Ep 147: 5 Editing Rules that Instantly Improve Any Nonfiction Manuscript

Write the Damn Book Already

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If you’re writing a nonfiction book or memoir and your draft feels messy, scattered, or “not quite ready,” this episode will help you clean it up fast. I’m sharing 5 editing rules that instantly improve any nonfiction manuscript — the same rules I use to help guide the authors whose manuscripts I edit.

These are the patterns I’ve seen again and again after coaching hundreds of authors, editing countless drafts, and publishing six nonfiction books of my own. When you understand these rules, your writing gets clearer, tighter, and far more compelling. And most importantly, your reader stays with you.

Inside the episode, you’ll learn:
– Why your intro is probably too long
– How writing for ONE reader changes everything
– How to make each chapter deliver a single promise
– The difference between clarity and jargon
– How to end chapters with momentum (and why that matters more than you think)

If you want help starting your book, you can grab my free “Can't Stop Writing” guide here:
https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/chapterone

And if you’re ready to self-publish a book that looks and feels professional — without getting lost, overwhelmed, or making amateur mistakes — the full Publish the Damn Book Already program is here:
https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/publish

🗞️ The Damn Good "Can't Stop Writing" Formula

Grab the free nonfiction or memoir kickstart that's helped hundreds of authors get out of their heads and into the flow:

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/chapterone

Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!

PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)

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Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
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1. Ep 147: 5 Editing Rules that Instantly Improve Any Nonfiction Manuscript (00:00:00)

2. Five Fast Fixes For Messy Drafts (00:01:22)

3. Rule One: Cut The Throat Clearing (00:01:59)

4. Free Resource For Stronger Chapter Ones (00:03:24)

5. Tighten Openings And Use Backstory Wisely (00:03:25)

6. Rule Two: Choose One Reader (00:03:51)

7. Narrow To Go Wide (00:06:05)

8. Rule Three: One Question Per Chapter (00:06:37)

9. Define The Promise And Cut Filler (00:08:31)

10. Rule Four: Expertise Equals Clarity (00:09:32)

11. Ditch Jargon And Borrowed Authority (00:11:18)

12. Rule Five: End With Momentum (00:13:32)

13. Workshop And Course: Next Steps (00:14:49)

14. Connect And Closing Notes (00:15:40)