The Scribe Method The Best Way to Write and Publish Your Non-Fiction Book

Figure Out Your Book Idea

Writing a book can feel like a daunting process, but once you have clarity on your objectives and audience, the next step—nailing down your book idea—becomes both exciting and straightforward. Many authors find their initial ideas shift during the positioning process, which is why this step is strategically placed near the end of defining your book’s purpose.

Let’s dive into how to pinpoint your book idea and avoid common pitfalls.

The Biggest Mistake Authors Make

One of the most common mistakes authors make is writing the book they think their audience should read, rather than the book their audience wants to read. This subtle but critical distinction determines whether your book will resonate with your audience.

When you position your book properly, you’re addressing your readers’ desires while also delivering value. To do this effectively, you’ll need to answer two key questions about your book idea.

Book Idea Question #1: What Is Your Book About?

To begin, write a one-paragraph description of your book in 200 words or less. This should answer three essential questions:

  1. What is the book about?
  2. Who is the ideal reader?
  3. What will the ideal reader get from it?

Don’t stress about perfection—this is just a starting point to clarify your idea. Here’s an example:

Good Example:
This book will be an easy-to-digest guide on hand safety in construction workplaces. It will teach safety managers how to reduce hand injuries by going beyond gloves, incorporating proactive safety measures, and using case studies to illustrate effective strategies.

Poor Example:
This book will share the author’s personal journey, explain the importance of mindset, and touch on real estate, entrepreneurship, and life lessons.

The first example is specific, targeted, and actionable. The second is vague and doesn’t clearly define what readers will gain.

If you can’t summarize your book idea in under 200 words, it’s a sign you need more clarity on your concept.

 

Book Idea Question #2: What’s the “Cocktail Party Pitch”?

Your “cocktail party pitch” is a one-sentence description of your book that a reader would naturally use to recommend it to others. Imagine this scenario:

Your ideal reader is at a social gathering and mentions the topic of your book. Someone who has read your book chimes in with a glowing recommendation. What would they say?

Here are examples of strong and weak pitches:

  • Grain Brain:
    • Good: “It explains why bread is bad for you and what to eat instead.”
    • Bad: “It’s a scientific analysis of health problems caused by grains.”
  • How to Trade Options:
    • Good: “It shows you how to trade options easily. Even beginners can make money.”
    • Bad: “It’s proof that the author’s trading system is the best.”

Focus on clarity and relatability when crafting your pitch.

 

Bringing It All Together

By answering these two questions—summarizing your book in 200 words and crafting a one-sentence pitch—you’ll have a solid foundation for your book idea. These steps ensure you’re creating something that resonates with your audience and sets you up for success.

Writing a book isn’t just about sharing what you know—it’s about delivering value in a way that connects with readers.

Ready to Start Writing?

If you’re ready to take the next step in your writing journey, check out The Scribe Method!

This guide will walk you through every step of writing and publishing a book, ensuring you not only finish but create something truly impactful.