Where do you start writing your book? I get this question all the time, and I'm not surprised, because a book feels like a big mother effer. So many pages! So many words! So many opportunities to use exclamation points!!! And how do you make sure your book is actually good? You use a plan—a structure—for your book chapters.
Not everyone needs a structure. If you're flying by the seat of your pretty panties and writing epic books, then go you! But if you're not flying the g-string of victory, and you need someone to show you where to start writing, let me gift you my quick guide on how to write a book chapter that’s actually good.
(My last post was about how to write a book introduction. If you missed it, click here to catch up.)
How to write a book chapter that's actually good
A really awesome, non-fiction book chapter keeps the reader turning the pages, eager to find out what comes next. It's engaging. It's grabby. Not physically—that would be some weird, sci-fi shit. But it grabs the reader's attention and doesn't let go.
There are a bunch of ways to achieve this, but the most straightforward (and, I would argue, effective) way is to structure your book chapter into these six essential parts.
Part 1. Listen to this awesome story
Draw the reader in with an interesting statement or story. Paint a picture with your words. Let the reader “see” what you’re describing.
As you tell the story, keep your main point (the “If You Remember Nothing Else” section—see below) in mind, and make sure you’re demonstrating it clearly.
Length: One to three paragraphs, but longer if it needs it.
Part 2. I’m about to tell you...
Summarize what you’re about to tell them in this chapter. Before you can get into the details, you need to tell the reader where you’re taking them to reduce any micro-anxiety they might feel.
This also starts the repetition process, and repetition is key to helping readers remember what they’re learning. Did you hear that? Repetition is key!
Length: One or two paragraphs.
Part 3. The meaty meat
This is where you get into the real meat of your content and do some deep teaching. Stay focused on this chapter’s subject, but don’t hold back here. This is your chance to say everything you want the reader to know.
Use subheadings to break up the content every time you start a new sub-subject. Too many subheadings are better than too few, so be generous with them. Use stories to demonstrate your points. Write with confidence and passion.
Length: As long as necessary. This will be the largest part of the chapter.
Part 4. If you remember nothing else...
Summarize the one key takeaway you don’t want the reader to forget. If they remember nothing else, it should be this. It’s usually the key theme underpinning the teaching you delivered in The Meaty Meat.
Length: One or two paragraphs.
Part 5. The flashback
Bring this chapter full-circle and reference something from the Listen to This Awesome Story section at the beginning of this chapter. The flashback will give the reader a nice sense of closure and signal that we’re moving onto another subject.
This is one technique that will make your writing seem super-slick! And readers love it, so don’t be tempted to skip this step.
Think about why you chose that earlier story or statement to kick-off this particular chapter, and reference it here.
Length: One sentence to one paragraph.
Part 6. Don’t stop now
The previous section wraps the chapter up nicely, but if you leave it there, the reader may feel such a nice sense of completion that they’re not compelled to keep reading. Lure them into the next chapter by giving them a hint about what’s to come.
Length: One sentence to one paragraph.
A note about length guidelines
The length guidelines above are only guidelines! Don’t get caught up in adhering to them. Writing is a creative process that can never be completely codified. The guidelines are there to keep you from steering wildly off-track, but you must be the judge of your own work, and write accordingly.
If you have a book coaching package with me, I’ll guide you on length as we work through each chapter and tell you if your drafts are too long or short. If you’ve hired me as an editor, I’ll look out for this as I edit your writing. Otherwise, use your judgment to assess if you’ve said everything you need to on a topic in the shortest possible way.
Additional chapter notes
How long should a chapter be?
A chapter should be however long is needed to make your point.
That’s not a very helpful answer, though! So here’s a better one: In non-fiction, self-help books, chapters usually range from 1,500 words to 3,500 words.
If you go outside this range, you should have a good reason for doing so. If in doubt, always go shorter as fast-to-read chapters are easier for readers to digest.
How should I write my chapters?
Use this anatomy for every chapter except the introduction and conclusion.
Most people find it easiest to start with chapter one and “write forward,” which is the industry term for writing in the order in which the content will be presented.
This is what I recommend. It’s the easiest way to follow the thread of the reader’s experience and ensure you’re guiding them through the content without skipping important information.
At some point, though, every author gets stuck while writing. It’s normal, and it’s okay. If you’ve signed up for a book coaching program, I’ll walk you through this when it inevitably happens!
Otherwise, a good tip is to jump ahead and write out of order, just until you’ve kick-started your writing again. Then return to the troublesome section and have another go at it.
What do people get wrong when writing chapters?
Writers often go too fast in The Meaty Meat section. Slow down. Take your time explaining things to the reader. When it feels like you’re going into too much detail or talking to the reader like they’re dumb, you’re probably on the right track.
Questions?
What questions do you have about writing and structuring your chapters? Email me and ask away! I'm happy to help however I can.
Thanks,
Liz "Structure Is My BFF" Green
Book Coach, Green Goose Writing
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