.

2)      Do you have the background to substantiate the remedy to the problem that will help your readers believe you know what you’re talking about, and that they should listen to you?

3)      Do you have the right sources to cite to help them find the sources they will need to fix their own problems?

First, you need to identify a problem that you are offering a solution to solve. This might be a step-by-step advice perspective or an even deeper understanding of the specific problem that would help the reader understand better so that they can change their mind about the problem at hand. You will need to zero in on the problem and provide the reader with a way to deal with the problem and how to fix it.

You can’t just sit down and write a self-help book without zeroing in on the problem versus hitting the problem like it was a general idea that can be compensated in three easy lessons. This isn’t a joke type of book; self-help books are meant to help a person heal and take proper steps to fix a problem versus sugarcoating the problem as if it were a joke to be overlooked. If you’re talking about fixing mental illness or some sanity type of book, you better have a Ph.D. behind your name to have any credibility. That Ph.D. better not be in English literature either, it better be a proper doctor-type Ph.D.

Do your homework on the subject matter you wish to write about in a self-help book. Do your research into how many books on the subject are already in print and how the author attacked the subject matter. You might find items in those books that would help you develop an outline for your own book. Subjects and advice you never thought to use in your own concept. Don’t plagiarize their work but use it as a guideline for your own book.

You need to first understand your audience so that you can market your product more effectively. First off you don’t want to write a book for senior citizens and market the manuscript to a children’s publishing house. When you know your target audience, you can better market your work to the right publisher or agent to help you get your work published.

So what is the problem you want to solve? What is the solution? Can you convince people to believe what you have to say and that you can help them with the specific problem? Do you have the right people who would be willing to be quoted in your book that will vouch for your experience and knowledge? Especially if you don’t have the credentials behind your name to show proof that you know what you’re talking about regarding the subject at hand? Are you willing to put your own experience on the debating floor in your book? You’re not writing a novel that has a narrative, you’re writing a thesis-style book that illustrates your points and personal views surrounding a specific problem that needs solving.

To make your book readable, be sure to create a viable outline that flows from chapter to chapter outlining what you want to say in each chapter, showing examples and solutions. Make a list of questions that need to be answered float them through your outline and decide which chapter you’ll present them and answer them. Rounding out the ending should be on a positive note and encouraging stance that leaves the reader with a powerful empowerment to help them solve their problem and move on from the specific problem. Good luck and make me proud!

Artist and Author Elizabeth Kilbride is a former political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, and journalist. business professional, creative artist, and life coach consultant. Ms. Kilbride holds a master’s in criminology and a BS in Business Management she stepped out of the loop for a while but is now back with a powerful opinion and voice in the direction of this country and our economy. As a life coach, she is available to counsel individuals to enjoy their dreams and a better life. Ms. Kilbride loves to travel and photograph her surroundings and is also a gourmet cook who loves to garden and preserve food for the winter months.