🧠 How Do You Write a Nonfiction Book?
(Especially When You’re Starting from Scratch)
So you want to write a nonfiction book. Maybe a self-help book. Maybe a how-to or a book that shares your personal story and the transformation behind it.
But if you’ve never written a book before, you might be wondering...
How do you write a nonfiction book—without getting stuck, giving up halfway, or spending years on a draft you’re too scared to publish?
Good news: You don’t have to figure it out alone.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what it really takes to write a nonfiction book (especially if you’re brand new), what mistakes to avoid, and how to get your draft done without losing your mind—or your message.
✍️ What Is a Nonfiction Book, Anyway?
A nonfiction book is a book that’s grounded in truth, fact, and lived experience. That includes:
- Self-help books
- How-to and instructional guides
- Business books
- Memoir and personal development
- Thought leadership and brand-building titles
If you’ve ever Googled “how do I write a book?” or “how to write a self-help book,” chances are you’re trying to turn your own life, expertise, or client work into something that helps other people. That’s what nonfiction is all about.
💡 How to Start Writing a Book (Without Experience)
First things first: you do not need to be an expert writer to write a powerful nonfiction book. You just need a clear message and a plan.
How do you become an author? Here’s what I tell all my book coaching clients who are starting with no writing background:
1. Pick a problem, not a topic.
Your book shouldn’t just be about “confidence” or “wellness.” It should help your reader solve a specific problem—like setting boundaries, healing from burnout, or launching their side hustle.
2. Structure is your best friend.
Most unfinished books aren’t abandoned because the author lost interest. They’re abandoned because the structure fell apart. Don’t write blind—outline first.
🎁 Download my free self-help book template for a plug-and-play structure that works for almost any nonfiction or self-help book.
3. Write like you talk.
The best nonfiction doesn’t sound like a textbook. It sounds like you. Don’t try to be fancy—just be clear.
📘 A Writing Book That Walks You Through It (Day by Day)
It’s not just a lot of general advice. It’s a clear, step-by-step plan you can follow whether you’ve got a few weeks or a full year to write.
You’ll learn:
- How to outline your book in a weekend
- What to write (and in what order)
- How to overcome perfectionism and finish your first draft
- What makes a self-help book actually sell
It also comes with a workbook—so you can stop Googling and start writing.
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If you want step-by-step guidance from the first sentence to your final chapter, check out my book How to Write a Self-Help Book in 14 Days.
It’s not just a lot of general advice. It’s a clear, step-by-step plan you can follow whether you’ve got a few weeks or a full year to write.
You’ll learn:
- How to outline your book in a weekend
- What to write (and in what order)
- How to overcome perfectionism and finish your first draft
- What makes a self-help book actually sell
It also comes with a workbook—so you can stop Googling and start writing.
👩🏫 Should You Work with a Book Coach?
Short answer? If you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or just tired of starting and stopping... yes.
A book coach can help you:
- Choose the right idea and angle
- Create a realistic writing schedule
- Give you feedback and accountability
- Get through the hard parts—without quitting
You don’t have to go it alone. If you’re wondering “how do I write a book with no experience?” or “how do I become an author when I’m not a writer?”—that’s exactly the kind of thing a coach helps with.
☎️ Book a free intro call with me if you want help building a book that actually gets published and makes an impact.
🎓 Is There a Course for Writing a Book?
Inside my Bestseller Academy course, Write a Self-Help Book in 30 Days, you’ll learn how to:
- Choose the right idea for your niche and audience
- Create a strong chapter-by-chapter outline
- Write fast and efficiently (even if you’re busy)
- Build a book that supports your business or brand
- Prepare to publish—whether self-publishing or pitching to an agent
🛍 Check out the course here if you want to finish your book with clarity and confidence.
📕 What to Read Next
- 👩🏻💻 How to Write a Book With No Experience
- ✍️ How to Write a Self-Help Book
- 📘 How to Write a Self-Help Book in 14 Days
💬 Final Thoughts from Your Book Coach: How Do You Write a Nonfiction Book?
How to write a book and get it published? You write a nonfiction book by starting small and staying consistent. You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to be famous. You don’t even need to have it all figured out yet.You just need to begin—with a framework that works and support that keeps you moving.
Start with a template. Get help from a writing coach if you need it.
And remember—every self-help book, every bestselling nonfiction title, every author you admire? They all started on page one.
📘 Grab the book + workbook
🎓 Join the 30-day course
☎️ Or book a call and let’s talk about how to get your message out there.
http://author.coach