How Do You Write a Book Introduction?
Confession: I totally geek out on book introductions.
The part of my mind that loves structure and universality loves the predictable nature of an introduction. Most books move out from this home base in wildly divergent directions, but we often all begin at the same place, covering the same things. Ah, the sweetness of structure. (Says my Venus in Virgo.)
As a transformational non-fiction writing coach + editor who helps authors with their book introductions all the time, I’d love to demystify writing a book introduction for you. In many ways, this can be a step-by-step process, or at least you can use this resource as a guide to help you ensure your book introduction has what it takes and does its job well.
When to Write Your Introduction
I recommend writing your introduction AFTER you’ve written and arranged the rest of your book. You may sketch out a higher-level, rough outline of your introduction earlier on, but hold off on fully diving into your introduction until the rest of the book is written. Why? Because in a lot of ways your introduction is a preview into the material to come, and we don’t always have full clarity on that until the rest of the book is written.
Trust me, you’ll have a much easier time writing it at the end than trying to get it written before you have anything else articulated. This is a place where many new writers get stuck—and with good reason, a lot goes into the introduction!
What is the Purpose of a Book Introduction?
In some ways your introduction is like an elevator pitch for the rest of your book. It’s a step more in-depth from the back of your book but is still a courtship phase where you are inviting your readers deeper into your book and giving them a reason to read the rest.
In your book introduction, you are making a solid case for what your book is about (the what) and why it matters. It is also super important from the get-go, here in your book introduction, to connect deeply with your audience and establish your ethos/credibility as someone who understands them and is truly qualified to lead them on the journey that follows.
What to Include in your Book Introduction
You don’t need to include ALL of the following elements of a book introduction, but consider the ones right for your non-fiction book project.
Introduce your “What,” i.e. your topic, in a meaningful and attention-grabbing way. (The hook)
Make your case (for why what you do works or why your way of seeing things is optimal)
Establish why it matters: So what? Who cares? Here you may outline the problem, what is at stake around your issue, why you specifically care, and why your audience should too. Why should people read your book? Your book is an investment of your reader’s time, energy and attention (all precious resources). Make the case for why your book is a valuable investment. Here you might talk about the benefits your book may bring to your reader.
Give context and background about your issue or topic in your book introduction. What do we need to know at the outset to understand what will follow?
Tell your personal story. Explain why you are writing this book, how you came to be an expert in this area, and how you are connected to the topic
Establish your credibility, likeability, and trustworthiness with your reader. Why should they choose you as their “guide” through the journey you’re about to take them on?
Indicate what is missing in the conversation about your topic and your unique value statement + contribution to your field/topic
Present your main claim: what is your main overarching idea or message in the book?
Your intentions, reasons, and purpose for writing. What do you hope your book will do for your reader? What will it help them to do, believe, feel, understand, etc.
How this book is organized: Give us an idea of the structure of your book, what to expect moving forward, and what features your reader should expect
How to use this book: Do you recommend reading it in this specific order from start to finish? Is this the kind of book you can open to any page and just start reading? Do you want to instruct your reader to take breaks for integration, the exploration of processes, the application in their real lives, or something else? Do you want to encourage readers to go to the parts that they are most drawn to first? Will some parts not be relevant for everyone?
Caveats and Disclaimers; address objections and concerns; offer necessary qualifiers.
Define key terms (this may go in your book introduction or in subsequent early chapters)
Create desire in your reader to continue reading. Develop momentum. Establish the “world” of your book and engage your reader’s rapt attention.
Don’t feel like you have to make ALL of these moves in your book introduction, but aim to cover as much of this as you can. If you want to see an application of these moves, open any well-written non-fiction book and read through the lens of watching for the “moves” authors make. You’ll be surprised to see how similar many effective book introductions are.
Book Introduction Tips for Memoirists
Obviously, some of these suggestions will apply to you and some will not. You may go through the list above and ask yourself, what here can apply to my book? What of this can I make work for me?
Here are a few things you will want to consider in the book introduction of a memoir.
The Hook: Engage your readers—you will definitely want to draw your reader into your story and the world of your book as quickly, powerfully and effectively as possible. Bring us into a scene filled with action or tension, for example. Lead us on through the story paragraph by paragraph, creating interest and momentum. Show us a potent scene that gives us a glimpse into the intriguing story/ies that will follow.
Self-intrigue test: Notice if you are engaged and invigorated by the start of your book. If you are not super interested in this beginning you can’t expect that your readers will.
Develop your ethos—you will want to reveal to your reader that you are at the helm, commanding this ship and leading us in a clear direction. Don’t your reader get lost or confused or have to do the job of filling in gaps or background details. Build trust.
Establish your book’s purpose and personality (through tone and language use). What are the compelling questions you are setting out to explore in this memoir?
Develop your connection to your reader—illuminate for your reader who you are and what the journey of your book will be like. Memoir often requires an intimate relationship with our reader. We reveal—with vulnerability, transparency, humility, courage, and openness—to build that connection.
Lay the foundation for what is to follow—what do your readers need to see, experience, or understand about you or the world you are creating in your book? Recall, in the 5-part narrative arc, the first part is the exposition, which includes important background, including setting, events that occur prior to the main story, character back story(ies).
Evoke your reader’s emotions. Go with the heart here more than the mind. We don’t need your CV we want your heart, right out on page one.
Final Thoughts on Book Introductions
Writing a compelling book introduction is an art—a crucial step in the journey of sharing your unique story and insights with the world.
Whether you're writing non-fiction or an intimate memoir, the introduction sets the stage for the journey your readers are about to embark on. It's your chance to capture their curiosity, establish a connection, and invite them into the world you've created.
Writing a successful book introduction is about weaving a narrative that resonates, establishes credibility, and promises a journey worth taking.
Even the most seasoned writers can find themselves hesitant when it comes to writing their book introduction, unsure of how to summarize everything within a few opening pages.
If this resonates with you, remember, you don't have to navigate this crucial step alone. Our team is passionate about helping authors like you bring their visions to life, offering support every step of the way—from the moment of inspiration to the final polish that prepares your book to meet its readers.
Whether you're seeking guidance to craft an introduction that resonates, looking for a skilled editor to refine your manuscript, or need comprehensive publishing support, we're here to help.
Our expertise in coaching, editing, and publishing support for authors of non-fiction and memoir can transform your writing journey, making it smoother and more rewarding.
We invite you to fill out our interest form and get in touch. Let's embark on this creative journey together, transforming your initial spark of inspiration into a published work that speaks to the hearts and minds of your readers.
