This document provides tips and guidance for planning a non-fiction book over a weekend. It includes lists of recommended supplies such as stationery, technology tools, and outlines steps for the planning process such as conducting research, defining the ideal reader, outlining chapters, getting feedback from beta readers, and determining a publication and marketing strategy. The document emphasizes focusing on the reader experience and journey, chunking work into manageable pieces, and allowing time for rest and reflection in the planning process.

1. Dale Darley AKA The Word Alchemist

4. ■ Stationery
■ Roll of brown paper (mind
mapping)
■ Blue tack
■ Index cards (outlining)
■ A4 paper (keeping notes and
Step it out exercise)
■ Post-it notes (brainstorming)
■ Coloured pens
■ Journal and pen (to keep by
your bed)
■ Notebook
■ Folder
■ Poly-pockets
■ Dividers
■ A3 artists pad (storyboarding
and mind mapping)

5. ■ Word processing (WORD or PAGES). Some people like
Scrivener, I am not a huge fan, outside of the outlining and
planning stage
■ Mind mapping (e.g. iMindmap, iThoughts)
■ Dragon Naturally Speaking (voice translation)
■ Evernote (filing system)

6. –

9. –
■ Intersection of
– Vision
– Research
– Strategy
– Ideal reader
– Content

10. ■ How you do anything is how you do
everything

11. ■ What stands in your way?
– Time
– Money
– Motivation
– Inspiration
– A mad monkey mind

12. ■ Your distractions could be your friends
and family or your mindset. Whoever
or whatever they are, have a chat and
arrange some you time where you can
get this book planned and written.
■ Ask what or who is standing in the way
of you writing a book?
■ Put time in your diary

16. ■ Every book takes the reader on a
journey
■ What is the outcome of reading
your book?

17. ■ “If a nation loses its storytellers, it
loses its childhood.” Peter Handke
■ How do your readers connect to your
stories?

18. ■ Even before you start writing, drip
feed your book ideas
■ Check out what is working for others

20. ■ You will get clarity of process and
purpose
■ It gives you flow
■ Everything is chunked down and is
easier to write around

22. ■ This gives you confidence
■ You can finalise your chapter
framework
■ You will know how long it takes you
to write

23. …

24. ■ You need to give your brain a rest
■ It is in the spaces that you will find
more wisdom

28. ■ What do you like or dislike?
■ What is trending?
■ Image?
■ Typography?
■ Colours?

32. ■ Have a beta reader specification
■ Choose wisely
■ Set a deadline
■ Celebrate and give rewards

35. ■ Self-published
■ Hybrid
■ Traditional

37. ■ If marketing is NOT your thing and you can’t be
bothered to learn… employ someone who will
■ Keep it simple
■ Launch
■ Blog your book
■ Guest blogs and podcasts
■ What social media channels
■ Test and tweak
■ Measure

39. Plan your non-fiction book
in a weekend
https://www.soulwritersac
ademy.com/shop/

40. ■ Click the link to get your freebies

41. ■ https://www.daledar
ley.com/connect/