Non-fiction - creative process & discipline

[FrogMom]

I'm lucky in that I was approached by a French book publisher to write a non-fiction book on an extreme sport. The problem is, there's no deadline and I don't know how long the manuscript should/could be. I haven't read books published by that publisher yet, but that's happening next week. I asked about tone of voice and the answer was, it's all up to me. So, my voice it is and I love that, but I need more. I usually work best under pressure or with deadlines. I'm one to write in spurts, not in a steady disciplined stream, and that's probably what I need.

Would love some tips from published non-fiction writers on their creative process and how to keep motivated. Based in London, if there are any non-fiction writers groups that would be helpful.

As the publisher has come to you, have you got a contract with them? That should have everything in it in terms of deadline and word count, etc. Have they paid you an advance?

In terms of process, I'm working in quite a linear fashion at the moment, chapter by chapter. I break off to write short sections as and when they occur to me. I have full chapter outlines for the book so first I work on expanding them into a list of topics and more of a structure, and then I start researching before I write. I'm not really taking on extra work at the moment so am able to devote most school hours to writing, which works for me. Sometimes I get loads done, sometimes it's a bit of a wash-out. It was the same during my PhD, and it all came together in the end!

Hi, I’ve just finished my second non-fiction book, and can answer your questions.

It is great that they approached you, sounds like you have a lot of freedom. How would YOU like the voice to be? Usually passive works better but it depends on your intended audience.

Both times I had to submit a proposal which needed a lot of detail about deadlines, chapter headings, introductions, etc. and went to 3 reviewers. You should ask about the publishing process itself. What does your contract say?

For deadlines, I set my own, and worked backwards, tackling a chapter at a time; pretty much like my PhD thesis. Photos and figures, endorsements, acknowledgements and blurb, all done at the end & guided by our publishers.

Good luck! I found it hugely rewarding and am planning my next two books.

Might be helpful to agree and have certainty about the audience - participants or which segment of the wider world? Perhaps try and work backwards from the marketing strategy?

Regarding length, look at what has sold well from equivalent extreme audience to the same audience?

Good luck.