Let's look again: Recheck vs. re-check
Editing client publishes first paranormal novel

Write end of chapter summary in nonfiction books

When Nonfiction writing a nonfiction book, novice authors often omit a key element: a summary at the end of each chapter.

Usually chapters come packed with information that prove more than a reader can remember. The summary helps jogs readers’ memories of what was read, and in doing so sets them up for the next chapter. The summary can appear either as a paragraph of text or as a set of bullet points. Usually these bullet points are the headings of chapter subsections or the opening sentences of each subsection.

Writing a summary also can benefit authors during the early drafts by keeping them on track. Before writing the summary, jot down what the table of contents and the opening paragraph says will be in the chapter. Next, read the chapter, taking notes of the key points. These notes then serve as a summary. Compare the notes to what was jotted down earlier from the table of contents/opening paragraph. Do they jive? If not, then something needs to be rewritten – the table of contents, the chapter’s opening paragraph, or the chapter text itself.

Also consider adding links with the summary, especially for ebooks. These links might go to other articles or even books that elaborate on the bullet point. By including these links, your title becomes a reference book for its field and even can lead to sales of other books you’ve written.

Professional Book Editor: Having your novel, short story or nonfiction manuscript proofread or edited before submitting it can prove invaluable. In an economic climate where you face heavy competition, your writing needs a second eye to give you the edge. Whether you come from a big city like Portland, Oregon, or a small town like Papa, Hawaii, I can provide that second eye.


Comments

Verify your Comment

Previewing your Comment

This is only a preview. Your comment has not yet been posted.

Working...
Your comment could not be posted. Error type:
Your comment has been saved. Comments are moderated and will not appear until approved by the author. Post another comment

The letters and numbers you entered did not match the image. Please try again.

As a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below. This prevents automated programs from posting comments.

Having trouble reading this image? View an alternate.

Working...

Post a comment

Comments are moderated, and will not appear until the author has approved them.

Your Information

(Name is required. Email address will not be displayed with the comment.)