Tag: Nonfiction

Writing a book is a huge undertaking, and it’s one that many people choose to do with the help of a ghostwriter.

While working with a ghostwriter can be a great way to get a professionally written book, it’s essential to factor in how long the process may take.

Having a book ghostwritten is more involved than simply waiting for the writer to complete it. It’s a process that takes time, and the timeline for completion can vary depending on the intensity of the project.

Read on as we discuss the process in more detail to provide insight into what to expect.

What are the different steps to writing a book?

Ghostwriting a book is a detailed process. There are usually several steps that a ghostwriter must complete to produce a quality, finished product.

1. Prep Work (4 – 6 weeks)

Meetings and Discussions

Whether it’s a business or personal book, a ghostwriter’s first step is to understand your book idea and the direction you want to take it.

Your writer will interview you and any key stakeholders in great detail to grasp the ultimate goal.

Topics like specialty research, photos, infographics, publishing options, and style preferences will be discussed and established.

The aim is for your writer not only to understand the vision but to feel confident presenting it in the right style, tone, and voice.

Research

A ghostwriter can benefit significantly from your preliminary research. It helps give a sense of your vision for the project.

“When a client provides this information upfront, it lets me know what they want to emphasize and what story they want to tell,” says The Writers for Hire ghostwriter Jennifer Iacullo.

But there’s no need to feel pressured to curate too much upfront. Partnering with an experienced ghostwriter familiar with your industry and who knows where to find suitable sources can help you avoid this stress.

Instead of doing it all yourself, you can opt to share your thoughts about what you want to research with your ghostwriter.

This may lengthen your overall timeline, but it relieves the burden of searching for resources and provides a productive space for back-and-forth discussions.

2. Outline (1 – 2 weeks)

A strong outline is the framework for your book, and it should come from a collaborative effort between you and your ghostwriter.

It gives structure to your ideas and provides a roadmap for the ghostwriter to follow.

Your writer will use all of the information collected from interviews and research to draft an outline for your feedback.

You will then work together to revise the outline until the direction is clear.

This process helps save time and reduce unnecessary communication. With a clear direction for your book, the ghostwriter will be able to write quickly and efficiently.

3. Writing (1 – 2 weeks per chapter)

Now it’s time for the ghostwriter to assemble the collected information into a cohesive story.

One by one, the ghostwriter writes, edits, and sends each chapter to you for your review.

Additional services, like inserting pictures or custom graphics, also happen during this phase. Since each project is different, the required time to complete each section of the book will hinge on its complexity.

According to The Writers for Hire owner and editor-in-chief Wintress Odom, it usually takes “six months to a year to write most books.” This timeframe provides you and your writer ample time to iron out any issues before the book is complete and without extending your deadlines.

4. Front-to-Back Editing (2 – 4 weeks)

Editors help improve the overall quality of your book by ensuring that its consistency and flow are clear.

A senior editor will perform a thorough cover-to-cover review to address issues like narrative inconsistencies, pacing, and ineffective writing.

After edits are complete, you will have the opportunity to review the entire manuscript to confirm you are satisfied with the final product.

This task can be challenging, as it requires a lot of reading and analysis.

Like some clients, you may get sidetracked by other aspects of life, further delaying the job. Projects often stall during this phase due to the client being overwhelmed.

“Some clients underestimate how long this process takes,” says Wintress Odom. “I usually suggest they plan for a weekend to read through it all instead of reading small chunks and prolonging it.”

5. Final Proofreading (2 weeks)

Proofreading is the final stage in the writing process.

The proofreader will comb through the book for any spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Once complete, it is finally prepped for publishing.

6. Publishing (12 – 20 weeks)

Sometimes, clients forget to factor printing time into their overall timeline.

Depending on the publishing company and project scope, printing can take a few months to over a year.

The Writers For Hire works directly with a publisher that takes a minimum of three months to turn your manuscript into a published book.

This process includes formatting, photo work, client review and approval, and the final print run.

However, suppose you are working with a ghostwriter or ghostwriting agency that doesn’t offer full-service options?

This means you’ll only receive a finished manuscript that you will have to take to your publishing company of choice.

For this reason, it’s essential to keep your publishing timeframe in mind when planning any type of book launch event to avoid any delays.

What should you expect when hiring a ghostwriter?

Ghostwriters are professional writers who help piece together compelling, well-crafted stories.

There are many benefits to hiring a ghostwriter for your business or personal endeavors. Some of the key benefits to expect include:

Help Building Your Brand.

Employing a ghostwriter allows you to establish your company as an expert in your industry by partnering with someone who can take your content to the next level.

An adept ghostwriter will produce impactful and engaging content that will reach more people and potentially help grow your business.

By understanding your vision, they will be able to effectively capture your tone and voice to impact your target audience positively.

Help Capturing Personal Memories.

A ghostwriter can provide a professional touch to your personal projects.

A skilled genealogy ghostwriter can conduct in-depth research to dig into your family history beyond recent generations to unveil unique and insightful stories.

Many people find that using a ghostwriter to capture these family histories and life experiences before they fade helps alleviate the stress of retelling those stories compellingly.

Increased Productivity.

Hiring a ghostwriter allows you to get high-quality content without spending the time or effort to write it yourself. .

While you will invest a significant amount of time in the project, most of your time is free to focus on other important daily tasks.

This added value can help you plan your personal schedule more efficiently.

A Partner in Your Corner.

Ghostwriters are not only used to author fiction books, they’re also used to write various nonfiction projects, like business leadership books, family histories, editorial pieces, and marketing materials.

Having this kind of range means you can partner with a competent ghostwriting agency to tackle any project you need to undertake.

The best ghostwriters are passionate and highly skilled researchers who can help you produce assorted professional content that is both informative and interesting to read. They will work with you to understand your ideas and create a final product tailored to your specific needs.

Final Thoughts

When you hire a ghostwriter to produce your book idea, you trust them with your story.

The ultimate purpose is to work together towards a common goal through collaboration and communication. For this reason, finding an established ghostwriter or ghostwriting agency is a wise investment of your time.

The ghostwriting process can be time-consuming. But if it’s done right, you will end up with an impressive piece of work that you will be proud to put your name on.

Remember, if you want quality work, you can’t rush the process.

Are you looking to write a self-help book but don’t know if you’re qualified enough?

A self-help book is different from other types of nonfiction because it addresses issues that people struggle with every day. Hence, it can be very personal and often requires a lot of research.

While that may sound very daunting, especially if you’re not an experienced writer, it can be done with the right tools.

This article will provide you with helpful tips for tackling the project regardless of your skill level with writing. We’ll also show you how you can make your work more manageable if you hire a ghostwriter.

Keep reading to learn more.

How to Know If You Are Qualified Enough to Write a Self-Help Book

Self-help books are incredibly popular, and people often wonder if they could write one themselves. While you may be a great writer and have a lot of experience with the topic, there’s more to writing a self-help book than simply putting your expertise into words.

We’ve put together five questions to help you determine if you’re qualified to write a self-help book.

1. Do you have a specific problem you’d like to solve?

If you're struggling with something that no one else seems to be talking about, then you should consider writing a book about it.

Sharing your experiences can help someone in a similar situation to stay hopeful.

Your book can be a source of inspiration and motivation to so many people who are looking for answers or a glimmer of hope.

2. Are you willing to put in the time and effort required to write a book?

Writing a good self-help book could take time. Depending on the topic, it could take a year or two to complete.

For your message to reach as many people as possible, you will need to take your time crafting a thorough yet easy-to-understand message that will resonate deeply within readers’ hearts and minds.

3. Is the topic interesting to you?

Writing a book isn’t always easy. If you’re not excited about the topic, then it’s unlikely you’ll stick with it long enough to finish the book. On the other hand, if you love the subject, it could be fun to share your knowledge.

Writing in an area of interest is always easier than writing on a topic you cannot relate to. You’ll flow easily and complete your book faster when you love what you write about.

4. Are you flexible enough to accommodate different points of view?

The best self-help books offer new ways of thinking about problems that people face daily. However, while these ideas may resonate with some readers, they might not resonate well with others.

An author needs to be able to accept criticism without taking it personally and should always strive to find common ground between their own beliefs and those of others.

5. Do you have a unique perspective?

You don't necessarily need to be a professional writer to write a book.

However, if you think you have a unique perspective on a particular subject, you should consider writing a book.

Thinking about why you believe you have something valuable to share with the public could give you the needed foundation as you begin.

• What makes you stand out among all the other experts?
• Why do you think people would benefit from reading your book?
• Why will they care about what you have to say?

What are some indications you are considered an expert on a topic?

A good self-help book will have a clear message, which means it has a single point to make and doesn’t try to address too many things at once. The author must also be able to communicate effectively. This includes being able to express ideas clearly and persuade readers to take action.

There are a few things you can look for when deciding if you’re qualified enough to write a self-help book. They include:

• You’ve studied the topic for many years.
• You’ve taken classes on the topic.
• You’ve worked in the industry.
• You’ve published articles on the topic.
• You’ve given speeches on the subject.

How can you get the book written if you’re not a skilled writer?

Skills can be learned, and anyone can become an author. Of course, learning how to write better is one way you could improve your chances of publishing a self-help book.

If you don’t have experience with writing, we’ve put together some tips to get you started.

Begin with research.

While you may have come up with great ideas for your book and have an excellent understanding of its topic, more research needs to be done.

So, make sure you take time to read similar books to figure out how best to approach yours. In addition, carry out as much research as possible on self-help publishing.

Different organizations offer different services, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which one is right for you and your book.

So, take some time researching each before deciding where your book will be published.

Pinpoint your target audience.

One of the first things you need to do when considering writing a self-help book is to determine who your target audience is. This question is important because if you’re not writing for a specific audience, it may be impossible to develop the right tone or writing style for your book.

If, for example, you’re interested in helping teenagers deal with depression and anxiety issues, who will be reading your work? Teens or parents of teens?

Who are you hoping will read your book on coping with addictions or time management, for instance?

How can your self-help book help address these issues without being preachy or condescending?

Build your knowledge base.

One of the best ways to determine whether you’re qualified to write about a topic is by becoming an expert on it.

In fact, one great way to get started with self-help is by identifying gaps in your knowledge and filling them through reading, self-study, and hands-on experience.

Reading helps you understand what makes a great book. If you read a lot, you’ll eventually pick up the writing language.

Whether you want your first book written or already have multiple books under your belt, there's always more information you can absorb.

The more knowledgeable you are, the better equipped you'll be for book writing.

Practice writing.

Writing isn’t something that happens overnight. So, if you want to become a better writer, practice writing regularly.

If you don’t practice writing regularly, you may not be able to write a book even if you have an important message to get across. Writing a few chapters once in a while may not help much either.

Writing every day or as regularly as possible is one of the best things you can do to improve your writing. It forces you to think through each paragraph before you begin typing. This will help keep ideas flowing and ensure you stay motivated to keep writing.

So, start by writing short pieces over a period of weeks. Eventually, you’ll build enough confidence to try writing an entire book.

Outline and draft.

Many first-time authors find it challenging to start writing their books because they don’t know where to begin. But taking some time to get the basics right before you write can make all of the difference.

We suggest outlining your idea and drafting some chapters before you sit down to write your book from start to finish. The outline will help keep you on track and give you valuable insight into how well your book is going—and what else it needs!

Get feedback.

Getting feedback from others who have written books gives you insight into what works and doesn’t work when writing a book.

Ask friends, family members, and teachers for advice. They can give you helpful suggestions about how to improve your writing. The person doesn’t necessarily need to be a professional editor; they just need to be honest and helpful.

Hire a ghostwriter.

There are tons of self-help books out there, some good and some not so good. If you have an idea for one, but you don’t consider yourself a good writer, you should consider hiring someone who is.

Ghostwriters can help you with all things related to writing your book. This includes research, writing, editing, and proofreading.

An experienced ghostwriter can also help you find a publisher for your book, once it’s finished.

One way ghostwriters work is by helping their clients figure out what their content should be, interviewing them about their experiences, and then taking what they learn from those interviews and turning it into words on paper.

Summing It Up!

Having never written a self-help book doesn’t mean you can’t write one. Just ensure that what you write empowers readers, communicates clearly, and makes people think differently.

On the other hand, you may have a lot of experience in writing but do not have the time to focus on your book.

If you fall under any of these categories, you may need to hire a ghostwriter to help you surmount the challenges of writing a self-help book.

“I still believe nonfiction is the most important literature to come out of the second half of the 20^th century.” — Tom Wolfe

In 2021, 825.75 million print books were sold in the United States, according to Statista. This figure bodes well since it represents an 8.9% year-over-year growth for the book market.

Moreover, data from NPD indicates that adult nonfiction books sold 82 million copies in the first quarter of 2021. Aspiring authors can find fertile ground in the nonfiction publishing market with such encouraging numbers.

To capitalize on these promising trends, we must home in  on the various types of nonfiction genres that you can use to turn your story into a profitable literary work.

In this article, we will look at 10 nonfiction genres you need to consider for your next book. Also, we will discuss the role that a ghostwriter can play in helping you get your next book idea off the ground.

So, let’s put pen to paper!

Fiction vs. Nonfiction

When most people think about writing a book, the first thing that pops into their minds is a novel. Of course, creative fiction writing is a great way to become a published author.

However, fiction is not the only avenue you can pursue to make a name for yourself in the literary world.

As we have established, nonfiction writing is a viable path for you to make your mark on the literary world.

Suppose you aspire to become an author but are not keen on writing a novel. In that case, you should explore the domain of nonfiction genres.

There is a wide scope of styles you can use to produce meaningful and engaging content in nonfiction. Moreover, choosing the right nonfiction genre can help frame your content effectively.

So, let’s look at 10 nonfiction genres that will help you frame your ideas and content into a successful narrative.

10 Types of Nonfiction Genres You Need to Consider

1. Autobiography

An autobiography tells the author’s story in their own words. Autobiographies go through the author’s life events, usually chronologically, to paint a portrait in readers’ minds.

While autobiographies are generally chronological, you do not necessarily need to structure them in this way. You can focus on individual events and construct the narrative surrounding singular events.

Engaging autobiographies typically dispense with inconsequential details to provide only the requisite context to the story.

Then, the narrative focuses on depicting the most crucial moments in the author’s life.

If you have a penchant for creative writing, producing your autobiography is a great way to combine the best of both worlds.

An autobiography is a nonfiction book. Nevertheless, it gives you the freedom to explore creative prose as freely as possible.

2. Memoir

A memoir has many characteristics of an autobiography. The difference is that a memoir focuses mainly on individual events instead of an exhaustive review of the author’s life.

If there is an extraordinary event in your life that you would like to share with the world, a memoir is a good choice. Memoirs allow you to explore singular events in great depth, especially when you are not keen on talking about your entire life story.

Additionally, memoirs allow you to be as creative as you’d like to be. You can experiment with various types of prose.

More often than not, authors like to keep their voices as close to their real tone as possible. Therefore, a successful memoir must capture your essence throughout the narrative. In doing so, readers can see who you truly are as they flip through every page.

3. Personal Essay

A personal essay allows you to explore your point of view on a particular subject. The subject can revolve around a personal experience.

Also, a personal essay can discuss a broader subject from your point of view. A personal essay aims to give the reader your perspective on your chosen subject. Thus, your opinion must strike readers from the start.

Please bear in mind that personal essays are not so much about prose as they are about thought, reflection, and understanding.

In other words, a personal essay does not aim to craft a narrative in the way that autobiographies or memoirs do. Instead, a personal essay focuses on articulating a coherent argument on a given subject.

For instance, discussing the challenges of parenthood from a new mother’s personal perspective combines a broad subject with the author’s own voice.

4. Travel Journals

Travel journals are a common nonfiction genre because they offer so much freedom. However, a common mistake is merely jotting down notes about your vacation.

An effective travel journal goes beyond chronicling what you did, where you went, and what you ate.

An exceptional travel journal is about depicting your experience throughout the journey. For example, you can make readers privy to your thoughts and feelings as you describe your grandparents’ birthplace.

The aim is to have readers see places through your eyes. Ultimately, readers get to witness how this journey impacted your life.

5. Literary Journalism

Journalistic writing focuses on delivering facts on a given subject, event, or person. Journalists strive to give the readers the information they seek as concisely as possible.

Nevertheless, journalism does not have to be cut and dry. Journalism can deliver factual information while crafting a narrative that compels readers to keep flipping through pages.

The secret to literary journalism is building engaging characters.

Biographers are adept at literary journalism. They present factual information while building the subject’s persona. The reader comes away with useful information while painting a portrait about the subject, whether flattering or not.

6. Feature Story

A feature story plays on the foundation of literary journalism. Typically, features focus on an individual story to provide readers with all the information they need to know.

Features are generally longer than a standard news article but fall well short of a full-length book.

News articles generally range from 500 to roughly 1,000 words, with some longer articles hovering around 2,000 to 2,500 words. However, features may extend to over 10,000 words.

You may want to explore a feature story when you feel that a subject has not received the attention you feel it should. Feature stories mainly aim to raise awareness of specific issues and causes. A feature story may be a great approach to consider if you feel deeply about a specific issue.

7. Criticism

A critique’s main objective is to discuss a subject’s specific points. Please note that “criticism” does not necessarily mean  pointing out negative aspects. Instead, criticism  examines a subject in as much depth as you wish.

Generally speaking,  criticism explores all sides of a subject, even if you have a clear position on the topic.

For instance, social issues are the common focus of criticism. Authors present a topic, contrast various arguments for and against it, and then derive a personal conclusion. In this approach, you must encourage readers to take your information and perspective so that they can construct their opinion about the subject matter.

8. Ekphrastic Essays

Art lovers often use ekphrastic essays to manifest their admiration for another work of art.

In this type of nonfiction text, you can transmit your opinion regarding an artwork by describing it, critiquing it, or speculating about it.

Please bear in mind this is not merely an account regarding the artwork’s history. It is about adding another dimension to the artwork’s interpretation. Specifically, readers will seek your perspective on the work of art.

Ekphrastic essays typically comment on paintings, sculptures, architecture, literary works, or pieces of music. If your heart lies in the arts, using your literary voice to communicate your admiration can lead to a meaningful essay.

9. Lyrical Essay

If you are more inclined toward a poetic approach, a lyrical essay may be right for you without writing poetry as such.

A lyrical essay uses poetic prose to explore a topic.

In particular, lyrical essays use figurative elements more than argumentation.

Also, lyrical essays utilize experience and experimentation to drive their point home.

For example, think of describing marvelous locations in a travel blog, an unforgettable dining experience in a restaurant review, or a critique about a hotel you visited.

10. Flash Nonfiction

Flash nonfiction is the most restrictive genre we have discussed as far as the conditions attached to it. In particular, flash nonfiction bases its style on economical writing.

In other words, authors must strive to build their arguments in 500, 1,000, or at most, 2,000 words. The aim is to present compelling arguments while staying on point as much as possible. This genre is ideal for writers looking to publish articles, blog posts, or updates on longer publications such as essays or books.

The Role of a Ghostwriter in Choosing a Nonfiction Book Format

What role can a ghostwriter play in producing a nonfiction book?

For the most part, a ghostwriter can tackle complex writing tasks. Nevertheless, a seasoned ghostwriter can also become a writing coach, accountability partner, or editor.

Ultimately, a ghostwriter can play any role you need them to play.

Please consider that when producing a nonfiction book, you may have to overcome limitations. Here are the three most common ones.

Lack of Experience

When you are beginning your writing journey, you may need some support along the way. A ghostwriter can provide you with the guidance and support you need to stay on track. Also, a ghostwriter can handle the heavy lifting should you fall behind schedule.

Lack of Time

If writing is not your main occupation, you may run into time constraints from time to time. In particular, maintaining a regular tempo is important for frequent content producers.

Employing a ghostwriter can help you overcome time constraints. Consequently, you can share the writing duties with your ghostwriter as circumstances dictate.

A Fresh Pair of Eyes

There are occasions in which writing gets stuck. For instance, you may find a passage in your book that somehow does not seem to come along.

Thus, a professional ghostwriter becomes a fresh pair of eyes that can untangle your writing project. A ghostwriter’s help can ultimately make the difference in pushing your writing project to completion.

The Benefits of Employing a Professional Ghostwriter when Choosing a Nonfiction Book Format

There are some key benefits you must consider when employing an experienced ghostwriter:

• You get a trusted writing partner. A professional ghostwriter knows how to respect deadlines and keep projects moving.
• You get an experienced contributor that can handle a significant workload.
• You get a multifaceted professional. Typically, experienced ghostwriters can handle various topics and styles.
• You get help when you need it the most. Having a trusted ghostwriter on call can bail you out when you get stuck on a writing project.
• You get guidance whenever you need it. Seasoned ghostwriters can partner with you to help you develop your overall writing skills as you gain more experience.

On the whole, a ghostwriter can play whatever role you want them to play. The most important thing to keep in mind is finding a ghostwriter who meshes well with your intended writing style and expectations.

One Final Consideration

Finding a great ghostwriter might seem tough. Therefore, finding the best writing partner for you might require some dedicated searching.

Please note that there are many professional ghostwriters out there. Thus, it’s imperative that you search for someone who shares the same vision as you do.

It is also worth considering a ghostwriting agency. Ghostwriting agencies are teams of writers that can tackle virtually any topic under the sun.

What’s the biggest advantage of hiring a ghostwriting agency?

Ghostwriting agencies keep projects moving because they have multiple writers on staff.

As a result, your project always has someone who can take care of it regardless of circumstances.

In contrast, working with an individual ghostwriter often means you depend on their schedule and availability.

This drawback disappears when you work with a ghostwriting agency. Indeed, a ghostwriting agency is certainly worth considering. Your choice ultimately depends on what is right for your specific

Family-run businesses have been the backbone of the American economy for decades. A business is a source of pride for countless families, a great number of which go on to become well-established corporations. Some family companies even endure the test of time as they move from generation to generation.

When businesses grow and thrive over the years and decades, they accumulate valuable experiences and stories. However, these memories may fade as time wears on. It then becomes essential to preserve the company’s history by honoring its founders and contributors.

The question is, how can current business stewards properly preserve their company’s history?

In this article, we will explore five things to know about writing a family business history book as well as effective ways of crafting a document that depicts a family-run corporation’s true nature and character.

Defining a Family Business History Book

Before defining what a family history book is, it is worth defining what it is not.

A family business history book is not a list of facts, dates, and names.

While there is certainly a place for timelines, charts, and chronology, a family history book should be about building a coherent narrative around the company’s journey and the family behind it.

When business leaders limit their family business history book to a collection of factual information, they deprive readers of the company’s essence. In other words, the formula that made the company successful gets lost along the way.

So, what exactly is a family business history book?

A family business history book is a living document. It is a testament to the company’s evolution. Therefore, the narrative must reflect the business’s transition and the contributions of those who made it possible.

Benefits of Writing a Family History Book

There are three key benefits to consider when evaluating a potential family business history book.

1. Preserving a Legacy

Undoubtedly, the biggest benefit is also the biggest motivating factor. Business leaders must consider the importance of preserving the legacy of both their family and their business. Thus, writing a family business history book ensures that generational efforts endure into the future and beyond.

2. Honoring Founders

A successful family business would not exist without courageous founders.

Indeed, a family business history book should pay homage to the founder’s valuable contributions.

Moreover, a family business history book should honor significant contributions from subsequent generations.

After all, the business would not continue to thrive without each generation’s noteworthy efforts.

3. Celebrating Achievements

A family business history book should also celebrate achievements. In particular, achievements by the company and its founders can make up the core narrative. A family history book can provide wonderful insight into the company’s overall contribution and its collaborators’ role by celebrating achievements.

Please bear in mind that effective family business history books address challenges and failure as part of the evolution process. These experiences can serve to describe worthwhile lessons that helped the company and its founders build a robust enterprise. Moreover, readers love learning about how successful leaders overcome their challenges.

Getting Started With a Family Business History Book

Getting started with a family business history book may seem like a daunting task. However, it is not. Far from it. Writing a family business history book is relatively straightforward when business leaders take the proper steps. As a result, there are five key elements to consider when writing a family business history book.

1. Plan carefully.

The first step to writing a family business history book is to collect information. Without careful planning, it may be hard to differentiate useful information. Typically, the information-gathering process yields voluminous results. Sorting the information can become a complex task.

To streamline the information collection process, family business book authors must carefully plan the approach they wish to take. This planning process includes building a narrative and establishing the main events and people throughout the company’s history.

A great technique to use is mind-mapping.

In mind-mapping, writers use a diagram to visually organize information in a hierarchy, showing relationships among pieces of the whole.

This helps narrow the focus into a single overarching theme.

Mind-mapping can be as simple or as complex as needed.

For instance, a simple mind map can provide the book’s broad outlines and main topics. More complex mind maps can delve into the specific points surrounding the book.

Generally speaking, the planning process should guide family business history authors throughout the information collection process. Careful planning enables authors to determine what information is useful to support the book’s narrative. Additionally, careful planning eliminates pursuing tangents that may do little to build the intended narrative.

2. Highlight the company’s ethos.

The planning and outlining process must highlight a crucial element: the company’s core ethos. In general, a company’s core ethos is the basis of its mission and vision statements. Therefore, a solid family business history book must reflect this core ethos.

However, authors must ensure they accurately depict the founders’ original vision for the company. The book’s narrative can then describe how the company’s mission and vision have evolved throughout time. This approach helps readers see how the company’s core values enabled it to thrive.

It is also worthwhile to demonstrate how the vision of individuals has helped shape the company’s ethos. Often, companies revolve around the founders’ original vision. For example, founders start a business looking to serve a specific type of customer. Also, founders seek to deliver value and support their communities. These motivations must jump out at readers as they navigate the company’s history.

3. Mind the details.

A common mistake is to attempt to chronicle every detail of the company’s history.

While readers would certainly appreciate detailed accounts, providing too much detail may lead to a copious amount of information.

Therefore, minding the details becomes a crucial factor in establishing the book’s overall construction.

Here are some points to ponder:

• Will the book provide an overview of the company’s history? If so, what are the most important events the narrative will revolve around? These are the points that require the most details. Other events may not require highly detailed depictions.
• Will the book center on a specific event? If so, the surrounding narrative should only provide context to the book’s main point. For example, a book that focuses on a specific product’s success can offer details on other events to give readers context leading up to the product launch. From there, the narrative can go into greater depth regarding the product’s creation, development, and launch.
• Will the book focus on its founders and their role in the company? If so, details on the people must reflect their influence on events. Therefore, chronicling specific events in detail should serve to illustrate the founders’ influence.
• Will the book’s narrative be part of a broader social or historical context? If so, details about the social and historical context must link to the company’s history. For example, a family business history book about a company surviving the Great Depression must link the company’s survival to the overall challenges businesses faced during the Great Depression.

On the whole, it is crucial to avoid providing too many inconsequential details. The aim should be to produce a sharp narrative that will keep readers turning pages. Details must, therefore, provide the right amount of information while keeping readers interested in the book’s next portion.

4. Focus on the right people.

When writing a family business history book, it is easy to focus on the founders and neglect other valuable contributors. Thus, authors must ensure they include everyone’s contributions. While founders are crucial to the narrative, other contributors, such as employees, suppliers, customers, or local government officials, may have played a significant role in the company’s success. These contributions should make up the book’s narrative whenever they are relevant.

Likewise, it is crucial to avoid listing people without reflecting on their importance to the company. Hence, it is best to avoid listing people unless their contributions have somehow influenced the company. Readers want to know why the business has been successful and the people that have made it possible.

5. Say it with pictures.

Carefully curated pictures speak volumes about a family business’s history. Pictures provide depth and substance to the book’s overall narrative. After all, it is one thing to portray events with words, but a completely different situation emerges when using imagery.

Effective use of pictures allows readers to put faces to names. It also helps readers see the company’s evolution.

For instance, a common use of pictures is to show the evolution of store locations or products. These transitions help readers grasp the thoughts and emotions behind the descriptions in the narrative.

It is also important to avoid including pictures for the sake of it.

Including random or unrelated pictures, while entertaining, may contribute little to the book’s substance.

Thus, selecting pictures based on the mind map and outline will go a long way toward conveying the right company image.

Hiring a Ghostwriter to Write a Family Business History Book

There are instances where putting pen to paper can be a considerable challenge.

For instance, business leaders may not have the time or expertise to write a full-length book. Also, organizing, cataloging, and utilizing information can prove to be a complex and time-consuming endeavor. Additionally, some folks find that writing is not their strong suit.

What can business leaders do in these situations?

This is where it pays to hire a ghostwriter.

Ghostwriters are professional scribes that can take archival information and transform it into a seamless narrative. They have the expertise and experience to transform pictures, dates, names, and stories into a carefully woven quilt of emotions, events, and accomplishments.

How can one hire the right ghostwriter?

Hiring the right ghostwriter for a family business history book depends on experience and know-how. Thus, reaching out to individual ghostwriters and ghostwriting firms is only the first step.

Business leaders must take the time to interview prospective ghostwriters and ghostwriting firms. These interviews should allow business leaders to ascertain a ghostwriter’s overall suitability for the project.

Finding the right ghostwriter may take some time. However, taking the time and effort to find the perfect ghostwriter will eventually pay off in droves. After all, the alternative to foregoing a ghostwriter is letting a family business history book project stagnate.

When projects simply stall, it can be nearly impossible to revive them. It is, therefore, essential to consider employing a ghostwriter before the writing project languishes into oblivion.

Please bear in mind that the most significant benefit of hiring a ghostwriter is the savings in time and effort.

Unless one is willing to devote the time and effort needed to produce a full-length family business history book, hiring a professional ghostwriter may be the best way to see the project to fruition.

Conclusion

Writing a family business history book is no easy task. It is a labor of love.

Indeed, producing a high-quality family business history book is about finding a balance between accurate information and a compelling narrative. Ultimately, careful planning and thoughtful information gathering make striking this balance possible.

The most important element to consider is planning. Careful planning provides organization and clarity when pursuing a family business history book project. This clarity helps sort through large amounts of information, allowing authors to find the most suitable information for the project.

Employing a professional ghostwriter is a worthwhile consideration, especially when business leaders lack the expertise, time, or experience to produce a full-length book. A professional ghostwriter can weave various information sources into a seamless tale. Thus, employing a professional ghostwriter can differentiate between a stalled project and a completed chronicle.

Lastly, a family business history book should pay homage to the people who made the business grow and thrive. It is about preserving a legacy, enabling it to endure through subsequent generations. Moreover, a lasting legacy involves handing down valuable knowledge to future generations. After all, one cannot know where they are going if they do not know from where they came.

Conventional wisdom suggests that descriptive narrative belongs in the domain of fiction writing.

Undoubtedly, fiction writers do need to exploit descriptive narrative as much as possible. However, for nonfiction writers, utilizing descriptive narrative can provide an effective tool to draw in and engage readers.

Conventional wisdom also suggests that nonfiction writing may be boring or dry. As this article will show, nonfiction writing can be just as interesting and lively as any creative writing endeavor. The secret lies in using descriptive narrative effectively within the nonfiction domain.

Five Things to Know about Using Descriptive Narrative Writing in a Nonfiction Book

1. The Purpose of Descriptive Narrative Writing in Nonfiction Books

One might ask, “what is the purpose of using descriptive narrative writing in a nonfiction book?” To answer that question, writers must consider their readers’ experiences. This is the point where nonfiction meets descriptive narrative writing to create a singular reading experience.

Assuming that nonfiction writing cannot benefit from using descriptive narratives is short-sighted. Virtually any nonfiction topic can benefit greatly from implementing a descriptive narrative.

In particular, topics such as history, art, politics, and journalism, among many others, can use descriptive narrative writing to paint a picture in their readers’ minds.

Consequently, the descriptive narrative provides writers with an effective tool they can use to transport readers to a completely new world.

Please note that descriptive narrative writing does not entail somehow reducing the seriousness of topics. Quite the contrary, descriptive narrative writing aims to properly focus on nonfiction so that the language used helps portray material vividly. Descriptive narrative writing allows content to flourish in readers’ minds, thereby effectively fixating information.

The key to descriptive narrative writing lies in the way writers use the language to convey their message persuasively.

2. The Use of Descriptive Language in Nonfiction Books

 A common misconception about descriptive narrative writing is that writers must “create” material. While this is certainly the case in fiction writing, nonfiction writing can utilize descriptive narrative to cement factual information.

Descriptive language aims to enhance readers’ perception of the writer’s message. As a result, descriptive narratives enable writers to frame their ideas in a much more compelling way. Here are some descriptive adjectives that exemplify this proposition:

• Charming
• Ornate
• Gregarious
• Puzzled
• Discerning

Utilizing these adjectives allows nonfiction books to transmit messages and ideas better. Consider this comparison:

• The President addressed the nation this evening about his proposed tax reforms.
• This evening, the discerning President addressed the puzzled nation about his much-anticipated tax reform bill.

While properly structured and even economical, the first sentence offers a bare-bones, matter-of-fact description of the President’s address.

The second sentence, in contrast, offers many more clues about the President’s personality and the state of the nation.

Moreover, the statement offers insight into public opinion regarding the tax reforms.

This example is a small sample of how simple, yet highly effective, language can make a considerable difference in capturing readers’ attention. The beauty of descriptive narrative writing lies in simplicity. There is no need for overly ornate or inflated language. The secret lies in choosing words carefully to produce the desired effect.

3. The Power of the Senses

Focusing on the senses in a nonfiction book may seem counterintuitive. After all, how can one link sensory perception to a how-to guide or a cookbook?

Ah, therein lies the secret!

Some specific nonfiction topics lend themselves perfectly to sensory perception. For instance, cookbooks are the quintessential example of how sensory perception can greatly enhance the readers’ experience. Please note that sensory experiences help fixate readers’ understanding of the topic at hand.

Consider this situation:

• Chop three onions and toss into a frying pan until cooked.
• Chop three crispy onions and toss into a scorching frying pan until golden brown.

In this example, both sentences refer to the same situation. However, the first sentence merely describes the steps in the cooking process. The sentence does not provide readers with parameters they can utilize to determine if they have done the recipe correctly.

Conversely, the second sentence clearly highlights how using clear sensory words can activate the readers’ imagination. Readers can use the descriptive narrative to activate a mental picture without seeing the cooking process. This approach greatly enhances the overall effectiveness of nonfiction writing.

Some may argue that using sensory expressions in a cookbook is an obvious example. But what about other types of nonfiction books? For instance, could a history book use sensory experiences to portray historical events accurately?

Absolutely!

Sensory perception is a wonderful way of providing depth to historical events and figures. Consider the famous speech King George VI delivered at the outset of World War II:

• The King’s voice commanded every Brit to take up their arms and fight.
• The King’s resounding voice defiantly commanded every brave Brit to take up their rightful arms and fight courageously.

Indeed, the second example attempts to deliver a sensory experience that closely resembles the true historical event. Descriptive narrative writing allows readers to immerse themselves in any nonfiction book. The purpose is to give readers colors, textures, scents, visuals, and emotions they can firmly grasp. In doing so, nonfiction books can come alive in the readers’ minds.

4. Using Figures of Speech

Figures of speech can go a long way toward helping portray meaning effectively.

Please note that figures of speech have a place in both formal and informal writing. A common mistake is to believe that using figures of speech reduces a serious topic into a trivial one.

Quite the contrary, figures of speech can put a fresh spin on what may be a dull or monotonous dialog.

Consider the following figures of speech.

Metaphor: A metaphor is a wonderful way of exemplifying concepts and ideas. Metaphors often work very well with abstract concepts to represent them accurately in the readers’ minds. For example:

The government’s economic stimulus plan cast a wide net across the economy.

In this example, “cast a wide net” helps readers latch onto the idea of an overarching economic recovery plan. This statement clearly refers to a proverbial net rather than a literal one. Consequently, readers can find this statement much more enjoyable than something like “The government created a broad stimulus plan.”

Simile: Similes are a staple of creative writing. Nevertheless, similes can also become effective tools for nonfiction books. Similes help draw a clear picture in the readers’ minds by drawing comparisons between various objects, ideas, or people.

Consider this example:

The American and British soldiers stood as tall as giants on the beaches of Normandy as they faced the relentless onslaught of German machine gun fire.

With this example, the author attempts to paint a highly detailed picture in the readers’ minds. By stating that the American and British soldiers stood “as tall as giants,” the author intends to draw a clear expectation of the soldiers’ bravery. In contrast, a statement such as “The American and British soldiers bravely faced the German resistance at Normandy” does not fairly depict the bravery of the American and British soldiers.

Analogy: An analogy, like a simile, draws comparisons between various objects to enhance comprehension. The difference between an analogy and a simile lies in the objects they compare. A simile compares two objects that have some similarities between them. An analogy compares two seemingly unrelated objects, thereby enhancing the quality of the comparison.

Here’s an example:

The court’s decision was like a stick of dynamite.

This analogy compares two completely different ideas. After all, what does a court decision have to do with a stick of dynamite? Therein lies the beauty of analogies. Readers can infer that the court decision was “explosive.” It is then up to the author to further explain why this court decision is “explosive.”

Personification: Personification consists in providing human qualities to a non-human element. This tactic aims to enhance comprehension by enabling readers to create parallels between a concept and human behavior.

Consider this situation:

The new gun control bill has the legs to go far.

In this statement, the author uses the term “has the legs to go far” to imply that the new gun control bill will eventually become a law. While the author could have said “The new gun control bill will eventually become a law,” using personification makes a dry statement become much more vivid in readers’ minds.

Hyperbole: In short, hyperbole utilizes exaggeration to drive home a point. Hyperbole is a great device, especially when authors feel strongly about a point.

Here is a great example:

Employment figures this week caused a monumental collapse on Wall Street today.

Affirming there was a “monumental collapse” is a serious statement. After all, what exactly would constitute a “monumental collapse?” Using hyperbolic statements allows authors to paint the picture they want in their readers’ minds.

5. Overdoing Descriptive Narrative Writing

Descriptive narrative writing can make nonfiction books come alive. Nonfiction content can quickly go from a “stale” monologue into a vivid two-way dialog.

However, there is the risk of overdoing descriptive narrative writing. “Overdoing” descriptive narrative writing refers to using inflated and even pompous language to adorn writing.

Please bear in mind that it is easy to get carried away. At that point, descriptive narrative writing risks becoming counterproductive as substance gets lost amid fancy language.

Consider this situation:

• The Prime Minister’s speech was boring.
• The Prime Minister’s speech failed to light a fire in the audience.
• The Prime Minister’s speech resulted in a colossal failure that did not deliver on the precious pearls of wisdom sought by the audience.

These sample sentences illustrate the degrees to which writing can be effective or miss the mark.

While effective in conveying the main idea, the first sentence is simplistic. One can infer that this sentence is pedestrian in its style.

The second sentence offers a balance between descriptive narrative and concise writing. The author communicated their impression of the speech without overinflating the language.

The third sentence goes over the top. It uses too much language, causing the reader to go on a winding journey before reaching the ultimate destination.

The goal is to balance narrative with precision. Using descriptive narrative in nonfiction books is as much skill as art. Authors must find the appropriate mix of linguistic artistry and substance.

One Final Thought

What happens when the writing well comes up dry? In other words, what happens when authors, editors, and publishers want to spruce up writing but cannot seem to find a way to make it work?

Instead of struggling to spice up nonfiction books, authors, editors, and publishers can turn to a ghostwriter. Hiring a ghostwriter can become a highly useful solution when looking to incorporate descriptive narrative writing into nonfiction books. In particular, a professional ghostwriter can utilize descriptive narrative to craft the right message audiences want to hear.

How is this possible?

Professional ghostwriters are a mixed bag of skills. On the one hand, they have the skill to produce substance based on fact. On the other hand, they have the sensitivity to use the right language to evoke emotions in their audience.

There is a catch to hiring a ghostwriter, though.

Hiring a ghostwriter entails finding a person with the right mix of skills. Finding a ghostwriter that can incorporate descriptive narrative writing in a nonfiction book requires someone with experience in both fiction and nonfiction.

These ghostwriters typically have a long track record of producing a variety of works. Additionally, professional ghostwriters are willing to work with their clients until they find an appropriate voice. From there, the narrative builds itself. It is quite feasible to create an entire narrative from a single word.

Crafting a memorable narrative in a nonfiction book should not be a daunting task. It should be a labor of love. Often, it is like a master artist patiently creating an artwork until it is perfect.