When you tell someone you’re writing a non-fiction book, they’ll often ask if you’ve done your research. They’re usually thinking about fact-checking, verifying statistics, or making sure your content is accurate. And yes, that matters. But there’s another layer of research that’s far more critical to your book’s success—and it needs to happen long before you type Chapter One.
This pre-writing research determines whether your book will find its audience, stand out in the marketplace, and actually get published. Skip it, and you risk spending months writing something nobody wants to read.
Know exactly who you’re writing for
Your ideal reader isn’t ‘anyone interested in the topic’; that’s far too vague to be useful. You need to be specific about who will benefit most from your expertise.
What keeps them awake at night? What questions do they ask but can’t find good answers to? Where are the gaps between what they know now and what they need to understand?
When you can answer these questions clearly, your book gains focus and purpose. You’ll know what to include, what to leave out, and how to structure your ideas so they actually help people.
This clarity also gives your book staying power. Books written for everyone often appeal to no one. Books written for a specific reader with specific challenges become the go-to resource that people recommend for years.
Understand your competition (and learn from it)
You’re not the first person to write about your subject, and that’s actually good news; existing books prove there’s a market. Your job is to work out what makes your approach different.
Start by reading widely in your field – not just the bestsellers, but also the newer releases and the books that take unconventional angles. As you read, ask yourself what these authors are doing well, where they fall short, and what questions they leave unanswered.
Look at sales rankings and reader reviews. What are people praising? What are they complaining about? This intelligence helps you identify opportunities. Perhaps readers consistently say existing books are too technical, or not practical enough, or missing a crucial element. That’s your opening.
The goal isn’t to copy what’s already out there. It’s to ensure you’re contributing something genuinely useful rather than rehashing the same tired advice everyone’s heard before.
Research your publishing routes thoroughly
Publishing is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Traditional publishing, hybrid models, independent publishers, and self-publishing each come with different costs, timelines, services, and expectations. What works brilliantly for one author might be completely wrong for another.
Before you commit to a path, understand what each option actually involves. What will it cost you (in money and time)? What level of creative control will you have? What support will you receive with editing, design, and marketing? What do publishers in your genre expect from authors in terms of platform and promotion?
These aren’t questions to leave until after you’ve finished writing. The publishing route you choose might influence how you structure your book, how you build your author platform, and even what content you prioritise.
Don’t skimp on this groundwork
This type of research might feel less exciting than actually writing your book, but it’s what separates published authors from people with half-finished manuscripts gathering dust. It ensures you’re not just writing a book – you’re writing the right book, for the right readers, with a clear path to publication.
Do this work properly, and everything that comes after becomes easier. Your writing will be sharper, your confidence stronger, and your chances of success dramatically higher.
Want to understand your publishing options in detail? The How to Publish Your Book Masterclass on 26th January walks you through the pros and cons of each route, helping you make informed decisions about your book’s future.
