# 4 Mistakes I See Nonfiction Authors Make (and How to Fix Them)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/ann-kroeker-writing-coach-4430/4-mistakes-i-see-nonfiction-authors-make-and-how-to-fix-them
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/ann-kroeker-writing-coach-4430/4-mistakes-i-see-nonfiction-authors-make-and-how-to-fix-them.md
Podcast: [Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach](https://stenobird.com/podcast/ann-kroeker-writing-coach-4430)
Published: 2024-11-22T13:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcast.show/the_writing_life/episode/138786201/
Audio file: https://media.blubrry.com/the_writing_life/media.blubrry.com/the_writing_life/content.blubrry.com/the_writing_life/4Mistakes-Podcast-audio-11_21_24.mp3
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Duration seconds: 504

## Resource

A few years ago, a client came to me with an idea for a nonfiction book. She was ready to write a draft and send it to a publishing house. What she didn’t realize was that she was working a few steps ahead. Thankfully, we met early enough in the process that I was able to fill her in on the steps she’d need to take to pursue traditional publishing—allowing her to sidestep a lot of mistakes that would have slowed her down. Even though she didn’t need to write the entire manuscript before taking her next steps, her instinct to do so was to be commended. After all, how was she supposed to know about the ins and outs of publishing without any prior experience? Is it possible you’re also making one (or more) of the biggest mistakes nonfiction writers make—simply because you don’t know what you don’t know? Let’s explore—and learn how to avoid—the common mistakes writers make as they develop and complete their first nonfiction book. https://youtu.be/oD0-8Nu_CBY?si=2cGnPeYaCfYunUso Mistake #1: Writing Without a Plan A common mistake nonfiction authors make is attempting to write their book without a clear roadmap or structure. Often, within the first chapter or so, they realize the magnitude of the project ahead and overwhelm settles in—derailing their initial excitement. Without a defined plan or structure in place, ideas tend to sprawl and lack cohesion. The missing element? A book proposal —a necessary business document used in traditional publishing. For you and me, it serves as a plan to make your nonfiction book a reality. In a book proposal, writers define a clear thesis statement and outline the central argument that will be supported throughout the book. Writers outline the book chapter by chapter, creating a framework that ensures they’re crafting a message they want…

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