Quality Nonfiction
As we view it, the elements of quality nonfiction are, in order of
importance:
Subject matter—Before we look at anything else, we want to know if
the book is written
about something people want to know. And second, is another book on this
subject matter needed? Have you found an angle on the subject that no one
has addressed before, or that no one has addressed effectively? What is
the competition for this subject, and how will this book compete?
Many manuscripts are written because the author
wants to write them, and then the question is addressed, "Will people want
to know this?" The successful author reverses the process by first
deciding what people want to know—what the marketplace is looking for.
Mapletree is mostly looking for books about parenting and
homeschooling,
but will consider books in other subject areas.
The Author—This is also a critical element of the book: the identity
of the author. It may even be first in importance, depending on the
subject matter. Who are you? Are you an expert in your field? Will the
reader trust what you are saying? Do you have credentials that will make
the reader want to know what you have to say on the subject?
Organization—Does the book move smoothly from one topic to the next
in an orderly, logical fashion? Does it appear that the author is in
control of the subject matter?
Style—Enthusiasm, humor, logic, all contribute to the interest
generated by the writing. Is the style engaging enough to keep us reading?
Credibility—Does the author provide enough detail, and provide it
with enough passion, to convince the reader of his or her assertions?
The above list was inspired by a similar list from an article, "How Books Are Chosen: What Goes into
Making an Editorial Decision," by Richard Marek. Richard Marek is a
renowned editor who had a long and distinguished career at Macmillan,
World Publishing, Putnam's, St. Martin's, Random House, and other
prominent publishers.
