Your personal story
It is common for self-help writers to include their own personal story to some degree, in some form. This is usually because they are motivated by their own experiences of personal transformation. In early drafts, writers sometimes privilege the memoir aspect as they chart their own journey. This assumes the reader has an interest in the writer’s life. Self-help and personal development books tend to focus on what the reader may be seeking to understand or resolve in their own life. Be careful that the focus on your life doesn’t unintentionally mute the experience of others, including the reader. Yes, the writer’s experience is important – this, in part, sets them up as an ‘expert’ and justifies why they are the right person to write this book – but the role of the writer’s experience on the page is to support the central idea.
Case studies
Case studies are valuable in self-help books as they allow the author to illustrate their argument with a variety of scenarios that lie outside their own experience. They work to show readers different iterations of the issues being explored, and they make it real, rather than simply theoretical.
It is absolutely fine to draw on a range of stories of clients or those you have come across and craft case studies to make specific points. Fictionalising aspects of case studies is an important part of respecting privacy. Case studies provide stronger examples than, say, references to fictional stories (novels, TV series and movies).
Referencing the work of others
Most self-help writers have read widely, undertaken extensive research and are highly trained. That’s great, and part of what makes them an ‘expert’. In early drafts I find writers often draw heavily on the material of other authors and teachers who have influenced them.
Keep in mind that the reader has shelled out money to find out what you think and what your ideas are. When you do reference the work of others, you need to create a context for it so that their ideas support your own, or illuminate another aspect to the point you are making. If you simply present the work of others as definitive, or present their ideas with no relation to your own, the reader will wonder if they should be reading the work of those authors rather than your book.
If you want to introduce a concept coined by another writer, you will need frame it for the reader in such a way that they understand why this other writer’s ideas are useful in terms of the journey you are taking them on through your own central idea.
Exercises and practices
Many self-help books include practical guidance such as specific exercises. You will need to determine how you want to include this element in your narrative. Be consistent with the language, placement and format you use in presenting exercises or practices.
Be mindful that suggesting readers undertake specific practices will necessarily direct their focus away from the book to themselves. The most effective self-help books present exercises in a way that ensures the reader will come back to the book wanting more. The exercises need to be fulfilling in themselves, as well as leading readers on a step-by-step journey where they understand they need to return to the text for the next step.
Graphics
Illustrations such as tables, diagrams and charts, can, in some cases, be a great way to present information and to help readers assimilate ideas. Be mindful of copyright restrictions on the inclusion of graphics developed by others.
Getting the mix right
It takes multiple drafts to get the mix of content right. You are likely to tweak the balance between the different content elements as you strengthen your understanding of the book’s purpose [see Writing a Self-help Book Part 1] and as you claim your authority as an expert. Remember that readers are investing time and money in what you have to say.
See also Writing Self-help Part 1: Clarity of Purpose and Writing Self-help Part 3: Finding Your Voice
