Plan Like a Pro: The Smartest Way to Start Your Nonfiction Book

Before you start writing your nonfiction book, you need a plan. Here’s how to organize your ideas into a structure that flows and inspires.

Hey! Reginaldo Osnildo here again—and today we’re talking about one of the most important steps in writing a personal development book: planning before writing.

Now, I get it… planning doesn’t feel as exciting as “just writing.” But skipping the planning phase is like trying to build a house without a blueprint. The roof won’t fit, the doors will be crooked, and your ideas? All over the place.

Planning gives your book direction, structure, and power. And I’ll show you how to do it the easy way—without getting overwhelmed.

Let’s go!

1. Why Planning Saves You Time (and Headaches)

You might think planning slows you down, but actually—it speeds you up.
When you know where your book is going:

  • You stop second-guessing yourself

  • You avoid repetition

  • You write faster and more confidently

No more blank-page panic. Instead, you’ll have a roadmap that shows you exactly what comes next.

2. Define Your Book’s Purpose First

Before you create any chapters, ask:
“What is this book really about?”

Even better, ask:

  • What problem am I solving for the reader?

  • What transformation do I want to deliver?

  • How do I want the reader to feel when they finish?

Example Purpose Statement:

“This book helps people struggling with procrastination build focus, create simple routines, and feel in control of their time.”

Boom. Now everything in your book serves that purpose.

3. Break It Down Into Big Themes

Instead of thinking “What do I say first?” think in themes.

If your book is about confidence, your big themes might be:

  • Understanding self-doubt

  • Rebuilding self-image

  • Practicing boldness

  • Setting boundaries

Each one becomes a section or part of your book.

4. Turn Themes Into Chapters

Once you’ve nailed your main themes, break each one into specific topics—these will become your chapters.

Example:

Part 1: Understanding Self-Doubt

  • Chapter 1: Where Confidence Breaks

  • Chapter 2: The Role of Fear

  • Chapter 3: The Inner Critic vs. Inner Coach

Pro tip:
Make sure every chapter has a purpose—and builds toward the transformation you promised.

5. Organize With the Reader in Mind

Ask yourself:

  • What does my reader need to know first?

  • What mindset shifts must happen before they take action?

  • What’s the best order for learning and growth?

Always move from:

  1. Understanding the problem

  2. Presenting the solution

  3. Teaching practical tools

  4. Encouraging lasting change

Structure = transformation.

6. Use This Simple Book Skeleton

Here’s a no-fuss structure you can follow for most nonfiction books:

  • Introduction: Hook the reader + explain what they’ll gain

  • Part 1: The problem and context

  • Part 2: The practical solution

  • Part 3: Application and next steps

  • Conclusion: Final motivation and a call to action

  • Extras (optional): Exercises, checklists, tools, or resources

That’s it. Easy to follow, easy to write.

7. Start With a Mind Map

Still feeling fuzzy? Try this:

  • Write your book’s purpose in the center of a blank page.

  • Draw branches for each big theme.

  • Add sub-branches for chapter ideas, stories, tips, or exercises.

This helps you visualize your message and see how everything connects. (And yes, it can be messy. That’s fine!)

8. Test Your Plan Before You Write

Once your outline is ready, share it with someone in your target audience. Ask:

  • Does this sound helpful?

  • Is anything missing?

  • What are you most excited to read?

Real feedback now = less rewriting later.

Let’s Recap: How to Plan a Nonfiction Book That Works

  • Know your purpose

  • Identify your reader’s problem

  • Break your content into logical themes

  • Turn each theme into a clear chapter

  • Order your ideas to support the reader’s growth

  • Use mind maps, outlines, or even sticky notes to organize

  • Get feedback before you start writing

Remember: a strong plan leads to a strong book. Every time.

Want to Go Deeper and Write With Total Confidence?

I’ve packed all my best planning strategies (and much more) into my complete guide:

The Basics of Writing Nonfiction Books: How to Write About Personal Development with Clarity, Practicality, and Direct Conversation with the Reader

Inside, you’ll discover:

  • How to structure your message for maximum impact

  • Templates to plan your chapters with ease

  • Techniques to write clearly, simply, and with purpose

  • Tips to keep your reader engaged from page 1 to the end

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start writing a book that truly transforms lives…

Click here to get your copy now on Amazon
Your message matters. Let’s plan it the right way.

Talk soon!
– Reginaldo Osnildo

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