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 in the book. It serves several key functions:
  • Clarification of Content: The subtitle provides additional information about the book’s content, helping readers understand what to expect beyond the main title. It often specifies the subject matter, the approach taken, or the key themes addressed.

  • Target Audience: It can help identify and attract the intended audience. By giving more context, a subtitle can appeal directly to readers who are looking for specific guidance, inspiration, or insights related to their faith.

  • Detail: It highlights specific topics, themes, or approaches within the book.
  • Enhanced Searchability: Subtitles can include keywords that improve the book’s discoverability in online searches. This is particularly important for reaching readers who are searching for specific topics within the realm of Christian non-fiction.

  • Attraction: It draws in potential readers by clearly indicating the book’s benefits or unique aspects.
  • Differentiation: In a crowded market, a subtitle can help distinguish a book from others with similar titles. It provides a unique angle or selling point that sets the book apart.

  • Marketing Tool: A well-crafted subtitle can serve as a mini pitch, quickly conveying the book’s value proposition to potential readers. It can highlight the benefits of reading the book, such as learning a new perspective, gaining spiritual insights, or receiving practical advice.

  • Establishing Authority and Credibility: Subtitles can emphasize the author’s qualifications, the book’s basis in scripture, or the endorsement of notable figures, which can lend credibility and attract readers who are seeking authoritative sources.

In summary, a subtitle enriches the main title by providing clarity, enhancing appeal, boosting discoverability, distinguishing the book in the market, serving as a marketing tool, and establishing authority, all of which are crucial for reaching and resonating with the intended Christian audience.

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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Step5d: How to Write a Book’s Conclusion

If your readers are in the conclusion chapter, it also means they read the whole book, they liked it, and now they want you to wrap it up. So don’t rash it. Give them what they want. Here's how to write a good conclusion for your book. #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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Step5k: Why Organising Your Non-Fiction Into Chapters Is Important

A book’s chapter is a distinct section within the book that focuses on a specific topic or aspect of the overall subject. Each chapter typically serves a unique purpose and contributes to the development of the book’s main theme or narrative. Here are some key characteristics of chapters: Organizes Content: Chapters help structure the book’s […]

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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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