I am writing a "how to" book. Any advice? Where do I start?

Answer 1

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Don't know if it's a technical book, but if it is: http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesTitle/productCd-0764553089.html

there is actually a how to write a how-to book
http://www.writersweekly.com/this_weeks_article/000553_11062002.html

and there's how to write dummy books
http://www.qis.net/~jimjr/misc80.htm

hope this helps. if it does, please remember to award me points for best answer :)


I always find it is best to start at the beginning - Winnie the Pooh

Answer 2

I'll resist the obvious joke here.

Figure out how a novice needs to start learning about the topic you're explaining. What do they probably already know? Start there and write as you would explain it to an idiot. (Hence the popularity of the "dummies" books.)

I would organize chapters in the order of opperation -- first do this, then this, then this, etc. Put any background info in an introduction. Include visuals to drive home complicated points.

All this seems very basic. But you asked the question.

Answer 3

Make an outline of the things you want to include in the book, and give it a good hard look. It's OK to have a few tangential issues in the book, but it should mostly stick to one theme -- otherwise it will be all over the place.

I think it's important to give parts of the book to real people, watch them test it out, and see how clear your instructions are.

Take a good look at your favorite DIY books, and note the features you like, and the ones you think are clunky.

I really love sidebars, that touch on related issues.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Start with the book titled: "How to write a book".

Answer 5

To begin, you should make sure you know who your audience would be. Writing basic intros to different aspect of your topic could be necessary, but you could skip basic introductions if your user's experience levels are higher.
Then, write out questions as if you were a potential reader. What would they want to know. You could even use these as chapter headings. A good outline is very helpful.
A glossary and index is always helpful and can be done by a professional hired by the publisher or by you.

Answer 6

How to survive the coming global economic recession even without a job. It will be a top seller and nobody will know whether its right or not until its over or you've sold our multiple printings. The answer might be by writing how to books :)

Answer 7

by writing a how to book on writing a how to book

Answer 8

Don't assume that your reader knows certain stuff about the subject. Write it as if you're writing it to someone who has never even heard of the subject. The best "how to" books tend to do this. Good luck!

Answer 9

I would suggest picking up a "how to" book about writing books.

Answer 10

I guess you really couldnt write a book on jow to wirte a book if youre asking for advice, huh? Good luck though, i hope to be reading it someday.