What format should I use for my How To Book?

Question

I am writing a guide book that will introduce genealogy to those who are new in searching. The structure is meant to guide others through the process of genealogy research. I would like suggestions on a format for this topic.

Answer 1

This depends on how you plan to market it. Do you want to release it as a stand-alone book, or are you looking to submit it to an established line of How To Books? If you are going to send it to the For Dummies or Idiots Guide folks, for example, then take a look through the books that they have already printed. Both these guides have recognizable formats that they will expect you to use if you are submitting a proposal.

Even if you want to sell it as a stand-alone book, you should probably begin by heading down to the bookstore and browsing through the books they already have on the subject. There is one question you will need to be able to answer: what is it about my book that is new and different from the books already available? You have to come up with a fresh approach to the market.

Take a look at all the formats, and figure out what you like and dislike about them. Pick up a book-- how could the author have structured it better? Are there things left out?

Then, sit down and outline!

Good luck, and happy writing!

Answer 2

Other than 12 font and Times New Roman print I'd suggest depicting pedigree charts beginning with the man and wife and trace backward just as we do in genealogy research.

The infinite ways of conducting genealogy research is something you'd have to organize for the reader. Start with the simple approach as a pedigree chart and then get into the ways and means of finding those names to plug into the charts.

You'd have to provide incentives to the reader to begin his genealogy and what benefits might be gained. The format would have to include Internet communications and avenues as well as physical searches through archives, cemeteries, and letter writing.

A formidable task indeed! It is a huge undertaking and I wish you success with it.

Also bear in mind what literary agent or publishing house would best serve in its final delivery to the public. Get the Writer's Market book to see what agencies and publishers would accept such work.