Writing a Compelling Introduction for Your Non-fiction Book
/One of the most important sections of your book is the opening. That’s why for non-fiction, I recommend that you open your book with a compelling introduction. This sets the tone for what’s to come, and it’s also where many readers decide if they will invest in your book and take the journey with you.
Your introduction needs to inform yet intrigue your reader. Also, keep in mind that they may not know who you are or why they should listen to you, so you must touch on that as well. I’m not saying to include your full bio in your introduction, but you’ll want to slide in a few sentences, or even a paragraph or two, about what you do (title/experience), who you serve (target audience), and how much experience you have, if any. While experience is not always necessary to write a book, if you are writing a book for your business, on the other hand, you’ll want to establish credibility from the start. Don’t wait until the “About the Author” section, usually found at the back of the book, to reveal how and why you’re knowledgeable on your topic.
The introduction should also include what inspired you to write your book, so this is an opportunity to open up and share more about yourself and your own journey. This is usually what got you from where you were (and where your reader likely is now) to where you are now (his or her ultimate goal).
It should also be motivating and end strong so that it leaves your readers inspired to turn the page (or “Buy Now” online) and dive in. Here’s why…
With Amazon’s “Look Inside” feature, readers can view the first 10% of a book before they purchase it. This allows them to get a taste of your writing style, message, and what’s to come. Depending on the length of your book and how you structure your front matter, this will usually contain your introduction, so be sure it’s compelling. This is also why I don’t recommend that you fill the front of your book with components that could instead go at the back, such as the Acknowledgments and About the Author sections.
So, how does one craft a compelling introduction? I’ve found one of the best ways to begin is with a journaling session to flesh out your “why” for writing the book. So grab a notebook or journal, find a quiet space where you’ll be able to work through this exercise uninterrupted, and begin journaling your responses to these questions:
What’s my #1 goal for writing this book for my readers?
What inspired me to write this book in the first place?
Who do I hope to help? Define your ideal reader/avatar in a nutshell.
What benefits will I offer my readers? In other words, what objections will I overcome?
Why should they listen to me?
What experience do I have around this topic that my readers can benefit from?
What can I share about my own journey that led me to discover what I’m sharing in this book?
How can I close out my introduction and leave them inspired to dive into the content? What would I have needed to hear back when I was in my readers’ shoes to let me know I could take this journey too, and what’s the best way to explain how this book is going to guide them along the way?
What is my bold promise to my readers?
Success Tip: Don’t be afraid to share something vulnerable in the intro, as this will connect your readers to you on a deeper level and establish trust from the start.
Once you’ve journaled on those answers, you should have enough content to write a compelling introduction that draws prospective readers in and makes them want to learn more.
