Are you aware that “how-to” books are among the “easiest” books to write? Yes, that’s right, they 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 Web site, 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!
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 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 betting that you’ve got some “how-to” in you too! Click on this link and see:
http://howtowritehowto.com
March 19th, 2006 at 11:41 pm
Shaun:
Thanks for both your insight and pep talk!
My only regret is that I did not read your comments four years ago, when I began my series of writing sprints and marathons, now (nearly) completed for my first book:
6 Steps to Resolve your Ego Problems: The Confessions of a Recovering Ego-holic™
It reveals how you can fix, prevent or save failed relationships with your lover, family, boss or co-workers.
I’m currently enjoying your mini-course, as I begin now finalizing the marketing/PR plans, the task I’ve been waiting eagerly to commence (drawn from my 29 years of PR/marketing experience) since the writing part is done.
Shaun, much continued success.
Sincerely,
Tim Allston
The Recovering Ego-holic
March 20th, 2006 at 12:07 am
Thanks Tim,
It sounds like you are the typical “how-to self-help” author!
BTW, if you haven’t already, you might want to check out my other book that focuses on getting your book published via the Online Publishing Model. Here’s the URL.
http://instantbookwritingkit.com
All the best with your book Tim!
Shaun Fawcett
March 20th, 2006 at 1:03 pm
I could not agree with you more, Shaun.
I have a website devoted to pizza, called pizztherapy.com (http://pizzatherapy.com)
Over the years, I have sold my Pizza and Dough Recipe with great success.
What really changed for me was when I compiled my Pizza and Dough Recipe along with my years of pizza experience and my unique pizza recipes into a downloadable book (pdf). The book is called The Pizza Therapy Pizza Book and I have literally made thousands with this idea. No kidding.
I am also in the planning stages to offer this product as a hard cover book.
Believe me, as you said about experts, I am not the world authority on pizza. There are hundreds of pizza books out there. I just have a passion for pizza, which I turned into a website and then into a book.
So my advice is: have passion, then take action and you will be a success! Thanks again, Shaun.
Pizza on Earth!
albert grande
pizzatherapy.com
March 20th, 2006 at 1:19 pm
You are a great example Albert,
… of a person with special knowledge (pizza making) and a passion to share it, who wrote it all down and became an eBook author! Good for you.
>I am also in the planning stages to offer this product as a hard cover book.
To do this, you might want to check out my other book that focuses on getting your book published via the Online Publishing Model. Here’s the URL.
http://instantbookwritingkit.com
Good luck and “may pizza be with you”!
Shaun
March 27th, 2006 at 8:36 am
Hi!
Yours is one of the most useful sites I have seen.
Lazarus
www.greatopeninglines.com
June 29th, 2006 at 12:34 am
Hey Shawn long time since I opened your inspiring educative talk. I am in Botswana, Southern Africa. You have a disciple in me. I am guilty of starting a good piece of writing and never finishing or writing to the end. What do you call that? Laziness or what? I know I can write “How to” too. I want to write an African traditional delicacies’ how too, you know the ‘worms’ and all. Where do I start man?