Once your reader actually opens your book, the first thing she’ll see is your introduction.
This is what makes her decide if she wants to read more. So you’ll want your introduction to do a few things. They’re based on copywriting principles, but don’t worry—you can do it without sounding pushy.
These don’t really apply to memoirs, by the way. They’re for non-fiction books like guides, how-to’s, self-help, “3 steps to overcoming anger”—those kinds of books!
5 Steps to a great nonfiction book Introduction
- Tell the reader what problems your book will solve for her. What pain will it take away? If you know your target audience (your clients) and their big pain points, you know what to say about this.
- Show her how her life will be better after reading your book. You can share a story about how your life changed for the better after using your method, or how your advice helped a client.
- Qualify yourself! Work in some natural references to how long you’ve been teaching, coaching, or doing your thing—whatever that thing may be. Do you have a degree on the topic? Mention that! Have you won awards, recognition, or appeared as a speaker on this topic? Mention that, too! This isn’t about tooting your own horn. It’s about earning your reader’s trust.
- BUT! Be careful not to let your intro become an All About You. Your intro should be about your reader. You want her to open her book and see HERSELF in it. (That’s another reason it’s important to know your target audience.)
- Encourage her to keep reading. You achieved personal transformation. So have hundreds of your clients . . . and she can do it, too.
Have fun and write on!
