How do you write a conclusion for a non-fiction, self-help book? What do you say at the end of your book? Why is it sooooooo hard to wrap things up? You’ve written about so much stuff already—what’s left to say? How do you end your book in an awesome, not-at-all-lame way that makes readers excited to tell others what they’ve learned, eager to put their new knowledge into practice, and raving about you, the incredible author?!

As an editor and book coach, I read a TON of first-draft manuscripts, and writers almost always overcomplicate their book’s conclusion. There are really only three things a conclusion needs—and they are stupidly simple. Trust me: your big, beautiful brain is overcomplicating this conclusion thing, so let me break it down for you.

But first, do you need a structure for your conclusion?

This is the third post in a series. The first is How to Write a Book Introduction, and the second is How to Write a Book Chapter That’s Actually Good. As I said in those posts, not everyone needs a structure like the three steps presented here. 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 some writing help, here are three stupidly simple steps to write a book conclusion without overcomplicating the matter.

 
 

Three Stupidly Simple Steps to Write a Book Conclusion

Step 1. Remember the point of all this?

Remind the reader of the point of this book—which is usually that they want to move from where they’re currently at to a solution. Refer to the I Get It and The Solution sections of your introduction and recall some of those details here.

Length: Three to five paragraphs.

Step 2. Here’s a little recap

Remind the reader of everything you’ve taught them. You might feel like you’re rehashing stuff; that’s how it should be. Humans need repetition to learn, so repeat the key takeaway from every chapter, and relate it back to how it will help the reader overcome their current challenge. Use the If You Remember Nothing Else… section of each chapter for this.

Length: One or two sentences to introduce this recap, plus one to three sentences per chapter recap, plus one or two sentences to conclude this section.

Step 3. What’s next?

Paint a picture of what life will be like for your reader when they’ve acted upon everything you’ve taught them. Let them see the new life available to them. This will leave them encouraged and excited.

Add a call-to-action at the end. This should direct them to somewhere where they can learn more. Often this is your website. Sometimes it’s a Facebook or other social media group, or a particular page on your site where they can access an additional resource. Consider how this book will funnel readers into interacting with you, and direct readers accordingly.

Length: Three to four paragraphs.


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 Conclusion Notes

Length

The conclusion will be your shortest chapter in the book. It doesn’t really matter how long it is, but if it’s coming up at the same length as your chapter or longer, you need to revisit it. (See Most Common Pitfall, below.)

Writing Practice

If you get stuck during the writing process, drafting your conclusion can be a fantastic exercise to refocus on what you’re trying to accomplish.

Revisit your introduction (if you’ve written it) or introduction outline (if you haven’t yet) and ensure you’re tying up any loose ends. Refer back to anything you promised in the introduction and mention here how you fulfilled that promise.

Most Common Pitfall

Do not teach new content in your conclusion! Writers are usually generous people who want to give everything they’ve got to their reader. They’re often uncomfortable writing a chapter that doesn’t give more information, more teaching, and more help. However, this is the easiest and most common way of ruining a conclusion.

Your conclusion should just recap everything you’ve already said. This isn’t a cop-out; it’s essential in helping your reader retain the information and feel confident enacting it. If you overload the reader at this crucial moment, you’ll sink them. Hold back. Help them absorb what you’ve shared. They will love you for it.

Questions?

What questions do you have about the three stupidly simple steps to write a book’s conclusion? Email me and ask away! I'm happy to help however I can.

Thanks,

Liz "One, Two, Three, I’m Outie" Green
Editor, Book Coach, and Ghostwriter
Green Goose Writing

 
 

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