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Writing, Publishing and Marketing Non-Fiction Books. Facebook Live Q&A With Joanna Penn

2,791 views · Published 1 June 2018 · 1:00:06 · Indexed 12 November 2026

Channel: The Creative Penn · 2018 · Education

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How to Write Non-Fiction: Turn your Knowledge into Words is out now in ebook, print, large print, workbook editions. Coming soon in audio: 
https://www.thecreativepenn.com/write-non-fiction-book/

This is a Facebook Live video that I recorded on May 31, 2018 for the launch of How to Write Non-Fiction. I answered questions from a live audience. 
Timestamps as follows: 

02:30 Organizing in advance - setting up pre-orders once the draft has gone to the proofreader - cover design here 
06:30 How to get the personal touch into a book when it’s on a technical subject
10:39 On workbooks and healthy print sales
11:20 On using pen names to teach the algorithms about readers for different genres
12:27 Tools for organizing yourself including Google calendar and iPhone (and later I mention Things App)
14:25 On non-fiction ideas that warrant writing and imposter syndrome
17:00 Using story principles in non-fiction to keep readers turning the page
18:48  Walking the edge of fear to bring writing alive.
19:21 Should writers read others’ book on non-fiction subjects?
20:50 The principles of writing non-fiction
22:38 On the content in the How To Write Non-Fiction multi-media course
23:44 Choosing a subject to write about and what we reveal about ourselves
24:56 Can you use a pen name for non-fiction?
27:21 Writing about the things we want to instill in ourselves
28:26 Can you only publish if you’re an “expert”?
29:27 Writing memoir and using a theme and including personal transformation
31:25 Checking sales and taking a long term view of your author business
33:41 How to write a book involving someone you know without having them recognize themselves.
36:02 How do you build a platform and develop authority in your niche?
39:15 Formatting for non-fiction in ebook, print and workbooks
40:26 Specifics about content for a workbook
41:13 Organizing your writing using tools like Scrivener
44:02 What is a suitable length for a non-fiction book?
47:57 Differences between formatting for fiction and non-fiction
50:08 How do you validate an idea for a book?
51:24 Pricing for non-fiction books and perception of value.
52:25 Co-writing a book with a family member
53:40 How many books sold is a success?
54:00 On box sets for non-fiction
55:37 Do you tailor your books for your audience?
56:34 The beginnings of Joanna’s author journey and mistakes made / lessons learned.
57:50 It IS possible to write and publish your book and serve your community.

How to Write Non-Fiction: Turn your Knowledge into Words is out now in ebook, print, large print, workbook editions. Coming soon in audio: 
https://www.thecreativepenn.com/write-non-fiction-book/

Also available as a multimedia course: 
https://creative-penn-courses.teachable.com/p/write-non-fiction-book

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