Every once in a while, I'll get asked what I consider the most important element in a book.
What is the one thing that every book must have? That one thing that will make or break your book.
I always have a problem with that question and frankly, the answer seems to change on a daily basis.
Yesterday was a bad day and when I found myself writing "paper" I realized that I had a problem.
You see it was a serious question and I'd never actually spent the time to identify a serious answer.
So I sat down with my cup of tea and really thought about the question.
And I realized that there are several things that every book should have.
There wasn't just one answer.
And long answers and email don't go together well.
So I finally sat down and decided to write out my top 10 things every book should have as an article for my customers.
And I've decided to share it with you.
Now let's get something straight up front, these are very personal answers.
I only write non-fiction/learning content books.
So your own answers may vary somewhat.
And of course, I didn't try to put any type of order to the list.
And just to make things interesting I had to leave off several great answers.
But maybe this list will help you see things a little differently when writing your own book.
1.
Introduction Every book needs an introduction.
I'm not talking about the typical "oh this work is wonderful" chapter that's found in many books.
That's just extended cover copy.
I'm talking about a chapter that grabs your reader's attention and build up their interest in what you are going to tell them about in the rest of the book.
2.
Conclusion Your conclusion is the introduction in reverse.
Where the introduction grabs the reader's attention, the conclusion ties up any loose ends and leaves the reader fulfilled but wanting more.
3.
Story Yes, Virginia.
Even a nonfiction book needs a story.
Why was the book written? Why should the reader be interested? 4.
A Reader Without a reader, a book is just a package of paper and ink.
Everything you do as a writer needs to be focused on your reader.
5.
An Attractive Title What do I mean by an attractive title? Your title is the second thing that will cause your reader to read your book.
And it's the first thing your reader will read.
6.
Value Your reader is going to invest a lot into your book.
Not in money but in time.
You need to pay that investment back by making your book valuable to them.
7.
Motivation Okay, admittedly this is a non-fiction issue.
But in order to motivate your reader to read you need to deliver something that will solve their problems, avoid their fears or achieve their desires.
8.
Organization Have you ever read a book that seemed to be going everywhere but never seemed to be getting anywhere? That's organization and it's one of three things your reader is going to judge your book's quality on.
9.
Polishing No one is perfect.
Everyone makes mistakes.
A good editor will help polish your book's writing and turn your book into something that is easy to read.
10.
Relevance Your reader really can't judge the quality of your content.
Instead they judge the content by how relevant it is to them.
Besides, they aren't going to be motivated to read your book unless it is relevant.