A super helpful book for nonfiction authors!

I received a copy of "Non-Fiction for Newbies" as a part of the early reviewer program in exchange for a review. This is a great resource for non-professional writers. The book is broken down in to several chapters that address different genres of non-fiction writing and offer advice and guidance on writing within each genre. The book offers clear steps to take to formulate and refine ideas and get you prepared for the writing process. Each chapter contains helpful exercises to get you writing. This is a great resource for any writer. ( )

"Non-Fiction for Newbies" by Lauren Bingham is a gem for aspiring writers like myself. Bingham's approach combines practical advice with a touch of humor, making the process of writing a factual book feel accessible and enjoyable. She demystifies the complexities of non-fiction writing, from research to structure, offering clear steps and insights. As a theological student and an ordinand on the path to becoming a stipendiary priest, I found Bingham's tips on effective communication and storytelling particularly relevant. This book is a must-read for anyone venturing into non-fiction writing, and it aligns with my goal of becoming a spiritual leader and director who can communicate effectively. ( )

I received my copy of this book through the Early Reviewers Program.

This is an easy book to read, as the processes the author suggests are clear and she has her audience in mind. This is, in fact, one of the important elements of non-fiction writing that she emphasises: know your audience, and adapt your voice to suit. It seems so obvious, and yet it's worth re-stating: if the biography you're working on is for teenagers, its probably going to be a bit different from one for scholars wanting to deeply research the person.

I was interested to read this book, as I have now completed two local histories, both on request, and for two very different organisations. I certainly did consider who might read these as I worked.

Her discussion of "rabbit holes" in researching a topic was particularly relevant for me. In the work I have done, it has been so easy to fall into one of these and spend too much time discovering details which, although interesting, are clearly not going to have a place in the finished work. But they do add to the overall picture in your head as a writer.

The book comes with a series of downloadable exercises for getting started. These could be very useful for some people.

One piece of advice which I would add to all Lauren Bingham's suggestions would be to be well-organised with your notes. In the process of writing both books that I have completed, I thought my organisation was sufficient (colour-coded manilla folders for printed bits and pieces, online collections in Evernote etc) and both times I discovered "lost" information after I was done. Oh well, that can be a starting point for second editions I suppose. ( )