Writing Nonfiction

Are you considering writing a piece of nonfiction?

Here are some things to consider before publishing nonfiction.

Writing nonfiction designed to inform:

• Make sure you have all the facts and information from credible sources.
• Cite your sources correctly to avoid plagiarism.

Experts:

Self-help and how-to books are a way for experts to share their knowledge. These books have a specific target audience and are sometimes difficult to sell in the marketplace. If you write these types of books it’s important to be an expert in your field and not just someone who is “really good” at google. 

• Answer the following question in the comments: What makes someone an expert?

Nonfiction designed to tell stories or describe events:

Before you decide to write a book about an event or person make sure you have the rights to tell the story.

• Are you an Historian who has studied the event?
• Are the events public domain?
• If the story is about a person have you obtained the rights to tell the story?

Even if you are telling the story about yourself, you don’t always have the right to include others in the story. Make sure you have documented permission from any individual you include in your story.

Fictionalizing real events doesn’t exempt you from acquiring permission from people to tell their story. Individuals will recognize themselves from your story and you may face legal action from individuals who may not have wanted their stories told.

What questions do you have about writing nonfiction?