What Is A Self-Help Book?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In 1859, Samuel Smiles wrote what is often cited as the world\u2019s first self-help book, called, unsurprisingly, Self Help<\/em>. It promoted the importance of self-development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its huge popularity encouraged countless writers from Mrs Beeton onwards to provide readers with the necessary instruction to solve problems or to self-improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And that\u2019s what any self-help book<\/a> must succeed in doing. The outcome for your reader must be that they have changed for the better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve probably seen the successful For Dummies<\/em> books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A casual study of the long list of titles in the series demonstrates what people want to learn more about, from \u2018LinkedIn Profile Optimisation\u2019 to \u2018Rugby Union Basics\u2019. This proves that there is always someone out there who wants to learn something new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is both good and<\/em> bad news.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good, because there will probably be a market for your own specialist topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bad, because there will be competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, how to differentiate?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s take a look at some great examples of self-help books and understand what makes them remarkable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In his ground-breaking book, Manson achieves many things in his pursuit to help his readers lead more contented lives, but here are three big takeaways for upcoming self-help authors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n First, the title draws you in. It\u2019s instantly engaging because it\u2019s profane. It\u2019s risen above the thousands of other wannabes by punching us in the face. Of course, it\u2019s got to be good beyond the front cover, so\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Second, it\u2019s a book that\u2019s written in a truly authentic voice. As a prolific blogger, Manson has developed a way of communicating which is clear, authoritative and authentic. We trust him because, like any good salesperson, he persuades us. He maintains his profanity throughout, but with a purpose in mind: to shake us out of our stupor. And he needs to do this because\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Third, his subject matter \u2013 anxiety \u2013 is already a familiar topic. There are thousands of books on the subject. Manson succeeds by finding a new angle. By challenging conventional wisdom, he engages his readers and differentiates his book from the competition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n First published in 1861, Beeton\u2019s book was not the first to bring together many aspects of home economics, management and cookery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, it succeeded by helping aspiring Victorian middle-class housewives to address two basic, human instincts: to feel confident that they could feed their families, and to successfully compete with the neighbours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, it furnished them with the skills and knowledge to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like Mrs Beeton, Dale Carnegie addressed another essential need: to create an environment within which we are influential and liked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s interesting about this book is its clear focus on the outcome and the provision of instructions. It\u2019s a genuine \u2018How-to\u2026\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s plenty to learn from this great self-help book. <\/p>\n\n\n\n First, Covey has, like Carnegie, promised an outcome: personal change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Second, the scope is helpfully contained: seven things can\u2019t be hard to learn, and there\u2019s the message that if we adopt these practices, we\u2019ll achieve the promised outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best of all, there\u2019s the reference to a benchmark \u2013 highly effective people are already doing these things<\/em>. It\u2019s the \u2018fear of missing out\u2019 which plays on our aspirational and competitive streaks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Amongst Richard Branson\u2019s many publications is this slim but characteristically engaging self-help volume in which the author shares his own unique practices and behaviours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The book is largely autobiographical<\/a>. I\u2019ll have something cautionary to say about this later, but it works here because Branson shares his wisdom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This book promotes an innovative approach to dealing with rejection. Although his own story of self-discovery is crucial, Jiang encourages self-help by providing a methodology which is relevant to the challenges faced by his readers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, while the book contains some autobiographical passages, they serve the main objective which is to assist the reader in dealing with rejection in their own lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a genre-busting book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It takes the topic of a project which has to be managed and, instead of offering a \u2018how-to\u2019 process, settles the subject matter into the body of a fictional novel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only do the authors find a unique angle into a familiar subject, but they also turn what could have been dry material into a page-turner. In doing so, the reader osmotically acquires knowledge rather than being obviously instructed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This short story about two mice dealing with change has sold over 28 million copies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several reasons, including the authority of the author, the fast pace and short length, and the playful nature of the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, one of its greatest strengths is the author\u2019s use of a metaphor to explain something complex. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This classic book asks the reader to conjecture that men and women originate from different planets and approach their co-existence on Earth with wildly different attitudes to each other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What sparkles is the originality of the proposition. Gray finds a way of articulating an age-old problem that affects both men and women: we have difficulty understanding each other. He goes on to provide a carefully considered explanation of the issues and, crucially, a language to facilitate dialogue towards happier relationships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The book proves that a well-articulated problem is halfway towards an answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can you be clear about what challenge your own readers face, and how your book offers a solution? <\/p>\n\n\n\n This remarkable book provides the aspiring screenwriter with an insider\u2019s insight into what makes a great movie script. The author is an acknowledged expert which helps the reader to trust the content. But better still, there\u2019s so much to do<\/em>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n This slim book succeeds by placing the reader at its heart. Snyder provides exercises which help them practice new ways of thinking and doing things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By the end of the book, each reader will think it\u2019s been written just for them<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Written in 1923, The Prophet<\/em> has become one of the world\u2019s most translated and best-selling books. Through 26 poetry fables, a fictional prophet shares his thoughts on a range of spiritual and practical matters which affect the human condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not an instructional book, but the reader can develop and benefit from the book\u2019s wisdom. And being poetic, it also has a lyrical quality which makes the process of reading (and re-reading) it so rewarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, your own self-help book need not be a classic \u2018how-to\u2019 as long as you\u2019ve got sufficient wisdom and experience to impart, and can do so in style. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Self-help books cover a huge range of topics and their authors tackle their subjects in a range of diverse and creative<\/a> ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some key considerations when creating one of your own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Any successful self-help book is a solution to a problem or opportunity. Can you describe what obstacle your reader would like to overcome or an opportunity they would like to benefit from?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only when you are clear on the answer to this question can you begin to assure yourself that your book will provide the solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In pitching to agents<\/a> or publishers, this will be the topic that they focus on first. Even if you’re self-publishing, it’s important to know what kind of problems you want your book to target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you know the answer, it will be easier to describe what your book\u2019s really about. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you’ve got a book idea to use as a starting point, think about your goals for the book. Write them down and share them with some potential\/beta readers. What outcome do you want your book to achieve?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Develop a title, sub-title and 30-word elevator pitch. (If you’re querying agents<\/a>, this is also a good first step for your book proposal<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example…<\/p>\n\n\n\n Title: \u2018Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus<\/em>\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sub-title: \u2018A Practical Guide for Improving Communication and Getting What You Want in Your Relationships\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Elevator pitch: \u2018Tells you all you need to know about members of the opposite sex and how to deal with them for positive, happy relationships\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What problems or opportunities do your readers face? What keeps them up at night? What can\u2019t they do? What don\u2019t they know? What outcome do they want from the book? What role will they expect or want to play in the book: an observer, a learner or an active participant? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Compare the reader\u2019s expectations for the book with your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amend your own objective until it meets your readers’, or identify a different target audience for your book. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s been said that we should write about what we know. When considering the development of a self-help book, I would go one step further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You have the opportunity to share with your reader a combination of four important things: your knowledge, your skills, your experience and your personality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The change in behaviour that your reader seeks won\u2019t come from exposure to your knowledge or personality alone. They must practice new skills so that they build up their own experience. Your job is to help them do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If all you include in your book is what you know, you\u2019ll create a reference book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If all you write about is your personality, you\u2019ll produce an autobiography. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, by all means, share your knowledge and personality and include plenty of real-life examples, but give careful consideration to the inclusion of exercises and tasks which will develop the reader\u2019s skills and experience and truly appeal to your target audience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s your angle? If you\u2019re tackling a subject which is already popular, how will you approach it differently? What will make your book better or more appealing to a reader?<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a question which will really start to matter when you\u2019ve finished the book and are switching into sales mode and thinking about the book cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing your angle will help you, and others, pitch your book. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Which of the following roles will the reader most benefit from as their companion through their developmental journey?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Raconteur? Authority? Exemplar? Entertainer? Educator? Researcher? Curator? Counsellor?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pick a few but not all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Give serious consideration to the character you will adopt in the book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apart from helping your reader, it will aid you in finding a suitable authorial voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How will you address your reader? You may think it a trivial question, but your decision will have some significant consequences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You could write in the first person. \u201cI cooked my first sprout in 1967\u2026\u201d is fine if you\u2019re a TV chef who readers want to emulate. It\u2019s also great if you\u2019re a celebrity who people want to know better. But this form of address can easily stray into the territory of autobiography where the book is about the author and less about the reader. We buy Branson\u2019s books because we like him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Did you see what I did in my last sentence? While using the pronoun \u2018we\u2019 creates a sense that your readers are in a classroom, it can also divide and exclude them. Not everyone likes Richard Branson but by assuming that they do, you\u2019ve lost those readers who disagree with you. They may decide that your book isn\u2019t for them anymore because you\u2019ve misunderstood them and failed to accept that they are different. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, as I\u2019m doing here, you could settle on a second-person pronoun: you. This helps to create a closer, more personal relationship with the reader. It may also create a more explicit definition of your respective roles \u2013 teacher and student, for example. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, you can play it safe with good old third person. That is, \u201cGood old third person helps the author to play it safe.\u201d Yes, it\u2019s a bit robotic, but it\u2019s an option which may suit the nature of your book and its intended readership. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To avoid staring at a blank screen for too long, plan the book\u2019s structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How many chapters will there be? What will the content of each chapter be? In what order will they be best arranged? What will your chapter titles be?<\/p>\n\n\n\n This will help you to articulate what may be a complex subject area. It will also help the reader to see how their own journey of development is going to unfold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps you can come up with a methodology which encapsulates the subject area of your book into an easy-to-remember structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is there a model which visualises and simplifies the complexity of the subject matter? Are there \u20187 steps\u2019 or a process which the reader can be encouraged to follow? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Think about your target reader and what you want their reading experience to be like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where does the reader\u2019s personal journey begin? What will you ask them to do as they read the book? How will you guide them? How will they know that their journey has ended? Will it continue after they have finished reading? How will they embed new ways of thinking, speaking and doing things? <\/p>\n\n\n\n The reader of a self-help book should do more than merely read it \u2013 they must engage with it. They must invest something of themselves in the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether this means that your readers understand what you\u2019ve written and compare it to their own experience (e.g. Branson), or that they undertake exercises to practice a new skill (e.g. Snyder), your readers will be demonstrating the change in behaviour that any good self-help book is there to encourage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, your book will only help a reader when they can see it is focused on their<\/em> own<\/em> journey towards a more fulfilling life, so it’s important that your book appeals to them directly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s easy to underestimate the responsibility that comes with writing<\/a> a self-help book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will be asking your reader to trust your instruction in a form of personal development which may carry some risk. For example, you may encourage them to try something which affects their mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just as we would wish to assure ourselves of the qualifications of a doctor, plumber or pensions advisor, so too would we want to know that the author of a self-help book is worthy of our trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It may be helpful \u2013 and it will certainly be necessary \u2013 to include your credentials. <\/p>\n\n\n\nExamples Of Self-Help Books <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F**k<\/em> By Mark Manson <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"writing-self-help\"](\"https:\/\/jerichowriters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/writing-self-help.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMrs Beeton’s Book Of Household Management<\/em> By Isabella Beeton <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How To Win Friends And Influence People<\/em> By Dale Carnegie <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons In Personal Change<\/em> By Stephen R. Covey <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Screw It, Let\u2019s Do It: Lessons In Life and Business<\/em> By Richard Branson <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Rejection Proof<\/em> By Jia Jiang <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Goal<\/em> By Eliyahu M. Goldratt And Jeff Cox <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Who Moved My Cheese?<\/em> By Dr Spencer Johnson <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"self-help-book\"](\"https:\/\/jerichowriters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/self-help-book.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMen Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus<\/em> By Dr John Gray <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Save The Cat<\/em> By Blake Snyder <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Prophet<\/em> By Kahlil Gibran <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How To Write A Self-Help Book <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Identify A Clear Problem Or Opportunity That Your Book Must Address <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Determine A Clear Objective For The Book <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"self-help-books\"](\"https:\/\/jerichowriters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/self-help-books.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCompare Your Objective With The Reader\u2019s Objective For The Book <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Know What You Are Able To Share With Your Readers <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Decide How You Will Present The Material <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Is Your Role In The Book? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Practice And Settle On A Confident Authorial Voice <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Develop A Structure For The Material <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"writing-self-help-books\"](\"https:\/\/jerichowriters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/writing-self-help-books.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDevelop A Clear \u2018Reader Journey\u2019 <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Understand Why You Are The Right Person To Write This Book <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"how-to-write-a-self-help-book\"](\"https:\/\/jerichowriters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/how-to-write-a-self-help-book.jpg\")
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