How to Plot a Non-Fiction Book

In this article, you will learn how to plot a non-fiction book.

Non-fiction explores the depths of a real-world topic by using accurate information and recollections to drive the plot forward.

When tackling the narrative and doing your best to stay true to the storyline, you may struggle with how to plot a non-fiction book.

It’s not easy.

Non-fiction has its own obstacles and challenges.

Writers may struggle with staying true to every factual account on the subject and keeping the narrative interesting for the reader.

However, the bright side is that non-fiction plots are some of the most compelling storylines.

There’s a reason so many memoirs and biographies are at the top of the New York Times Best Sellers list! Readers fall in love with the connection with the characters.

They love diving deep into a memoir or feel like they’re in the front row of a historic event.

Most writers understand how to create characters, tension, dialogue, and action in fiction books but aren’t sure how to do it in non-fiction. The good news is that you can utilize the same techniques as you would in fiction.

Let’s talk through the components of a non-fiction book and how you can capitalize on them to plot your non-fiction novel and move your narrative forward.

Fiction Vs. Non-Fiction Plotting

Most writers don’t think about non-fiction in terms of a plot.

They are after true events or facts.

Why should you want or need to plot it out?

But the truth is that a non-fiction book should read similarly to a fiction book.

The people in the book should be treated as characters; it should have a beginning, middle and end; and there should be conflict (or tension) just like a work of fiction.

The only difference when plotting a non-fiction book is that the events in a non-fiction book should be true.

Now here is where most people object: but real life doesn’t have a beginning, middle and an end!

It doesn’t have a theme or character arcs where the mean girl learns how to have a heart of gold, or prince charming finds his princess, the assassin takes on one last job before retirement or a million other tropes.

And I would say, you’re absolutely right! Life isn’t like that!

But nevertheless, you can’t write a good book without them.

So in this blog post, we will show you how to mold your non-fiction book so it fits a readable narrative that will ensure everybody wants to read it.

Understand your characters

If you’re writing a memoir, your book is most likely about the characters.

It’s their story, and every thought or action is a significant part of the plot.

Think of the characters in a non-fiction book the same way you would a fiction book.

Ask yourself, what makes the character tick?

Why does their perspective matter in the story?

What can their point-of-view add to the plot and the structure?

One of the best places to start is by asking yourself the basics.

It recommended you grab a piece of paper and a pen, the good ol’ fashion way, and write this all down.

So you can truly visualize your characters and start mapping out their journey.

Here’s how you can get started:

• Who is the main protagonist?
• What do they want/need?
• How will they get what they want/need?
• What inevitably happens?

Now, let’s think about this from a non-fiction perspective.

With non-fiction plots and storylines, we take the character development one step further.

Fiction characters are designed to support the fiction.

They’re tools that help guide the plot in the right direction. The writer can manipulate their characteristics, passions, and wants how they need to keep the story moving forward.

When it comes to non-fiction, that isn’t the case.

The protagonist in a non-fiction book is a guide.

Whether it be a memoir or a series of essays about a current event: the protagonist will always guide the reader through the storyline and present it as reality.

That doesn’t mean the character attributes that push the plot forward aren’t just as important as they are in fiction.

They are!

It’s just presented in a different, more authentic way.

Because not everything is about the plot in non-fiction.

You don’t want to have a plot-driven non-fiction novel, or you’ll end up with a forgettable book title that someone reads and never again mentions or thinks about. Instead, think about how and why this story is being told by the character.

What role do the characters play in the narrative?

Why is their point of view the chosen one?

Biographies and memoirs are usually character-driven.

People love reading about other people. They love feeling like they’re sitting at the kitchen table and witnessing a big family fight.

They like to feel the heartbreak moments first-hand and to know the passions, struggles, and inner workings of the character’s mind. Not writing a memoir or a biography?

Well, some non-fiction books are about events and places, and the characters work the same way.

For example, let’s say we’re talking about a book about 9/11.

It’s hard to have one protagonist for a book like that. Instead, you may choose to highlight different experiences on that day.

Every chapter would be a different narrative, moment, or memory.

In the end, you’d have multiple characters that essentially tell the story of one protagonist, a 9/11 survivor.

Do whatever you can to hold the reader’s attention and keep them engaged from start to finish.

If they walk away from the book wishing it didn’t end or feeling like they know everything about that character, you’re on the right track.

Here are a few ways you can do this:

Don’t give too much information

Look, we get it. You want to share every living detail of the main character’s life.

You’re passionate about their story and want to share it with the world.

However, not every detail might not be needed to carry the plot forward.

Adding too much detail is a quick way to lose your reader’s interest.

Think critically about the description you develop and try to keep everything to one or two paragraphs.

If it takes too many sentences to explain, it might be better to table it.

Dialogue is key in Non-Fiction

Dialogue tells the reader a lot about a character.

It’s a tool that helps set the scene and keep the plot moving forward.

However, you’ll need to be careful with your dialogue.

The wrong dialogue can make you lose credibility, especially with non-fiction.

Everything needs to feel authentic to the reader.

They need to feel like it’s 100% something that would come from that character.

Dig deeper and do your research

At the end of the day, non-fiction is more than just a story. It’s also the truth.

All of the facts presented in your novel need to be backed by claims and factual evidence.

However, that doesn’t mean you aren’t allowed to dig deeper into your story and find the truth in every misunderstanding.

The deeper, emotional connections in the novel can provide compelling details.

Was the main character happy when they should have been sad?

Is there something they didn’t say that they should have?

What’s missing from the moment that only the reader knows?

These questions can help you create a compelling storyline.

Don’t forget the theme in Non-Fiction

The theme is the big picture and is the underlying meaning that breathes life into your plot.

It’s arguably the most integral part of a non-fiction book.

It’s the driving force that keeps readers on their toes and warms their hearts in all the right ways.

As you dive into the surface-level details, like what happened and when it happened: you’ll also want to consider the overarching theme.

Here’s where to start:

Find the theme

To find your theme, you’ll need to step outside your novel.

Take a look from the outside and start to identify the recurring themes you can intensify and capitalize on.

They’re likely already there. You just haven’t found them yet.

Don’t over-explain or go into too much detail, but don’t think in one or two-word responses.

The theme is better explained in a sentence. To find your theme, start by asking yourself:

• What is this story about?
• What is the meaning?
• Is there an underlying lesson you want the reader to know?
• What do you want your reader to get from the story?

Add in the emotions

The storyline is probably interesting and compelling, but consider how a stranger would read the mundane details.

Would they feel the same way you do? Probably not. That’s why deeper emotions are so essential.

They keep the reader locked in and feel deeply connected with the story.

Take it scene by scene

Every scene should push your novel forward.

It should have some sort of meaning related to the overall plot and has small plot components threaded throughout.

As you look at each individual scene, think about how your theme and plot work together.

Here’s an example:

• The protagonist drops out of school and feels lost
• Starts singing at a local bar in their spare time
• Agent discovers them and wants to sign them a deal
• Protagonist releases their first album and becomes famous

Each of these scenes can be looked at as an episode. They have components that drive the plot forward and keep the reader engaged throughout it all.

For this example, the theme could be never give up or open your mind to new opportunities.

Show the reader, don’t tell

The theme isn’t something you write, it’s something you show.

It’s in the character development, struggles, and accomplishments.

It’s the emotions you feel and the intended meaning of every section you write.

Themes always work best when you show them to your readers. You can do this with body language, emotions, and details.

Building tension in non-fiction

Tension pulls the reader in and doesn’t let them go.

It keeps them flipping page after page, wanting to know what happens next.

The same style of tension that keeps you locked into your favourite fiction book can be replicated in non-fiction.

Non-fiction stories have that same tension, but it’s not always amplified in the same way.

To do this, you’ll need to:

Establish what is at stake

Writing non-fiction is about more than just telling a story.

It’s also about delivering information or making an argument.

It’s about unwrapping an individual’s life or relieving a current event that shaped the world as we know it.

As you search for moments of tension, look for what the protagonist has at stake.

Identify their needs and make them crystal clear for the reader.

That way, they can build a connection to the protagonist and feel the tension in every scene.

Find the enticing incident

Even with non-fiction, there will be a pivotal moment in the plot.

A moment that makes the characters tick and pushes them over the edge. Something that defines the rest of the story and helps tie together the narrative components.

Developing the dialogue

A non-fiction book is nothing without dialogue.

Dialogue is a tool that sets the scene and tells the reader more about the character.

It helps you move the narrative forward and adds to the realism of the non-fiction storyline.

As you craft the perfect dialogue for each character, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Take it slow

When it comes to non-fiction, it’s all about emotion.

Readers want to feel a bond with the characters, and one of the best ways to create the connection is through the dialogue you choose.

As we mentioned earlier, the dialogue needs to make sense for the characters. If you lose the authenticity of the words, you risk losing the connection with the reader.

Don’t go overboard

The key to developing compelling dialogue that leaves a favorable impression on the readers is to use it sparingly and meaningfully.

If you overuse dialogue, you’ll lose the impact that it’s there to make.

Instead, think about how you can use words to reveal more about your characters, set the tone for the chapter, and drive your plot forward.

Think about the conversations

Conversations are the perfect tool to make a passage more interesting.

It keeps the readers locked in and ready to learn more about the scene or event.

Non-fiction writers want to stick to the truth and stay as close to it as they can. However, this can cause them to fall flat or leave out the entertainment for the reader.

Instead of writing out the protagonist’s interview response, think about how their response could work in a conversation.

Turn your questions into dialogue so you can continue to drive the story in a compelling direction.

If it’s not working, reconsider your approach

Now, this depends on the type and style of non-fiction, but if the dialogue is falling flat or something is not working, it’s time to readjust your approach and go at it from a different angle.

For example, if you’re interviewing someone, and the questions are a yes or no, or lack the detail needed to keep things interesting, you’ll want to rephrase your questions. How can you take things to the next level? What would help them open up and share more?

Sometimes, the problem isn’t the individual you’re interviewing but simply your research approach or approach to the subject.

Use the three-act structure

Let’s keep things simple here. The three-act structure refers to when a book, script, play, or fairytale has three parts: a beginning, a middle, and an end. Even if you don’t feel like a particular book follows this structure, chances are it does, and there’s a reason for that… the three-act structure works.

Here’s how it will look:

Beginning of the Story

Consider the beginning to be your setup.

When writing your beginning you’ll want to establish the protagonist. During this moment, it’s going to really pay off if you know and understand all of the ends and outs of your characters.

You want to make sure your reader knows your protagonist and has a strong understanding of their needs, wants, and desires. If you feel like you’re at a loss for words, grab a piece of paper, and write out some character traits.

This way, you can visualize the character you’re writing about and successfully portray them to the reader.

Many times in non-fiction, the protagonist is yourself.

Don’t be shy! Tell the world who you are!

Provide the setup readers need to move forward in the story.

Give insightful details about the event that puts the entire book into motion and how we’re going to segway to the next part of the book.

Middle of the Story

Think of the middle as the confrontation.

This is the part of the story that is going to be the longest portion of your book.

Once you’ve established your character, it’s time to bring in the other characters and everything else. This is when the main action plot and action happens and when the reader will get most of their information.

The middle will give most of the context and push the plot forward to the ending.

This is the moment you’ll dive into the conflict between characters and provide all the details the reader needs to understand the narrative. The middle will also have a major conflict that comes before the ending.

The conflict is the obstacle or setback the protagonist needs to experience to grow as an individual and push the reader towards the end.

The intensity will increase, the action will start to build up, and the reader will learn more about the main character during these impactful moments. As a writer, you have an opportunity to set the stage for the rest of the novel.

The protagonist’s choices, decisions, and emotional responses during this impactful moment will cause the turning point in the book.

Keep in mind: that some non-fiction novels have quick middle moments and are full of action. Others are slow and careful. For example, consider the impact of the memoir Crying in H Mart.

It’s a powerful story about the protagonist’s relationship with her mother. Every chapter builds on their relationship with one another as her mother slowly dies of cancer.

Each section tells us more about the protagonist and the other until her mother passes away at the end of the middle.

Her mother’s passing is an action that’s considered a pivotal moment, but it’s not technically considered the second most impactful moment of the story, not the main tipping point.

End of the Story

The end is the resolution.

It’s the final act before the curtains close.

It’s when the character receives what they want or don’t want and is the falling action of the book.

The end is when the princess falls in love with her prince or the protagonist finally lands that job they’ve always wanted.

With non-fiction, it’s going to be slightly different because the ending will be more impactful.

It will mean more to the reader. When they reach the end, they’ll leave with a new perspective and understanding of a current event, individual, or location.

As you consider how your storyline plays a part in this structure, you’ll want to also decide which details you can weed out to enhance the storyline. For some, this is the hardest part.

Letting go of those specific details you’re connected to might not feel right.

You’ll need to put yourself in your reader’s shoes.

Ask yourself, if you didn’t know this detail, would it change the storyline? If the answer is no, then you probably don’t need it.

Reworking the structure

The three-part act structure doesn’t need to be limiting, even though it might feel that way. In fact, there are ways to have some fun with the format.

Play with the structure of time

Just because you’re using this structure doesn’t mean you have everything be in chronological order from beginning, middle, and end.

Sometimes it’s better to know some of the middle at the beginning to better understand the character’s motives and desires throughout the story.

The same goes with the ending.

You can play with the illusion of time to work in your favour.

Think about how you can use flashbacks to your advantage. What role can they play in your non-fiction book?

However, if you manipulate time to move the plot forward in your book, ensure it benefits your overarching idea. You want the experience to be enjoyable for the reader, not confusing.

Start with the end

This is considered a circular structure.

It works well with non-fiction books with a conclusion with a climactic event at the end.

Instead of holding onto the pivotal moment until the very end, you’ll want to give your readers a taste at the beginning.

This is a great way to hook your readers and get them excited to engage with the plot. As you move through the story, you’ll essentially begin where you started.

Play with points of view

Depending on the plot and the theme, you may benefit from bringing in different narratives.

For some non-fiction plots, other narratives can be just as equally important as the protagonist. Weaving in different points of view can be a great tool that allows you to build on your point and create credibility with each line that leads to the climax.

The multiple narrative points of view work great for non-fiction because it helps build on the emotional connection. If you’re working on a memoir, you can focus on the different personal recollections of the individual’s closest friends or family.

If it’s a historic event, different points of view will provide a new, fresh perspective. Each new perspective you invite into the book creates a parallel understanding of the novel.

When used correctly, it can help you develop an impactful storyline from start to finish.

Tips for a successful non-fiction book

Start with the outline

The outline will work as a guide. It helps you outline the big events and develop compelling content that drives the plot forward. Starting with a draft will help you expertly transition from chapter to chapter and ensure all of your ideas connect.

As you work through the book from start to finish, you can reference your outline anytime you feel lost.

Keep things authentic

There’s a reason non-fiction resonates with readers so much.

It’s authentic to real life. As you take on crafting your plot, make sure you take advantage of authentic elements and maintain a fresh, unique perspective.

Is there something specific that makes the protagonist tick? Write it in. Is there a symbolic item you can use to derive an emotional connection between the reader and the plot?

Capitalize on it.

Ask yourself what details will make this book feel real to the reader? How can I keep things as close to reality as possible?

Add value

We’ll be honest… if you stick to the facts and the structure, you’ll end up with a boring story.

As Elmore Leonard said: “leave out the boring bits.”

So, you’ll want to replace those boring bits with real value.

Ask yourself: what is the point of reading this novel?

What should someone get from reading it? If you can garner a strong understanding of the value, you’ll be able to capitalize on it and keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Value is everywhere. You just need to find it in the facts of the story. You have a lot of opportunities to make this book a rewarding and exciting experience for the reader. You can reveal an unknown truth that leaves an emotional and impactful impression on the reader.

As you contemplate the value and dig deep into the details to find true meaning, you’ll want to consider what the reader will get from reading this non-fiction book.

Why does this story matter?

What value will it add to the reader’s life?

Is there anything they’ll walk away with?

You can pull the reader in with a perfect plot and make them feel connected to the storyline with a well-thought-out theme, but if you want to leave an actual impact on them when they close the book, you’ll need to ensure there’s value on every page.

Let’s consider one of the most popular non-fiction books, The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.

This novel provides a compelling narrative that showcases a young girl’s struggles during a historic event.

The narrative and details welcome you to get to know her and her family on a deeper level. It challenges the reader to consider what it might be like to be thirteen years old in 1942.

Some individuals find her raw details to be too unsettling to read.

However, these thoughts and honest opinions add value to the theme and plot.

It’s what makes this a memorable read for everyone and anyone who picks it up.

Allow your narrative to add value to your plot so your non-fiction can be a memorable book that’s hard to put down.

The why what, how

The why, what, and how will be particularly important when building the three-act structure.

Think of the beginning as your why, the middle as your what, and the end as your wow.

Use this understanding to strategically map out your plot, dig deep into your character’s understanding and tell a compelling story for the reader.

If you ever feel stuck while working through these components, always come back to your why, what, and how to help you structure your non-fiction book and continue moving in the right direction.

Think about your book title

First impressions matter, and we hate to say it – people often judge a book by its cover.

Ask yourself, what’s the last non-fiction book you picked up? What was the title?

What drew you in?

Non-fiction book titles matter because they establish your scene and generate excitement.

It’s like an advertisement for your plot.

When thinking about your book title, always think about what you would need to google to find this style.

Those keywords can help you develop a compelling book title.

Have a purpose

Non-fiction books always have a purpose.

Whether you’re telling someone’s story, solving a problem, or discussing a current event: readers come to your book looking to learn about something.

So with that in mind, don’t hide the obvious!

There doesn’t need to be an insane plot twist at the end.

The purpose can grow with time.

Take it one chapter at a time

In non-fiction books, each chapter comes together to create the story.

You can almost consider each individual chapter to be its own essay.

As you focus on the emotions and hone in on the details the reader needs to know, you’ll also need to consider how each moment or memory works together to complement the plot.

Ready to start writing your own non-fiction book?

There’s no better time than now to start! Remember, only 1% of all books are actually finished.

If you’re serious about writing a book, take it day-by-day, chapter by chapter. Until you have a full-fledged non-fiction book.

Last Thoughts

Writing a non-fiction book is not easy. It takes a lot of time and dedication.

You can either hire a writing coach to help you or if you just want the book without having to do the actual writing you can hire a ghostwriter.