From Changemaker to Author: A Nonfiction Book Development Intensive

If you’re looking to become known for an idea and respected for your expertise – it’s time to write your nonfiction book. You already have something to say. You’ve said it in rooms, in conversations, in work that has changed people. But the book? That feels like a different thing entirely – bigger, more elusive, somehow always not quite the right time. This six-week intensive is for the writer who has lived their subject matter. The expert, the advocate, the practitioner, the person who has earned their perspective and is ready to shape it into something that lasts. Each session combines direct instruction with hands-on writing practice, guided research, breakout group work, and mastermind-style coaching — so students leave every class with something made, not just something learned. A craft thread runs through every session: every workshop produces actual writing, not just planning documents. Who this class is for: Nonfiction writers at any stage and any publishing path — whether you have a full draft, a half-formed concept, or simply the deep certainty that there is a book inside you. No prior publishing experience required. Especially well-suited to practitioners, educators, advocates, and entrepreneurs who want to translate their expertise into a book. Class Schedule: Week 1: Why this book, why you, why now. Types of nonfiction and publishing paths overview. The identity question: who gets to write a book, and why that question is worth examining before you write a word. Workshop: draft your three whys and write the first version of your “why you” paragraph — the one that answers why you are the only person who can write this book. Week 2: Prove there’s a reader. Market analysis, comp analysis, finding the gap your book fills. How to read a comp not just as a sales tool but as a craft model. Workshop: guided research session, comp identification, group share-out. Each student writes one paragraph of market analysis for their own book. Week 3: Build the architecture. Book structure — chronological, topical, problem-solution. The difference between a book idea and a book argument. Finding your hook. Workshop: draft a chapter framework and write your opening hook — the first sentence or paragraph that earns the reader’s attention. Breakout groups workshop each other’s hooks and structures. Optional guest author perspective on structure. Week 4: Your voice on the page. What makes nonfiction writing compelling rather than merely informational. Voice, specificity, the role of personal story even in prescriptive work. How to write toward your reader without losing yourself. Workshop: generative writing exercise — each student writes a scene, anecdote, or opening that demonstrates their voice. Mastermind-style coaching on what’s working and where to push further. Week 5: Your author identity and platform. Who you are before the book comes out matters as much as who you are after. Platform audit — what you already have, what you need, how to build now. PR angles, community strategy, the difference between an audience and a platform. Publishing paths in depth and how early decisions shape later options. Workshop: draft your author bio. Mastermind-style coaching on individual platform gaps and publishing path decisions. Week 6: Showcase and next steps. Each student presents their concept to the group: their why, their reader, their structure, their hook, their voice. Structured peer feedback. Optional guest — a working author, publisher, or agent. Every student leaves with a written concept overview, a comp list, a structural framework, a voice sample, and an author bio draft. Students pursuing traditional publishing leave with the bones of a proposal. Students going indie leave with a positioning and launch strategy. Goals and Outcomes: A clearly defined book concept with working title and core argument A comp list and market analysis paragraph A chapter-by-chapter structural framework A written opening hook and voice sample A drafted author bio A clear publishing path and next steps, whether traditional, hybrid, or independent A peer community of nonfiction writers to carry the work forward Access Program We want our writing classes and seminars to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and seminar tuitions at a reduced rate. Most writing classes have at least one access spot available. Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at [email protected] if you have questions. Liaison position Every in-person class and seminar at Literary Arts has one liaison position. Liaisons perform specific duties for each class meeting. If you are a liaison for a class or seminar, the full amount of your tuition is covered by Literary Arts. Apply here for the liaison position.