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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[@rebekahgarcia8366]

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!

[@NVTTLimited]

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

[@ianchiinya3882]

Great advice. You will never get to know how many you have helped globally. Blessings.

[@ianchiinya3882]

I do read shorter intros. If it is long, I scan through or skip.

[@brrryan2908]

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. :)

[@BookLaunchers]

Thank you for saying that. Wishing you so much success. :) And many people who don't read can write amazing books ... it comes down to surrounding themselves with a great team who can help them. :)

[@keithevans4687]

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

[@BookLaunchers]

Thank you! I'm so glad. :)

[@BookLaunchers]

Glad to hear it!If you liked this video you will LOVE my new book: Self-Publish and Succeed. You can grab it here: books2read.com/ap/RDOjGr/Julie-Broad
 Hope to see you again soon!

[@camoflage61821]

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). :)

[@BookLaunchers]

Right?!! I totally went down that path too so you are not alone ... it's only in the last few years I've really taken a deep dive into every little detail that matters for book marketing and uncovered this important little - big things that make a huge difference for authors that aren't super famous and sell books on their name and not the details.

[@soleknight3212]

@@BookLaunchers This is such important work. Thank you

[@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.

[@BookLaunchers]

Awesome!! Thanks for your input. Thank you for stopping by and for commenting the day a video is released. Everyone who comments on the day a video is released is entered to win some sweet #noboringbooks swag. We do the draws LIVE … normally every two weeks but I am away when the next one is scheduled … so I’ll have extra prizes when we meet again on February 4th at 2pm PST / 5pm EST - really hope you can be there! And, if you can’t, the replay will be available so you can tune in to hear if you won!

[@TheShaunHayes]

Thank you for sharing such on target advice. Great example.

[@drkeneshia7229]

Thank you JULIE!!! Love you!!!

[@BookLaunchers]

You are so welcome!

[@Firmansyah94]

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

[@BookLaunchers]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for saying hello! If you’re just getting started with writing, I highly recommend our 7 steps to write a non-fiction book. You can get that at www.booklaunchers.com/7steps and if you’re ready to market a book our Gameplan for selling 1000 books with less than $100 is a great way to start planning your book marketing. You can download that for free at www.booklaunchers.com/gameplan Hope to see you again soon!

[@antoniodossantos5960]

Thanks...Julie

[@AntonReyes]

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

[@BookLaunchers]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for letting me know where you are on the poll too! Thank you so much for saying hello! If you’re just getting started with writing, I highly recommend our 7 steps to write a non-fiction book. You can get that at www.booklaunchers.com/7steps and if you’re ready to market a book our Gameplan for selling 1000 books with less than $100 is a great way to start planning your book marketing. You can download that for free at www.booklaunchers.com/gameplan Hope to see you again soon!

[@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 ❤️

[@BookLaunchers]

HAHAH :) There are always exceptions ... and many readers DO read the intro but what sold you was the cover and title - so I stand by my suggestion. But, I actually appreciate the other perspective.

[@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.

[@BookLaunchers]

That's interesting - so even if the intro is all about the author, you still read every word? Thanks for sharing!

[@EmbraceTerror]

@@BookLaunchers Maybe I haven't read a lot of books and (intros) to notice if their intros are all about the author, so hadn't noticed how many intros I may have skipped (or ditched the book altogether because I got a bad feeling that the rest of the book was going to be drivel). LOL And, I'm glad you did this video because it was seeming that my intro was kind of a chapter unto itself. But I still feel the need to gently introduce some topics before getting into the meatiness of what I want to say so the readers' brains are already mulling the gentler introduction of the topic before they see everything in the full chapter. But ... with the punchy suggestions you gave in this (and your other videos), maybe I can whittle down the intro to some good "punch" questions and statements instead of droning on. LOL

[@TheShaunHayes]

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful example. This video was right on target.

[@BookLaunchers]

You are so welcome!

[@rachelrobertson7353]

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.

[@BookLaunchers]

100% the first sentence matters and most of them start with "I" which is not that interesting to anyone but the author ... so even if it's a story about yourself find a way to toss the reader write into some sort of action or emotion.

[@shailynnicole]

Love your energy and advice!

[@BookLaunchers]

I appreciate that! If you can join us next Saturday we're hosting our last Deep Dive training before the summer. Also, our next Deep Dive training is on Saturday June 18th and it’s another ‘Author Success Tips’ edition, which is almost always a viewer favorite. You’ll meet some Book Launchers past and current clients as they share what they learned and what worked on their author journey. Join us by registering here: www.booklaunchers.com/deepdive

[@adrianarnold6959]

what type of lapel mic you use. your voice is crisp and clear. getting ready to purchase one. thanks for your awesome videos.

[@BookLaunchers]

I'm not sure what kind it is actually ... we bought some really high end equipment 5 years ago but these mics are actually almost ready to be replaced. Good luck with your videos.

[@katieweiser1578]

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!

[@BookLaunchers]

Interesting that you read them for authors you DON'T know - is that before you buy to decide whether to buy?

[@katieweiser1578]

@@BookLaunchers Yes, I do read them before I buy.

[@Drathaar01]

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!

[@BookLaunchers]

So excited!! :)

[@thulimabaso8667]

@@BookLaunchers hi I need help about self publishing I already started with my book

[@antoniodossantos5960]

I got it....short...magical..

[@paulrooks4302]

Great vid!!!....I love to read but mostly on content I'm interested in. Most of the time I read the intro to see the direction the author takes to the subject...if it "resolves" sorta speak; my reason for reading, I may feel compelled to continue reading. I try to implement these strategies in my own writings to better hone my skills....thinks for the great advice!!

[@BookLaunchers]

That's a great idea! Thanks for sharing. :)

[@williamribardo3736]

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

[@wewewe12yee48]

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 gooooood I watched it all

[@BookLaunchers]

Thank you so much for saying hello! Good luck with your essay. Hope to see you again soon!

[@poetryfromtheheart1287]

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

[@BookLaunchers]

Have you ever yelled at a stop sign? HAHA Honestly don't even know where that one came from ... hehe Happy Friday!

[@jonebersole8473]

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

[@BookLaunchers]

hehehe I was too :)

[@Melkia83]

Lmaoo

[@bazingaabazinggoo9664]

VERY HELPFUL...THANKS BOOK BROAD

[@BookLaunchers]

My pleasure. Thank you for stopping by and for commenting the day a video is released. Everyone who comments on the day a video is released is entered to win some sweet #noboringbooks swag. We do the draws LIVE … normally every two weeks but I am away when the next one is scheduled … so I’ll have extra prizes when we meet again on February 4th at 2pm PST / 5pm EST - really hope you can be there! And, if you can’t, the replay will be available so you can tune in to hear if you won!

[@tamarajudge2256]

Wow! Great tips. I needed this!

[@JaniceMarieSingleton]

Thank you so much. Peace, and ongoing Blessings to you and your loved ones.

[@BookLaunchers]

Thank you so much for saying hello! If you’re just getting started with writing, I highly recommend our 7 steps to write a non-fiction book. You can get that at www.booklaunchers.com/7steps and if you’re ready to market a book our Gameplan for selling 1000 books with less than $100 is a great way to start planning your book marketing. You can download that for free at www.booklaunchers.com/gameplan Hope to see you again soon!

[@kinglion1015]

Daam that intro alone made me subscribe

[@BookLaunchers]

Thank you! Our next Deep Dive training is tomorrow and it’s a ‘Write with Julie’ session. If you’re in writing or editing mode … join me! www.booklaunchers.com/deepdive

[@user-hn9cj6kh9j]

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

[@BookLaunchers]

Glad you tuned in!

[@ersiliaarjocan9879]

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

[@BookLaunchers]

That is true!! That happens sometimes with movies too ... the trailer is SO good but all the good stuff was in the trailer and the movie stinks. :D

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

These are wonderfully helpful, thanks!! 💙

[@BookLaunchers]

You are so welcome! Thank you so much for saying hello! If you’re just getting started with writing, I highly recommend our 7 steps to write a non-fiction book. You can get that at www.booklaunchers.com/7steps and if you’re ready to market a book our Gameplan for selling 1000 books with less than $100 is a great way to start planning your book marketing. You can download that for free at www.booklaunchers.com/gameplan Hope to see you again soon!

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Book Launchers 🥰. Thanks!! Y’all definitely will. I tend toward excessive preparation, and your instruction helps to overcome the jitters. (Greetings from a Daoist monastery near Seattle!)

[@BookLaunchers]

@@SnakeAndTurtleQigong that's wonderful. I'm near Seattle right now - just north of Vancouver, Canada. :)

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Book Launchers 👍🏼👍🏼. If you ever find yourself in Snohomish, please swing by and we’ll make you lunch!

[@ervinmahon8880]

I do if I'm hooked by the first few words especially if I was already drawn by the cover.

[@BookLaunchers]

Absolutely!

[@margaretcraig2426]

I read book introductions. I do prefer short ones! Thanks

[@BookLaunchers]

Interesting!! What makes you read them? Just curious.

[@margaretcraig2426]

@@BookLaunchers In the past I rarely read an intro. I wanted to get right to the good stuff. However, at some point a read a good one and after that I wanted to be sure I wasn't missing anything. I like what you said about having an awesome first chapter and skipping the Intro. That's my plan:)

[@Arivreddy]

these are so helpful

[@alangeorge7550]

Great video...💪💪💪💪

[@monicapierce8331]

So funny you used that Rachel Hollis example cuz I literally stopped reading it for that reason - it was so fluffy and boring!

[@BookLaunchers]

:) Thanks for validating me and my point!! You made my morning.

[@luciamwamba]

I needed this👐👏😊😋

[@suzannerileyrealestatebrok3476]

Best suggestions!!!

[@BookLaunchers]

Glad you like them! If you liked this video you will LOVE my new book: Self-Publish and Succeed. You can grab it here: books2read.com/ap/RDOjGr/Julie-Broad
 Hope to see you again soon!

[@GregKleist]

Dang! Guess I'm gonna have to go back and re-write the intro to the book I'm working on. Which brings me to a question... Should an introduction be written first, or is it better to write it after the rest of the book is done? Or does it even matter? Thanks for the video!

[@BookLaunchers]

Hey Greg - for me, I found writing my introduction helped ground me in what the heck I was going to be writing and how I wanted to speak with my reader. So, I wrote it first in all three of my books. But then I threw it out or conducted major surgery after I'd written the book and wrote a new one that got more to the point of what was in the book. I think your book develops a TON while you write it, and the introduction will best be written afterwards. That said, you may be like me and need that grounding in your core message, what's in it for the reader, and even your voice/tone which is what writing my intro first did for me.

[@deidrelockwood3392]

You always offer such good ideas. Thanks. #noboringintro

[@BookLaunchers]

Happy Friday! Thank you for stopping by and for commenting the day a video is released. Everyone who comments on the day a video is released is entered to win some sweet #noboringbooks swag. We do the draws LIVE … normally every two weeks but I am away when the next one is scheduled … so I’ll have extra prizes when we meet again on February 4th at 2pm PST / 5pm EST - really hope you can be there! And, if you can’t, the replay will be available so you can tune in to hear if you won!

[@ronneitzel2869]

great info as always

[@BookLaunchers]

Thanks Ron. Happy Friday. :)

[@antoniodossantos5960]

A full bilingual English/Spanish...Julie what do you think about it??

[@okendo6807]

This is really helpful

[@StudioThirtyEight]

Oh DAMN 2:30 - 2:40 SHOTS FIRED!! SHOTS FIRED!!

[@BookLaunchers]

I feel VERY safe in saying that she is never going to watch my video and find out that I fired a shot ... :p And if she ever did, I would tell her that her publisher should have saved her from herself. It's not her fault nobody stopped her. ;)

[@StudioThirtyEight]

@@BookLaunchers And you ain't even tryna be sorry. Julie is from the streets, eh? #ODamn,Canada

[@BookLaunchers]

@@StudioThirtyEight hahaha more like from Julie from the library and the bookstore #booknerd #lovebooks ... A safe way to stay out of my firing line is to focus on your reader not on yourself. Glad you're back to your witty self. You made me nervous on the last video when you didn't have a funny quip. :)

[@StudioThirtyEight]

@@BookLaunchers Holiday food coma. I'm myself, now;)

[@Critical_Capybara]

Yeah I always read the introductions

[@genehobbs1825]

First time I have heard snoozefest used outside of simulation folks referring to lectures

[@BookLaunchers]

:) I think it's an underused word that should be put in rotation more often.

[@bazingaabazinggoo9664]

Got in late , watching the replay.

[@BookLaunchers]

Welcome!!

[@CreatorCreator]

Hey I am asking for an advice: I am writing a self-improvement book is going to be called "From 0 to 100" I want to start the foreword with a quote: People always ask me how can you be so motivated and I always think to myself: How can you not? ~David Lengauer What do you think about it? Exspecially because of the "me" and "I". Should I think about something different?

[@BookLaunchers]

The Foreword is usually written by someone else, not you. This book is all about Book Forewords: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4mno5Sohcitgq8 If you're talking about the introduction, then you could start that way so long as the next thing you say is really reader focused and grabs their attention.

[@augustlongpre64]

Nah the stop sign story was way too specific! 😂 jk thank you for this helpful video

[@mattcero1]

Maximum and minimum word count for an introduction would be?

[@BookLaunchers]

0 words to probably not more than 2000. Hope that helps. :)

[@Corporate-Saheli-HanyandTech]

I want help in writing my book

[@BookLaunchers]

Thank you so much for reaching out. Our services are on our website here: booklaunchers.com/self-publishing-services-overview/ If that looks like something that would help you, then I’d love to chat with you. To set up a call and help me prepare for it, please take a few minutes to share some details on this form: www.booklaunchers.com/apply Once we receive that you’ll hear from Angela Jones within one business day with a link to schedule a call with me. Thank you! Julie

[@stacyanan23]

I always read introductions

[@BookLaunchers]

What makes an intro good to you?

[@xD_HeavyMusic]

I usually never notice the Author's name until the end of the book - and honestly, I forget the names too soon xD Forgetting has its advantages. No backgrounds, no prejudices, straight action :) That's how I like my books.

[@BookLaunchers]

HAHAHAH :) Well there is something to be said for that.

[@elizabethfrattallone5231]

Do you need an intro for memoir

[@BookLaunchers]

I would not necessarily have one unless you could suck them into the story with it.

[@soleknight3212]

This is f*ckin awesome! (perhaps that should be my first sentence!)

[@BookLaunchers]

:)

[@dereksilski]

I have the really bad habit of just skipping the intro and going straight to the first chapter. At times I will skim the intro, then later go back and read it fully, but most of the time I just ignore it lol.

[@BookLaunchers]

Is it a bad habit though? I think you've been trained that book intros are BORING and not of value ... so you now skip them. But, I'm on a mission to change that. ;)

[@dereksilski]

Book Launchers I’ve definitely been trained to jump to the fun stuff lol

[@gitarphgcustom224]

Thanks

[@BookLaunchers]

Welcome

[@inahfashionOfficial]

honestly sometimes i don't read intro . i read chapters and cover title

[@135SlimeyKeno]

Trying to figure out how to promote a self help book about influencing people

[@BookLaunchers]

Who is your ideal reader? What problem are you solving for them very clearly? Once you know that and can say that in a sentence ... What do they already read, listen to, watch, and do? How can you get in front of those audiences?

[@135SlimeyKeno]

My ideal reader is a more intelligent crowd I'd say maybe between ages 25-50 and my book is teaching people how to influence others to do what you want them to do

[@mridulsharma3449]

what if i start my very first intro with my intent to write the book and my first chaptaer, no wait my every other chapter starts with a story of mine related to that specific chapter?

[@BookLaunchers]

Have you watched this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/laubnnmhnducZ68

[@tlux2991]

Where’s video on writing foreword and afterword please.

[@BookLaunchers]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4mno5Sohcitgq8 :)

[@tlux2991]

@@BookLaunchers Thank you! I write a much better introduction based on your video. Very happy!

[@blessedormessy6336]

Are you kidding? Listen to author Frankie Johnnie. In her outline book she tells why you MUST write an introduction. - Snatch reader inside. Don't grab, snatch them into the intro. - Who are you? Tell them. - Why should they read it (WIIFT?) What’s in it for them? - What will they gain from reading your book? Not a bad vid, but you got this one wrong according to nonfiction book author Frankie Johnnie.

[@BookLaunchers]

Everyone has an opinion ... and if most introductions followed this format I would be a lot more keen, however so many intros go on and on about the author and why they wrote the book. No intro at all would be better. I'm pro-introduction for the record ... I have one in every one of my books. I just think most authors need to do it MUCH better or not do it at all.

[@rolav3]

Some book intros are so good only that I get excited but only to feel disappointed with the books' subpar content.

[@MarthaStam76]

i like reading introductions, they are intresting. Now i m reading "Alice in the Land of Plants: Biology of Plants and Their Importance for Planet Earth" with a 9 page of introduction. !!!

[@BookLaunchers]

9 pages?!!!!!

[@MarthaStam76]

@@BookLaunchers oh yes! and in small font !! :)

[@FeelingerongTheologian]

subbed..

[@BookLaunchers]

Welcome aboard! Thank you so much for saying hello! If you’re just getting started with writing, I highly recommend our 7 steps to write a non-fiction book. You can get that at www.booklaunchers.com/7steps and if you’re ready to market a book our Gameplan for selling 1000 books with less than $100 is a great way to start planning your book marketing. You can download that for free at www.booklaunchers.com/gameplan Hope to see you again soon!

[@FeelingerongTheologian]

@@BookLaunchers the link is stuck. Its just loading.

[@BookLaunchers]

@@FeelingerongTheologian Which link? They both seemed to work for me. :)

[@johnbcampise]

I always skip the intro. I might read it at the end if I really liked the book.

[@BookLaunchers]

Me too!! Thanks for sharing. :)

[@Arivreddy]

hi

[@alangeorge7550]

Nope...i usually don't read the intros...and rather i just skip to the main stuffs in the book...

[@BookLaunchers]

Thank you!! I believe that is totally normal but I am excited to learn if there are some avid introduction readers. Thank you for stopping by and for commenting the day a video is released. Everyone who comments on the day a video is released is entered to win some sweet #noboringbooks swag. We do the draws LIVE … normally every two weeks but I am away when the next one is scheduled … so I’ll have extra prizes when we meet again on February 4th at 2pm PST / 5pm EST - really hope you can be there! And, if you can’t, the replay will be available so you can tune in to hear if you won!

[@alangeorge7550]

Thank u...and i'll try my level best for that...

[@mayanmist]

She drank so. Much coffee she was on fast forward when she spoke.

[@BookLaunchers]

I was excited about the topic - you can always read the captions if I'm going too fast for you. :)

[@MsJacquese99]

I don’t believe that you haven’t yelled at a stop sign. 🤨🧐 #JustSayin

[@BookLaunchers]

HAHAHAHA :)

[@icemanmusic44]

I am ashamed to say I NEVER read introductions🙄

[@BookLaunchers]

Please don't be ashamed - you just confirmed what I was saying in this video :)

[@edwardoconnell5856]

Do you discourage an Introduction or Prologue as a way to gain the attention of a potential non fiction memoir reader?

[@BenjaminPreston]

#NoBoringIntroductions lol!

[@sumeshkumar1147]

My friend don't very I come back you me letor you see this story and ride any were and you spend your friends no need to hot any ane heart then I happy bicos this is my thinking is that thanks all off ridors

[@LubaLuba1]

U sound like a commercial trying to sell me something I don’t need.

[@BookLaunchers]

Fair enough - my approach and my advice is certainly not for everyone. I would argue that you DO need to have introductions to your book that sell your book ... but how you get there doesn't have to be my way. Cheers.