Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
Location: Mount Hermon Writers Conference
Weather: Springtime perfect
One of the aspects of a nonfiction book that makes it salable is its structure. Sometimes I read a proposal or pick up a book, and a glance at the title, subtitle and table of contents makes me salivate to read the whole thing in one gulp.
How can you create salivating-worthy structure in your nonfiction book? First by realizing you don’t create structure for a book by cutting and pasting together magazine articles you’ve written and–voila!–proclaiming that a book. Oh, no. It takes much more creativity and work than that.
A strong “bone” structure for a book shows careful thought and making sure each chapter builds on the one before. And the very titles of the chapters suggest that strong structure.
You on a Diet is an example of a luscious structure. When you look at the table of contents, you see: the clear structure of the book (you know what you’re getting); clever section titles and clever chapter titles with clear subtitles (once again, you know what you’re getting); and a clear picture of how diet-encompassing the book is.
For example, the second section is entitled “The Biology of Fat,” with the first chapter in that section called, “Can’t Get No Satisfaction: The Science of Appetite.” You know what you’re buying, but you also see the fun play on an old song, which is tied to exploring what science tells us about appetite.
Take a look at the table of contents on Amazon, if you don’t own a copy. It’s a wealth of instruction. After you’ve taken a look, report back to us any additional insights.
I have that book. I purchased it because I saw Dr. Oz on a PBS show and because when I went to the bookstore and looked at the table of contents, it seemed to speak to my needs. And, the chapters deliver on what the table of contents promises.
You’re right! The chapter titles and subtitles alone make me want to read the book. There’s lots of play on words too which appeals to me as a lover of words. “Make a You-Turn” was my favorite.
And yes, I see how one chapter builds on another. Sounds like a cool book, and I’m not even writing non-fiction right now. I know there’s structure to fiction too so maybe we’ll get some tips from you on that one soon too!
I loved the Lovely Bones – just hope my manuscripts include the right skeleton 🙂
Patricia, Teri, and Kim, thanks for your comments. I’m glad the idea of bone structure struck a chord with you. And, thanks, Teri for suggesting a conversation about structure for fiction. We will have some upcoming posts on aspects of that. So be on the look out!