How to Write Non-Fiction?

We all have a story to tell. We just need a way to tell it without losing our audience. By following these simple steps and giving a whole lot of time, you too can write a solid book worth sharing with others.

Steps

Learn grammar. Many non-fiction writers are not adept at writing because they are neither trained linguistically or frequent writers to begin with. Their books are often based on professional knowledge unrelated to writing and literature. Get some proper training or hire a ghost-writer if you can afford it.
Find out what is already in the market on the topic you intend to write about. Make sure your book fills a gap or can appeal in a different way.
Talk to as many people as you can about the subject. Non-fiction writers, like entrepreneurs, are often hesistant to talk about their "big project" and guard it closely. Big mistake! Often times, sharing with relevant people can lead to new information and valuable opinions. Don't be afraid your idea will be stolen. It's the execution that matters, not thinking and talking about it.
Carry a notebook around. Inspiration comes when you least expect it.
Figure out your focus. Every good non-fiction book has a central theme or idea. That focus also becomes your selling point. Poorly trained writers often have too much to tell and too little focus.
Plan the structure of your book insidously. The biggest problem with non-fiction books is often the flow and organisation is a mess. Readers will give up reading halfway.
Anecdotes and humor are often great ways to make non-fiction books interesting. Otherwise, non-fiction usually becomes very dry and "academic".
Show, don't tell. Illustrations and examples are always more effective than mere statements.
Let someone read it and give you their comments. Get both technical feedback from people knowledgeable in the subject, as well as linguistic feedback from people good at writing. Most of all, get reviews from people you are targeting to buy the book!
Edit and rewrite zealously. There is no greater turn-off for a reader then a poorly edited book.
Don't be anxious. Take a break and then revise your book again. You'll spot mistakes and see ways of structuring and explaining points you didn't realise before.

Tips

Writing a book and getting it published takes a long time and great effort!
Convincing a literary agent or publisher to take on your book for non-fiction is really like getting a job - your CV and written sales pitch are key to getting in the door!
Non-fiction books get published only if you have saleable credentials to back the book; and you are prepared to devote lots of time to promote it yourself after it is published.
Never underestimate the power of feedback. Anyone who is willing to read your manuscript; give it to them!
Non-fiction is much easier to self-publish and sell than fiction if you are good at marketing and sales. Give plenty of talks, set up a website, and learn internet marketing!

Article adapted from wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Write Non Fiction. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.