There\u2019s more to compiling, writing and editing a book. After the research is completed and the writing is done, there\u2019s something else to consider\u2014the organization of the project.<\/p>\n
Writers go about the process of organizing their books in a variety of ways. I\u2019ve had books fall into place almost automatically as I wrote them. Some of my books, I organized long before the writing started using bunches of file folders and hanging files in large boxes. The book I\u2019m working on now is being organized as we speak. <\/p>\n
The writing is pretty much completed, except for a few additions and enhancements I plan to include. But the organization isn\u2019t quite right, yet. And I\u2019m working to make the book more reader\/researcher-friendly and so that it is presented in the most logical, easy-to-use form possible.<\/p>\n
How does one organize an informational, self-help, how-to or educational book? What\u2019s the secret to organizing a memoir? I suggest to my students and clients to always keep their audience\/readers in mind. <\/p>\n
We have talked many times about defining the purpose of your book and identifying your target audience. Now, as you organize and write the book, focus on the purpose\u2014make sure your book is living up to that promise\u2014and direct the book toward your target audience. Continue asking yourself, \u201cWill the material I\u2019m including be of value or interest to my audience?\u201d \u201cIs it presented in a way that is logical and easy-to-follow.\u201d \u201cCould someone from Mars understand the concept and the process I am introducing?\u201d <\/p>\n
Often, we clump similar topics together in sections or chapters. You\u2019ll want to go over each section or chapter several times with your audience in mind to determine if you\u2019re on target or need to make adjustments. Check your chapters\u2014are they all about the same size or are some ten pages long while others fill only three? Try to organize your chapters so they are approximately the same size. <\/p>\n
Chapter heads are another consideration. Do your chapter titles conform or do some of them seem out of place in your book? You might adopt chapter heads that read, \u201cPlant the Right Seeds,\u201d \u201cWatch Your Garden Grow,\u201d \u201cLearn More About Transplants,\u201d \u201cWater When Needed,\u201d etc. Keep to the active way of labeling your chapters. Avoid throwing in a heading like the following: \u201cRunning Over a Hose With a Tractor,\u201d \u201cHow About Growing Chard?\u201d or \u201cBeans and Other Veggie Crops.\u201d You can use the chapter titles in a book, if you wish. But make sure all of the titles in that particular book are in the same style.<\/p>\n
Organizing a book is personal with each author. But that author needs to use logic in the process. Study other books similar to yours and see how they are organized. What do you like\/dislike about the way these books are put together? What is your main message, secondary message and the points that you want to make? Which aspects of your book serve to support your message and reinforce the purpose? <\/p>\n
You might want to define your main chapters\u2014featuring your main message. Follow with strong supporting information\/resources and then fill in with the various incidental points. <\/p>\n
A memoir or a historical account, for example, should flow from one point to others using segues you\u2019ve created to maintain that flow. Organize these stories so that the reader feels as though he is a part of it and not an outsider peering in at a confusing array of scenes.<\/p>\n
Read more about organizing your book by reading my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. Sign up for one of my online courses at a discount this month. See the May 24, 2010 blog post for details.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" There\u2019s more to compiling, writing and editing a book. After the research is completed and the writing is done, there\u2019s something else to consider\u2014the organization of the project. Writers go about the process of organizing their books in a variety of ways. I\u2019ve had books fall into place almost automatically as I wrote them. Some […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
\n<\/em><\/strong> http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/rightway.html<\/a> <\/p>\n