After two and a half years of hard work, my book is finally available for purchase! You can grab a hardcopy at places like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookstore. I’m thrilled to announce that it quickly became a Wall Street Journal bestseller.
Let me share a bit about what makes an outstanding nonfiction finance book, with insights from my editor at Portfolio Penguin Random House, Noah Schwartzberg. First, a bit of backstory: Back in 2012, after leaving a decade-long career in banking and three years into running my blog Financial Samurai, I decided to write a book. Despite multiple rejections from literary agents, I didn’t give up. Instead, I teamed up with my father and wife, and we self-published a book on how to negotiate a severance. The ebook was a success, helping thousands and generating over $500,000 in net profits since its release.
For anyone facing rejection: keep pushing forward. Don’t let gatekeepers deter you. The internet has opened up new avenues for sharing unique messages and creating special things.
The Process of Creating a Bestselling Nonfiction Book
In December 2019, Noah Schwartzberg reached out to me about writing a book. Typically, an author would secure a literary agent who would then pitch the book to publishers, but having been turned down in 2012, I seized the direct opportunity with Noah. Balancing writing with raising two young kids during a pandemic was challenging, but I was committed to not having any regrets.
I spent two years meticulously crafting the book, drawing on bestsellers to enhance everything from the storytelling to the actionable advice. My team included content editors, copyeditors, a design team, and my wife—ensuring every element from chapter arrangement to sentence structure was polished.
Ultimately, my book, Buy This, Not That, not only hit #1 on Amazon’s Retirement Planning category before its release but also made it as a Wall Street Journal bestseller.
Taking a Risk with Book Length
Despite advice to stick to a word count of 70,000 – 80,000 words, I wrote about 120,000 words and trimmed it to roughly 110,000. My rationale was that more content provides more value, especially since most finance books are priced between $25 and $29. My book covers multiple topics, providing readers with comprehensive guidance on diverse financial decisions, from investing in stocks or real estate to choosing between joining a startup or an established company.
What Makes a Great Nonfiction Finance Book
If you’re interested in writing or picking a great nonfiction finance book, here are some essential insights:
Getting the Attention of a Publisher:
Editors are inundated with pitches. Success often depends on whether your book offers solutions to specific problems for a clear demographic and whether you, as an author, have the platform to reach your audience.
Ingredients of a Great Nonfiction Book:
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula, but successful business books simplify complex ideas, making them memorable and actionable. They provide real-life examples and tools that readers can apply.
The Ideal Book Length:
While some books benefit from being concise, comprehensive treatments of complex subjects can justify longer lengths. The key is delivering value that justifies the time readers will invest.
Book-Writing Strategies:
Combining personal experiences with lessons from others can make your book relatable and enriching. It’s crucial for authors to come across as relatable and trustworthy, rather than just showcasing their expertise.
Managing Disagreements with Authors:
Trust and respect are vital in the author-editor relationship. It’s important to discuss and align on book details like font size, which might seem minor but can significantly impact readability.
Balancing Utility and Entertainment:
While books should be practical, incorporating entertaining elements can keep readers engaged. Successful books strike a balance that meets the reader’s expectations for both insight and engagement.
In conclusion, writing a bestselling book requires a deep understanding of your audience, a clear delivery of valuable content, and effective collaboration with publishing professionals. For anyone aspiring to write, whether you choose the traditional publishing route or self-publishing, focus on creating a book that offers genuine solutions and resonates with your readers. Thank you to everyone who has supported my journey by purchasing and reviewing Buy This, Not That. Your support means the world.
