How to Write a Bestseller: An Insider's Guide to Writing Narrative Nonfiction for General Audiences

by Tilar J. Mazzeo

A bestselling author’s definitive guide to writing and publishing research-based nonfiction for a wide audience 
 
Writing fact-based nonfiction for large general audiences requires two different the ability to conduct rigorous research and to craft engaging prose. Tilar J. Mazzeo is one of the few people with extensive experience in both arenas, as a tenured academic and a New York Times bestselling author whose books have been made into a major motion picture and translated into more than fifteen languages. She is also a sought-after writing coach with a passion for helping others communicate their expertise more broadly.
 
In this practical how-to book, Mazzeo draws on her experiences writing and publishing bestsellers to offer an indispensable guide for anyone looking to write narrative nonfiction for a large public audience. In a series of frank and illuminating chapters, she leads readers through the entire process, from conception to publication and beyond. She covers choosing a topic, finding an agent, negotiating a contract, crafting an effective proposal, creating a compelling narrative, marketing one’s work, and developing an author platform. Most importantly, she provides step-by-step advice on how to write prose that will resonate broadly.
 
The ultimate insider’s account, this book will help researchers convey their knowledge effectively so it has impact in the public sphere.

Genres: Writing

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2024

About the author

Tilar J. Mazzeo is a cultural historian, biographer, and passionate student of wine and food culture. She divides her time among the California wine country, New York City, and Maine, where she is a professor of English at Colby College.

(from the author's website)

Reviews

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I've read, maybe because I am absolutely part of the target audience. After I returned the library copy, I bought one of my own. Mazzeo delivers very clear and helpful advice about nonfiction writing.

[Titus Hjelm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting on a flight--a testament to the flow of the prose. It's more a 'read it and figure out' rather than 'check the lists on page 5' type of book. And that's the way I like it. Having read quite a few nonfiction writing guides, this stood out for me because I am the target audience--and academic moving to trade. I think academic authors are much better informed about book proposals than the book suggests and there are some weird hiccups (Taylor & Francis is not a trade publisher, and most academic contracts are given based on proposal, not full MS, like Mazzeo suggests), but other than that very much recommended, especially for academics looking to make the move.

[Kai-Melli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sihitud akadeemikutele ja teadusartiklite sepitsejatele, kes tahaksid hakata kirjutama laiemale auditooriumile nii, et tekst ei mõjuks „liiga akadeemilisena“. Autor on ise edukalt ühest maailmast teise liikunud ning jagab väga praktilisi tähelepanekuid sellest, kuidas kirjutada köitvamalt ja lugejasõbralikumalt. Silmiavav ja detailne sissevaade ka raamatute kirjastamise maailma.

[Leanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful for academics or former academics who want to get into “trade” publication!