Step5c: How to Write a Book Introduction

Books often start with an introduction before getting into the detailed chapters. This introductory chapter is usually between one to three pages long, and is meant to provide information on what the book is going to be about. It gives background information, talks about why the book is important and gives an overview of the contents.

1. Use your book outline to develop your book introduction. Think about your main ideas as you are writing notes for your introduction. You can develop these main ideas from your outline points.

2. Hook the reader right from the beginning. It’s important to pull your readers in from the very first paragraph. Most of the successful writers have used a personal story from their lives, a funny story, a joke, or just an interesting fact that causes the reader to want to continue reading.

3. After the hooking paragraph, give the reader the general message of your book while highlighting the main purpose why you wrote the book. You want the reader to be convinced on why he/she needs to read your book.

4. At this point, you need to discuss (in a paragraph or two) who the book is intended for. Ensure you profile your desired reader and touch on his/her pain points. People will connect with you when they feel you can solve their problems or answer their questions.

5. In your concluding paragraph, lead the reader towards your first chapter. You want the transition to be seamless and not feel like there is a big jump from introduction to chapter one.

6. Remember to utilize the divine resource that is the Holy Spirit. He knows what He wants to communicate to His people through you. You should not do the book alone: pray, ask, meditate, listen and start typing…

Next we will look at How to Write a Conclusion.

Training by: Dr. Muthoni Mercy Omukhango

Publisher in Africa | National Director @CLC Kenya |Authors’ Manager @African Christian Authors Book Award-ACABA | Marketplace Minister | Patron at CLC Kids and Teens | Advancing God’s Kingdom through literature. 

Step2: Let’s Talk About Publishing

The self-publishing landscape has changed considerably in the past two decades with new technologies such as the Internet, and the $1 billion markets continuing to change at a rapid pace. Increasingly, there are numerous alternatives to traditional publishing, and self-publishing is becoming the first choice for writers.

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Step5: Publishing Steps – Review

Is your manuscript due for a review towards getting published? The major focus during manuscript review is the general quality of the book. It is important to establish the overall completeness, scope and readership of the manuscript and whether the presentation and accessibility of the book is suitable. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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Step5a: How to Write a Book Dedication

A book dedication is a way for you, the author to bestow a high honor on a person (or a group of people) you wish to praise or otherwise spotlight. This dedication note is often short and usually focused on one person (or a specific group of people). It’s supposed to be personal, rather than professional. It goes on the dedication page, which is in the very front of the book, after the title page. Here's how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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Step5b: How to Write a Book’s Foreword

A well-written foreword can function as the ultimate third-party recommendation or endorsement for your book, generating interest and helping when it’s time to market your book. Here are the benefits of forewords and a guide to writing one. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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Step5c: How to Write a Book Introduction

Are you stuck on writing your book introduction? Here's how to... Hook the reader right from the beginning with a personal story from your life, a funny story, a joke, or just an interesting fact that causes him/her to want to continue reading. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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Step5e: How to Write an Author’s Bio

People are looking for reasons why they should spend their time reading what you have written. You need to instill confidence in your readers that you are knowledgeable on the subject matter by writing an appropriate bio. Here's how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices

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Step5f: How to Write a Book’s Blurb

A blurb is a short yet descriptive account of the book that goes on the back cover or within the book sleeve of a hardcover book. It includes any information that represents the book best and intrigues the readers and shoppers to pick the book off the shelves. Here's how to write one... #RaisingAfricanVoices

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Step5j: Should a Non-Fiction Book Have a Subtitle?

A book’s subtitle is a secondary title that typically follows the main title and provides additional information about the book’s content, theme, or purpose.For example, in the book “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis, the subtitle is “The Case for Christianity, Christian Behavior, and Beyond,” which gives potential readers a clearer idea of the subjects covered […]

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Step5l: Why Self-Edit Your Book Before Submitting it for Publishing?

Self-editing of creative books involves reviewing and revising your own manuscript to improve its clarity, coherence, and overall quality before submitting it for professional editing or publishing. This process is crucial for refining the content and ensuring that the book effectively communicates its message.Self-editing requires careful attention to detail and a critical eye to spot […]

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Step6c: How to Use Dialogue in Story Writing

Effective dialogue is characterized by authenticity, clarity, and relevance to the story. It should sound natural and believable, reflecting the unique voices and perspectives of the characters. Dialogue tags, such as "said," "asked," and "replied," help identify speakers and maintain clarity in conversations.

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