Are you aware that how-to books are among the easiest books to write? Yes, that’s right, they really are!
After all, how hard can it be to write about something you already know really well, something that you are passionate about? Heck, you may not even need to do any research! What other kind of author has that luxury?
As I say on my ebook on the subject, I am a firm believer that 99% of people who have specific knowledge of ANY subject, coupled with a passion to share that knowledge with others, are natural how-to authors.
In fact, as I state in the Introduction to my book…
“If you can organize your thoughts enough to explain something to someone, and then write that down in simple step-by-step terms, you too can be a how-to author."
That’s right. How-to books can be written by anyone who is capable of writing down what they are “speaking" as they explain to someone all about something that is near and dear to their heart.
It really is that simple. And the beauty of writing how-to books is that you already have the knowledge inside of you!
Most how-to books are written by “experts" in a particular subject. The cool part about this is that each and every one of us is an expert in some, or many areas! And that includes you!
YES, YOU ARE An Expert… Really, you are! You possess a unique combination of knowledge and valuable life experience that no one else on this planet possesses. In fact, you are the only one truly qualified to write about your knowledge and experience from your own unique perspective.
And that last phrase �" “from your own unique perspective" �" is a very important one. It’s important because “how-to" books are all about people sharing their individual unique take on something. And it really doesn’t matter what that something is.
Think about it. What are your big interests and/or activities in life? What’s your favorite hobby, or your preferred sport or leisure activity. What do you excel in at the office? What books and magazines do you seek out? What subjects are guaranteed to grab your attention in any situation, or when depicted in the media? What are you good at - at work and/or at play? On what subjects do friends, family members, and co-workers constantly seek your advice and/or expertise? Do you have valuable life experience to bring to the table?
Now that you’ve thought about it, I bet you’re beginning to realize that you are indeed an “expert" on numerous subjects �" aren’t you?
Seriously, whether you’re an avid gardener, a fanatical sports fan, an obsessed collector of “stuff", a jazz pianist, a weekend carpenter, or a card maker; it doesn’t matter what your subject. YOU ARE AN EXPERT at those things that you love and are good at doing.
VLE Does Count! Whatever you do, make sure you don’t discount your own personal “valuable life experience". In fact, VLE is the basis for almost All self-help books. After all, what are self-help books except “how-to" books about how to live life. And in these days of Oprah, Dr. Phil, Chicken Soup Books, and Reality TV, I don’t have to tell you how marketable VLE is!
In fact, it was Oprah who said you can “Turn your wounds into words".
DON'T Underestimate Yourself… Remember, YOU DO NOT have to be the world’s foremost authority on your particular subject(s). As long as you have a keen interest in your topic and have acquired an above average knowledge of it, you are in a position to write about it from your own unique perspective.
Believe me, there are thousands of people out there ready and waiting to hear from people just like you who offer new knowledge and fresh perspectives on your shared special area of interest.
All you need to be able to do is write down what would naturally come out of your mouth if you were explaining your favorite subject to a friend, colleague, or family member.
BOTTOM LINE? Don’t sell yourself short. Five years ago I didn’t even know what a “how-to book" was. Now I’ve written 12 of them. Really!
I’m willing to bet that you too have more “how-to" books in you than you ever imagined.
Why do people buy self help and how to books? Most readers buy books to solve problems or help with filling a need. For example, when I started speaking for a fee I needed help with jumpstarting my speaking abilities.
Browsing in the bookstore, I was attracted to Lilyan Wilder's book "7 Steps to Fearless Speaking" I read her back cover. I noticed she could help with 7 easy steps. I skimmed the table of contents, read a few lines and immediately liked her easy to read style. I decided to purchase the book.
Because I wanted to hear from several authorities on the subject, I picked up another book by Nido R. Qubein, "How to Be a Great Communicator: In Person on Paper, and on the Podium."
His cover design was white with clean lines and a personable picture of him on the front. His style of writing was not an easy read but I still decided buy his book as well. Which brings us back to my original point; people buy self help books to solve problems. To identify your targeted market, pinpoint a problem they have and the solution of course.
Problems come in all shapes and sizes. Usually a general category problem applies to all types of markets.
Hobbies and Games. Is your golf game, bridge game or tennis as good as you'd like? Are you considering taking up gardening? Want to improve your computer game skills? What ever the case may be, your desire to improve or change your level of performance is considered the problem.
Health Education. The first thing you do when your doctor diagnoses you as a diabetic and you need to lose 20 pounds. You go look for a book that will walk you through step by step to control diabetes. You look to someone that has solved the problem to learn from their experience.
State of Mind. Are you feeling stressful about gas prices, the economy or banking system? Are you noticing unexplained physical symptoms possibly related to stress? Once again, you have a problem and you are looking for a solution in book form. Someone who has outlined easy steps to de-stress in our society.
Careers and Finance. Worried about lay-offs, down-sizing, retirement? Self help books that offer financial solutions to economic problems during shaky times are guaranteed to succeed.
Advertising and Marketing. We live in a competitive society. Small business owners and managers everywhere need a growing database of customers and clients. Therefore, they seek out how to books with solutions on improving their advertising copy, improving their business image, improving their sales copy, growing their bottom line or improving their website.
Each of the categories above describes a problem and a need for a solution. The main goal of your marketing plan is to identify the problem your book solves and then present the solution. The more intense the problem and the easier you can make your solution, the more readers will seek out your book.
Your task becomes to reorganize your knowledge into bite-size reader solutions. Appeal to the masses, by letting them know what's in it for them and how easy the solution is inside your book. For example, let's consider the book title I mentioned earlier about speaking. The title could have been: "How to Overcome the Fear of Speaking" instead of "7 Steps to Fearless Speaking" The latter is more appealing because it alludes to only 7 steps to the solution.
Don't wait any longer. If you put it off, you can be this time next year without fulfilling your dream of writing a successful book. You have the solution to your audience's problem. Now write it down. While you're at use the tips above and write a book that sells well. Make it different. Make it count. Make it yours.
Both Shaun Fawcett & Earma Brown are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Shaun Fawcett has sinced written about articles on various topics from Education, Writing and Business Loans. Shaun Fawcett is the author of numerous how-to books on everyday practical writing. He also writes about how to create and publish books and ebooks. His latest book “How To Write A Book (or eBook) About Your Favorite Hobby, Interest or Activity" can be. Shaun Fawcett's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.
Earma Brown has sinced written about articles on various topics from Writing, Marketing and Writing. Are you ready to discover how I wrote 9 books and how you can too?Visit here to receive FREE 7 lesson mini-course Jumpstart. Earma Brown's top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.