There are similarities and differences in non-fiction and fiction writing. Both types of writing call for flow. The book needs to read like it is meant to be together. A non-fiction book needs to flow like a fiction story will. There needs to be consistency within the language used. The structures of fiction and non-fiction books vary. The structure of a non-fiction book can be matched with an outline. Outlines make non-fiction books easier to write. Fiction books will not follow an outline. Research varies between fiction and non-fiction. Research is a big part of non-fiction writing. When you are writing on a specific subject, you have to do extensive amounts of research. You want to be sure all your facts are correct on the subject matter you have chosen to write about. Always choose a subject you are passionate about when you are writing non-fiction books. With fiction books, there may be some research needed. You may want to right about a place or a time period. If this is the case, then you will need to research the area and the time period to ensure your accounts are correct. Most of the time, a fiction story is just something that comes from your own imagination. There are those who can write entire books without doing any or a minimal amount of research because it is all in their minds.
When it comes to writing non-fiction material, there is one rule of thumb. Always write about what you know. If you stick to writing about things you know something about and are able to research what you do not know about, then you will be able to see success in books. When it comes to fiction writing, your imagination is the only tool you really need. Well, that and enough paper and writing utensils, whether it is a pen or a computer. Words of advice--always back up your files, this is extremely important, especially if you are only using a computer to write your manuscripts. You need to invest in a jump drive, the larger the capacity the better.


Some writers, like me, hand write manuscripts before typing. This allows us to edit as we are typing. You can choose to do it this way or type up the entire thing, walk away from the story, then go back a few days later with fresh eyes to read through it and make changes. Then you can submit the manuscript to a publishing company, but be sure to read the guidelines first. Some companies only ask for the first three chapters. They use this to determine if they are going to publish your manuscript. It will take some time for them to get back to you. Do not get discouraged when you do not hear back right away.