Is there a market for my book? (I've checked Amazon.com and
bookshops for competing titles. I'm convinced there is a market for my
book.)
I can find people with expert knowledge to interview as I write my
book.^ Does my book provide solutions to problems?^
(^)
If you can answer YES to most of these questions, you're set. Great! We're going to
start work on your proposal.
Day Two: Develop your idea and assess the market
Day Two Tasks
(^)
Task One: Keep studying non-fiction books
The more you know about how non-fiction books are constructed the more easily
you'll be able to work on your own book with confidence. Look at the books on your
shelves at home, and at your local library. (Be sure to make a note of any editor or
agent acknowledgements.)Task Two: Develop your idea
Work through the various steps in developing your idea. (See "Simple Steps In
Developing Your Idea" in this chapter.Dispelling myths and a word about confidence
If you're feeling nervous now that you're about to start this project, relax. Tell yourself
that you will take it step by step. All you need to do is work at it steadily, a word,
sentence and paragraph at a time, and you will complete your proposal, and then when
you've sold the proposal, you'll complete your book using the same easy-does-it
method.While we're at it, let's dispel a few^ myths.^
Myth One
It takes a special talent to write books.