Many people have the dream of writing a "how to" book on their favorite hobby or an area of expertise. But with so many how to books out there, how do you set yours apart? Here are a few quick tips on how to make yours a success.
- Do Your Research.... Even if you are an absolute expert in your topic, conduct research anyway. There may be a new aspect, new technology or even a new approach. Staying on top of the current trends makes a difference in every market place.
- Add Quality Pictures...Consider hiring a professional photographer. I do and trust me his work really helped to set some of my nonfiction books apart. You can always take photos yourself, but don't use a the phone on your camera or your mobile devices and do a little studying on how to set up proper lighting. Believe me, it makes a difference.
- Study The Work of Others....Read a few books that others have written on the topic. Make notes of what you liked and didn't like about their work. Make a note of anything you thought was missing and fill in the gaps. Warning note though, don't plagiarize. Make sure your content is original. If you really want to include something you found, contact the author and ask about obtaining the right to do so. Many authors and publishers will grant the right as long as you include a citation that gives them the proper credit.
- Don't Rush Through It....Writing a book takes time and a lot of effort. Don't give up if you start to feel frustrated. Sometimes the inspiration comes when you are thinking about something else entirely.
- Have An Editor of Proofreader Check Your Work... This is well worth the investment, especially if you are new to writing.
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