How to Write Non-Fiction Book Introductions Without Boring Your Reader

Non-fiction book introductions are so boring most of the time. And, that is a huge mistake for an author to make because it's one of the first parts of your book a potential reader will look at. When they click the 'look inside' feature on Amazon, or flip open a copy of your book at the store, they will be faced with the introduction. And, most of the advice out there will tell you to introduce your topic, tell the reader why you wrote the book, explain what is in the book, and then outline your credentials. That is boring just thinking about it, isn't it?

In this video, author and Book Launchers founder Julie Broad walks you through five tips for making your non-fiction book introduction pack a punch and grab the readers' attention so you get more book sales. She also uses popular author Rachel Hollis as an example of what not to do in your book introduction (but a great way to start Chapter 1).

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[rebekahgarcia]

I love this lady's way of delivering the facts and ideas. Heck no I don't read the intro I usually just jump straight into chapter 1. Thank you for the awesome tips! Super helpful!

[ersiliaarjocan]

Sometimes the sample/intro on Amazon is so good that I buy the book. Unfortunately the rest of the book might not deliver on the promise and I feel cheated

[brrryan]

Dear Julie, I'm not a "reader" but I'm writing a book! (Nutso, huh?) One of the main reasons I have faith/confidence in my chances of success is YOU! Your info and presentations are always concisely packed with humor and information that "shows" how-to, and NOT! Thanks again. :)

[NVTTLimited]

Thanks Julie - super helpful - really concise. It's the only advice I took.

[williamribardo]

While reading a book I always look at everything on the cover.

[camoflage]

I'll read an introduction from an author I don't know. But first, I have to be swayed by the cover, then the blurbs...but I agree that most introductions are dull as dishwater and probably are there to make the author feel important. I know because I've written a couple of introductions (my poor, fragile ego). :)

[jonebersole]

Once upon a time, many, many moons ago, I was born at a very young age...

[rachelrobertson]

Ironically, I like writing in intros and prologues into my stories; yet, as as a reader, I’m 50/50 about reading intros in general. It’s all about that first sentence.

[kellybonanno]

I don't like reading long introductions either! I've been going back-and-forth on whether or not to include one in my book, definitely keeping it very short if I do so it's great to hear you recommend that.

[Firmansyah]

this is call out of the box.. "you don't need one(introduction)".. nice advice.. thanks

[weweweyee]

I actually searched up how to write essay introductions but found this, I was gonna click off beause i dont care about it, BUT the introduction was so I watched it all

[FearlesslyShannon]

I legit bought Rachel’s second book first. Not knowing her. Bought it based on the title and cover. And fully read the intro after I bought it ❤️

[AntonReyes]

I usually skip intros...except if they are super short. Thanks for sharing this. I learned a lot.

[poetryfromtheheart]

Thank you for the great example at how to create an attention getting intro.

[EmbraceTerror]

Absolutely, I read intros (until it becomes onerous). I'm amazed at how much great stuff some authors put into intros, regardless of lengthy length.

[keithevans]

this is a very enlightening videos u have helped me a lot, keep up the good videos.

[katieweiser]

Great advice. Your examples around making it about the reader and what they are going to get by reading the book is really a hook. I do read introductions particularly for authors I do not know. But, my first stop is always the back cover. I'm going to start seeing how many books have introductions because if it isn't needed, save time and work and just skip it!

[kinglion]

Daam that intro alone made me subscribe

[Drathaar]

Great tips! I used most of those already in the introduction to the book I've told you about. I'll take another look at it during my self-edit to see if I can implement more. Also, the oh-so super-soft Book Launchers journal is now in my possession! Smooth as a baby's bottom! Thanks!

[hncjkhj]

Thank you for this unique tips. it's so obvious now when you say it, still, no one says it haha