Organizing How-To Content

Writing an instructional book can be as frustrating as it is rewarding. There are often so many ideas, tips, skills, images, and processes that need to be put in order that it is easy to get overwhelmed. The five-step system outlined below makes it simple to organize ideas for any size or theme non-fiction book.

1. Gather all your ideas

Combine all your typed notes, quotes on note cards, napkin scribbles, magazine cutouts, and yellow stickies. Once you have the information in one place, create a master list on a single piece of paper. Don't censor yourself at this time. If anything, add more ideas. You can make corrections and deletions later.

2. Put like with like

On several pieces of paper or note cards, organizing your ideas like with like. You can even physically cut your master list and rearrange the ideas visually. All the promotional ideas should go together, or all the decorating ideas, or all the recipes using chocolate. Don't worry about naming your categories yet, and don't censor your ideas yet.

3. Level them out

You'll find that some categories are naturally larger than others. If you have any that are too large, you may consider splitting them up into smaller groups. If you have any categories that are lacking ideas, consider beefing them up, combining them with another group, or dropping them.

4. Edit what is left

Now that you have combined your ideas into categories, edit each category. Focus on the main theme of the category. Each of your ideas should revolve around this main theme without straying too far off topic. Remove any ideas that won't enhance the value of your book or give the reader new information they can't find elsewhere.

5. Put it all together

Once you have solidified your main categories with the sub-categories/topics within, put it all together. Put your ideas in a logical order and fill

This system can also be used on a smaller scale to organize articles. Create a master list of ideas, match like ideas with like ideas, level out each topic, edit your details, and put it all together.

Many writers find it helpful to create organize their content and create a table of contents before researching and writing each section. Others prefer to free-write and organize the content in the end. Each preference has its benefits. By organizing your ideas first, you can avoid writing unnecessary copy. By writing out your ideas first, you have material to play with, and may be able to use what you cut in other sections of your book. Either way, by planning your non-fiction book in an appropriate order, your readers will benefit.

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