Wanting to write a non-fiction

That's kind of a lot to cover, but....

You submit a proposal which, amongst other things typically include the first three chapters

You need to be a credible author for the book. A degree alone can be much of that legitimacy depending on the book and the publisher

You need to use whatever definitions an expert in the field would use.

You need to be able to provide a delivery date.

You need to tell the agent book type, length, audience, competing volumes etc according to a typical book proposal

Also, just to address the definition thing - if you want to use others' work, like definitions from a dictionary, you need permission.

Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

If you plan on using the book in classes or if other people plan on using the book in classrooms, that's a platform (AKA readership).

Learn to write a proposal. Elizabeth Lyon's has a good book out.

The definitions situation: I'd be leery of making the majority of the book stuff that people can find elsewhere. It's spendy for one thing.

Hope that helps.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal

I agree with the other posts.

Multiple definitions are available instantly online, so be sure you have something that is difficult to find, or be sure your book will be sought out for some other reason. In other words, why would someone buy your book instead of just looking up the reference information on their phone for free?

If you can answer that with a good reason, then you may have something. If not, don't give up- but is there another way to write the content that is unique, without depending on easily found definitions?

Once you believe you have a viable concept for a book, then look at your platform. Are you the person to write this book? Again, good advice in the posts above.

Are you considered an expert on the subject? I write nonfiction. Occasionally I am looking into something and realize it would be great if someone would write a book on... But I know I am not that "someone".

At the same time, I am an expert in certain things, and those areas are what I write. My platform spans 20 years, includes teaching, credentials, other experience, etc, and in my academic field, that is what it takes to be considered an expert.

However, if someone were, for example, to write a book on the best magic tricks, I could see that platform develop differently, and perhaps be based on intense mentoring from a great magician, and social media buzz about performance shows. Hmm that reminds me- my 7th grade son is wanting a book on magic tricks...

So, look at your subject. Perhaps a degree alone is enough to be considered an expert, or perhaps years of experience and teaching and ..., or perhaps not, as in my magic example.

I wish you the best on your nonfiction work.

I would suggest looking at developing a book proposal based on one of your preferred publishers. They will probably have a book proposal template of what it would take to convince them the book will succeed. Writing it could help you organize your thoughts about same?

I agree with Veinglory.

It is a good sign that you wish the book existed for yourself, your colleagues and your students as well (in other words, it does not currently exist or something is unique about it). Planning to use it as a textbook for your own students helps too

Best of luck!

I would not worry too much about never having written nonfiction, but instead focus on the writing in general. If you first examine what should go into the proposal, perhaps then you will become more confident that you are indeed the best one to write it.

also consider self publishing if it is a small niche book. I went that route because of the small niche and I wanted to keep as much of the profits as possible.

I second the suggestion of Elizabeth Lyon's book on proposals. It is a classic! I read a couple and hers was the most helpful.

Platform is crucial. Seriously, just take a look at various agent's webpages, their guidelines. Quite often they will say right there that for non-fiction platform is a must. Good writing is nothing without a platform. I don't believe that even credentials are enough, but you can check out their query guidelines and come to your own conclusions.

Here is a helpful article from an agent's blog about platform:

10 Tidbits About Author Platform

Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

For certain niche market, credentials are all you need. I should know. But yes, for most non-fic, platform is essential.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal