Most people who set out to write a prescriptive nonfiction book hear a voice in their head whispering one of three things:
- No one is going to want to read this book.
- Someone might like to read this book.
- This book is for everyone!
To be fair, that voice can rotate through all three on any given day. And while that’s relatable, it’s not helpful.
Let’s start with something that is helpful: Ignore 1 and 3.
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Ignore “This Book Is for Everyone”
Let’s begin at the end. Ignore thought number three: “This book is for everyone.”
You’ve probably heard the old saying, “If it’s for everyone, then it’s for no one.” That’s not just a cliché—it’s a reality in nonfiction writing.
Thinking your book is for everyone often signals that you haven’t done the essential work of identifying your target audience. Without knowing who you’re writing for, your message will lack clarity, and your book will struggle to connect with anyone at all.
Ignore “No One Will Want to Read This”
On the flip side, thought number one—“No one will want to read this”—is usually just fear talking.
If you’re considering writing a prescriptive nonfiction book, chances are it’s based on your experience, expertise, or a deep area of interest. And if you’ve been through something or studied it closely, you’re not alone. Others are walking a similar path and are looking for guidance.
That means there’s someone out there who could benefit from your knowledge—possibly many someones.
So let’s call 3 a lazy lie, and 1 a fearful lie. Both are distractions.
Focus on the “Someone”
That brings us to thought number two: “Someone might like to read this book.”
This is where the truth lies—and where your book begins to take shape.
A Key Truth
It’s not about what your book is about. It’s about who your book is for.
The clearer you are on who that “someone” is, the easier it becomes to write a book that resonates—and later, a book that sells.
Your Book Isn’t About You—It’s About Them
When you accept that someone might need your book, you might start listing all the things you want to tell them. But that’s the wrong place to begin.
Instead of asking, “What do I want to say?” ask:
“What does my reader need to hear—and how do they need to hear it?”
Many first-time (and even seasoned) authors stop at basic demographics like age, education, or income. That might help later when you market your book, but it’s not enough to write a truly helpful and engaging one.
Think Psychographics, Not Just Demographics
To write a book that connects, you need to understand your reader’s external and internal challenges. These are their psychographics.
- Externally: What problems are they facing? What goals do they hope to achieve?
- Internally: What do they value? What do they fear? What common misconceptions do they hold?
Knowing this helps you write a book that speaks to people across ages and backgrounds—because shared experiences and challenges matter more than statistics.
Look to Your Past (and Your People)
A great way to start identifying your ideal reader’s challenges is to look in the mirror.
Think about the version of you before you gained the insights you now want to share. What did you struggle with? What did you wish you knew? What fears or beliefs held you back?
You can also talk to people who are in that position now:
- Clients you already work with
- Friends or colleagues facing similar problems
- Online communities where your audience gathers
Their words and concerns are a goldmine for your book’s message, tone, and structure.
Who Is the Certain Someone?
The “someone” who will love your book is:
- Interested in your topic because it relates directly to their life
- Willing to buy, read, and apply what you teach
- Impacted enough to tell others about it
They’re not just readers—they’re future advocates.
The Key Question: Who Will Talk About Your Book?
Still unsure who that someone is? Ask yourself this:
Who will be so moved by your book that they’ll recommend it to others?
Now reverse-engineer your answer:
- Who would find clear, practical answers in your book?
- Who would finish your book because it spoke their language and described their life?
- Who would buy your book because it promises help for their specific problem?
Once you can answer these questions, you’ll have a clear profile of your reader.
Begin at the End
Writing your book doesn’t start with outlining chapters or jotting ideas.
It starts with understanding:
- Who needs what you have to offer
- What they need to hear—not what you want to say
- How they need to hear it (tone, style, language)
Once you get this, you’ll write a prescriptive nonfiction book that feels tailor-made for the people who need it most.
And when your book connects, it gets read. When it gets read, it gets recommended. And when that happens, you’ve done what you set out to do—help someone.
Final Thought
It’s not about your book’s content. It’s about your book’s connection.
Start by building that connection.
