To What Magnitude Should Your Story Exist in Your Book?

Authors are always in a dilemma as to how much of their personal story should be in their book. Many authors like to put most part of their story, but there are a few others who don’t want to put any, at all.

So, how much is right? 

Your reader should be able to read what they want from your book. It should be just enough to help the reader get what they want, and nothing more.

So, let’s understand —

• Do not put in too much of your story—-Your audience does not mind you, your story, or your book. They buy the book and read it to get something they want. They are only anxious about what the book will bring them. 

Some authors want to make their script all about themselves. They want to write about their lives and personal stories, and so they go on and on about–their fears and anxieties…but hey, no reader wants to know all that. If you, as an author, want to have an impact on your readers, then you must start with the intention of focusing on what’s relevant to the reader. 

It’s very natural to think that you are the author of your book, so it must speak about you, but understand that, the script is not for you to read and get convinced. It’s for your audience to.

• Your story should include sections relevant to your audience– Your audience does want to hear your story at large. They only want parts that are relevant to why they are reading your book. Some authors don’t prefer to put any of their story in the book. They seem to think that a business book can’t have anything personal in it.

But the fact is, a book with nothing about the author seldom works.

Readers buy your book because it has knowledge and information, that can help solve any problems they may have or get something they want. 

• Does your story add value for the reader? If a particular part of the story adds no value for the reader, then it must not be in the book at all. The trade between you and the reader is that they give you their attention, and you give them the knowledge they find valuable. 

• How Much of sentiments are required? Be, as vulnerable as you need to, to write the most impactful story for your reader. The story must make them trust you, and you will seem credible because you let them know that you are there and can help them with issues. At the same time, your book should never be a place to dump your emotions. If writing the book is a remedy for you, it’s okay, but that does not mean the reader is the therapist. The book is for sharing what you know, not working through things you haven’t processed yet.

Make sure what goes in your script is hard-earned wisdom. Showing emotions—especially in writing—can be very challenging. Express your feelings, to a relevant extent.

People learn through stories and examples, making decisions about how to change their life with emotion. And that’s what a writer needs to do to create a great book. Tell stories and anecdotes that extract emotion, because that will draw the reader in and make the facts stick to their brain.

The more you show your true – self and thoughts—the better your book will be.