The nonfiction book checklist

• I wrote down two or three specific things I want this book to do for me, in words I could check off later (not "help people").
• I named my champagne moment: one realistic event that would make the whole effort feel worth it.
• I wrote what the reader will be able to do, know or decide after reading that they could not before.
• I described my primary reader as one specific person: their role, their situation and the problem that would make them pick up this book.
• I checked that reader picture against real people (conversations, client emails, questions I get asked), not just my assumptions.
• I wrote a description of the book in 200 words or fewer that says what it is about, who it is for and what they get.
• I wrote the one sentence a happy reader would use to recommend the book to a friend.
• I listed the topics this book will not cover, so I can say no to them later.
• I wrote my one-sentence positioning statement, and it names one audience, one idea and one goal.

Module 1 is done.

• I found five to ten books my reader might buy instead of mine and noted what each does well and where it falls short for my reader.
• I can say in one sentence how my book is different from those books, in terms my reader cares about.
• I know the two or three subject categories my book belongs in, and I have looked at what sells in them.
• I wrote down the promise of the book: the result or answer the reader gets.
• I brainstormed at least 20 title options using several different title styles.
• I wrote a subtitle that says plainly who the book is for and what they get.
• I searched my finalist titles on online bookstores and in the trademark database and checked for conflicts.
• I said each finalist out loud as a recommendation ("you should read ...") and dropped the ones that are hard to say or remember.
• I tested my finalists with people who are actually in my audience, not a poll of friends.
• I picked a working title and subtitle and wrote them above my positioning statement.

Module 2 is done.

• I wrote down every fear I have about this book and a plain response to each one.
• I chose the overall shape of the book (steps, principles, problems and fixes, story-led or questions).
• I brainstormed every idea the book might include and moved the ones that do not fit into a parking lot.
• I have a table of contents with roughly 5 to 15 chapters, in an order that makes sense to a first-time reader.
• Every chapter has a one or two sentence thesis: the single point the chapter makes.
• Every chapter has an outline: a hook, the thesis and the supporting points in order.
• I matched my stories, examples and data to the chapters where they do the most work.
• I outlined the introduction: hook, the reader's problem, what changes for them, what they will learn and why they should trust me.
• I outlined a short conclusion that recaps the core idea and gives the reader one clear next step.
• I reread the whole outline against my positioning statement and cut anything that does not serve the reader.

Module 3 is done.

• I chose how I will draft: typing, talking it out and transcribing, or working with a ghostwriter.
• I put my writing (or recording, or interview) sessions on the calendar with a set time and place.
• I set a daily target and a deadline for each chapter, and a date for a finished first draft.
• I told at least one person about the book and set up a way to report progress.
• I finished a complete first draft without stopping to polish it along the way.
• I set the draft aside for at least a week before revising.
• I did a structure pass: every chapter earns its place, in the right order, with nothing important missing.
• I did a line pass: every paragraph is as short, simple and direct as it can be.
• I read the whole manuscript out loud and fixed every place I stumbled.
• I gave the manuscript to a few chosen readers (target readers, a subject expert, an experienced editor) with specific questions.
• I decided which levels of professional editing the book needs and had them done.
• A professional copyeditor has been through the final manuscript.
• I locked the manuscript: no more changes before layout begins.

Module 4 is done.

• I chose a publishing path and I understand who will own the rights, who sets the price and how royalties are paid.
• I decided which formats to release (paperback, hardcover, ebook, audiobook) and in what order.
• I have an ISBN for each format and I know who is listed as the publisher.
• I have a professional cover, with spine and back cover for print, that still reads clearly as a small thumbnail.
• The interior is laid out professionally with the right trim size, and the front and back matter are complete.
• I checked a printed proof page by page and approved it.
• I set a price for each format based on my goals and the prices of comparable books.
• I wrote a book description of about 150 to 200 words: hook, problem, what the book gives them, invitation.
• I have a short author bio and a professional author photo.
• I entered consistent metadata everywhere: title, subtitle, author name, categories, keywords, description and release date.
• My book is set up for distribution to the stores and readers I care about, with no duplicate listings.
• I keep a record of every account, login owner, ISBN, file version and setting for the book.

Module 5 is done.

• I wrote a launch goal that ties back to my book's objectives, not just to sales.
• I made a list of everyone who should hear about the book: clients, colleagues, past readers, partners.
• I sent early copies to readers who agreed to read and, if they want, leave an honest review.
• I wrote a dated launch plan for the weeks around release, with who does what.
• My website, email signature and social profiles mention the book and link to where to buy it.
• I built a talk or workshop from the book and a one-page sheet for event organizers.
• I made a list of shows my reader listens to and wrote a short, specific pitch for each.
• I have three or four story angles a journalist or editor could use, drawn from the book.
• I decided how the book reaches clients and prospects (gifting, follow-ups, proposals, onboarding).
• I set up a monthly routine to keep using the book after launch.
• I am tracking progress toward my objectives and my champagne moment.

Module 6 is done.