Your Nonfiction Book Needs A Hero's Journey

Have you ever seen a superhero movie where the hero is presented with a challenge, gets defeated, and then lives a desolate life? No? What about the story where the hero goes on a journey, learns nothing, gains nothing, and the movie ends with the hero exactly where they started? What? You haven’t seen that one either?

There’s a reason for that … because those stories don’t exist.

Why would anyone want to invest time on that journey? It’s the same reason you shouldn’t write a nonfiction book without first investing some time in your hero’s journey.

Let’s first look at the basic make-up of a hero’s journey:

This journey is the same transformational experience you should offer your reader. Most likely if a reader is picking up your book then it’s because they have a problem, are looking for instructions on how to do something, or want an educational experience. These can manifest as books that:

• offer a solution

• teach a concept

• explain cutting edge research

• help their reader live a better life

All of these scenarios give you an opportunity to create change and add value to your reader. In order to do this, you must understand your audience by creating your reader avatar - this is your ideal reader persona. By taking the time getting to know your reader, you’ll be able to make sure your book connects with its intended audience.

After you’ve done that, you are ready to help your reader travel from Point A to Point B within your book.

Let’s map out the journey for your nonfiction project:

 #1 Identify the life journey holding your hero back

• What problem is your reader struggling with that you can help solve?

• What change would offer your reader happiness today, next week, or a year from now?

• What frustrates your reader about their business or life right now?

• What have they already done to try to change their situation? What worked? What didn’t?

• What would they like to accomplish?

• What could you offer your reader that would immediately enhance their personal life or business today?

#2 Create your hero’s turning point

• What new ideas can I present to help them on their journey?

• What evidence, facts, testimonials, or research do I have to back this up?

• Have I identified why my reader should seek a solution?

• What do I need to present to my reader in order to create change for my hero?

• Have I addressed the obstacles or objections my hero may have?

#3 Transformation takes place

This is where their current situation and your idea intersects.

• How can I help my reader apply the information I am giving them?

• What kind of tools can I create to help with this transformation?

• How can I help my reader reach their destination?

• Have I made my book material relatable?

A common roadblock an author can encounter is a lack of connection between them and their reader. This can occur for several reasons. They may feel like you do not represent or understand their problems. This happens if they question your authority, feel you are preachy or think you are offering something that is unrealistic or unobtainable.

 You can overcome these objections by sharing your own story or hero’s journey. Readers like to know that the experts they invest in have shared their struggles. What is a story from your past you can use to illustrate to your audience a shared experience? Where did you succeed and what results did you get?

 This is a key piece to establishing credibility with your readers, so don’t skip this part. 

Your Brand’s Story

Whether you are an author, speaker, business leader, or entrepreneur … you are a brand. From the moment you put yourself out there, you become a brand. Your book is just an extension of your life’s story. Before you worry about getting your story to the masses, make sure you have taken the time to craft the message you want to send. By doing this you will make yourself memorable, relatable, and aligned with your mission. You can create your brand story by:

 #1 Developing an identity

Relate to your customers and they will relate to you. Why do you think so many people feel like they know Oprah Winfrey? Is it because they relate to owning lavish homes, running a media company, or talking to the most powerful people in the world? No. It’s because she has connected with her audience through shared stories and the quest for self-improvement. That is her brand identity, and she lives her message.

 #2 Build your story

Be transparent about your challenges, where you come from, and your failures. This is your hero story for you and your business. Collect client testimonials and display them proudly.

 #3 Communicate your message

Share what you are doing on social media, your website, and the people you encounter. Every touchpoint forms a new connection and builds trust.

Learn to tie your brand into the hero story in your book and you will create the ultimate transformative experience for your reader. Focus on the 3 key areas: your reader avatar, the hero’s journey, and your branding message to bring it all together.