Introduction
Writing a non-fiction book requires careful planning, thorough research, and clear organization. This comprehensive checklist guides you through every stage of the process, from initial concept to final publication. Whether you’re writing a how-to guide, memoir, historical account, or academic work, this checklist will help you stay organized and focused.
How to Use This Checklist
This guide is designed to support different types of non-fiction writing while maintaining professional standards. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Adapt to Your Genre: Different types of non-fiction require different approaches. Focus on the sections most relevant to your specific type of book.
- Track Your Progress: Use this as a master checklist, adapting it to your project management style.
- Choose Relevant Tools: Select tools and resources that match your needs and budget.
- Maintain Flexibility: While research and accuracy are crucial for non-fiction, allow room for your unique approach and voice.
Pre-Writing Phase
Project Foundation
- Define your book’s primary purpose
- Identify your target audience
- Determine your unique angle or selling point
- Establish your authority/credentials on the topic
- Define scope and limitations
- Choose your writing style and tone
Helpful Tools:
- Market Research
- Amazon Category Research: https://www.amazon.com/best-sellers-books
- Google Trends: https://trends.google.com
- Audience Research
- SurveyMonkey: https://www.surveymonkey.com
- Google Forms: https://forms.google.com
- Competitive Analysis
- Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com
- Publisher’s Marketplace: https://www.publishersmarketplace.com
Research Planning
- Create research timeline
- Identify primary sources needed
- List secondary sources
- Plan interviews (if applicable)
- Organize research methods
- Set up research tracking system
- Identify experts to consult
- Plan fact-checking strategy
Helpful Tools:
- Research Organization
- Zotero: https://www.zotero.org
- Mendeley: https://www.mendeley.com
- Academic Resources
- Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com
- JSTOR: https://www.jstor.org
- Interview Tools
- Otter.ai: https://otter.ai
- Zoom: https://zoom.us
- Database Access
- LexisNexis: https://www.lexisnexis.com
- ProQuest: https://www.proquest.com
Content Planning
- Create detailed outline
- Develop chapter summaries
- Plan visual elements (charts, graphs, photos)
- Identify case studies or examples needed
- Create timeline for historical events (if applicable)
- Plan sidebars and additional features
- Outline introduction and conclusion
- Design exercises or worksheets (if applicable)
Helpful Tools:
- Outlining Software
- Workflowy: https://workflowy.com
- OmniOutliner: https://www.omnigroup.com/omnioutliner
- Mind Mapping
- MindMeister: https://www.mindmeister.com
- XMind: https://www.xmind.net
- Visual Creation
- Canva: https://www.canva.com
- Adobe Creative Suite: https://www.adobe.com
Writing Phase
First Draft
- Set up citation system
- Create style guide
- Establish writing schedule
- Write chapter drafts
- Include source citations
- Create figures and tables
- Write captions and labels
- Develop glossary terms
Helpful Tools:
- Writing Software
- Scrivener: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener
- Microsoft Word: https://www.microsoft.com/word
- Citation Management
- EndNote: https://endnote.com
- Citation Machine: https://www.citationmachine.net
- Productivity
- Freedom: https://freedom.to
- RescueTime: https://www.rescuetime.com
Technical Elements
- Check citation format consistency
- Verify source attributions
- Format tables and figures
- Create index markers
- Check mathematical calculations
- Verify statistical data
- Format footnotes/endnotes
- Create bibliography
Helpful Tools:
- Reference Checking
- RefWorks: https://www.refworks.com
- Cite This For Me: https://www.citethisforme.com
- Data Visualization
- Tableau Public: https://public.tableau.com
- Microsoft Excel: https://www.microsoft.com/excel
Revision Phase
Content Review
- Fact-check all statements
- Verify quotations
- Check data accuracy
- Review logical flow
- Ensure consistent terminology
- Check for gaps in information
- Verify expert contributions
- Review legal considerations
Helpful Tools:
- Editing Software
- PerfectIt: https://intelligentediting.com
- Grammarly: https://www.grammarly.com
- Fact-Checking
- Snopes: https://www.snopes.com
- FactCheck.org: https://www.factcheck.org
Technical Edit
- Review grammar and style
- Check formatting consistency
- Verify cross-references
- Review table/figure numbering
- Check page numbering
- Verify index entries
- Review bibliography format
- Check image permissions
Helpful Tools:
- Style Guides
- Chicago Manual of Style: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org
- AP Stylebook: https://www.apstylebook.com
- Formatting
- Adobe InDesign: https://www.adobe.com/products/indesign
- Vellum: https://vellum.pub
Publication Preparation
Professional Review
- Hire subject matter expert reviewers
- Obtain peer reviews
- Get permissions for quoted material
- Have legal review (if necessary)
- Complete fact-checking
- Get technical review
- Review copyright requirements
Helpful Tools:
- Expert Networks
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com
- Academia.edu: https://www.academia.edu
- Rights Management
- Copyright.gov: https://www.copyright.gov
- CCC: https://www.copyright.com
Publishing Requirements
- Write book proposal
- Create marketing plan
- Write author bio
- Prepare chapter summaries
- Create promotional materials
- Plan launch strategy
- Set up author platform
Helpful Tools:
- Publishing Platforms
- IngramSpark: https://www.ingramspark.com
- KDP: https://kdp.amazon.com
- Marketing
- MailChimp: https://mailchimp.com
- Wix: https://www.wix.com
- Social Media
- Buffer: https://buffer.com
- Hootsuite: https://hootsuite.com
Notes:
- Always verify sources and permissions
- Keep detailed records of research
- Regular backups are essential
- Consider legal review if covering sensitive topics
- Check publisher guidelines if traditionally publishing
- Maintain consistent documentation throughout
- Consider hiring a professional fact-checker
- Keep track of all permissions and licenses
Would you like me to expand on any particular section or add more specific resources for certain types of non-fiction writing?