How to make your non-fiction readers fall in love with you

18 documented ways to use words to grow a movement of people who can’t get enough.

One of the most powerful skills you can learn, even in the video age, is to write with impact.

But the true effects of being a skilled writer are not felt until you can truly master your emotional effect on your reader.

For longevity in this craft, you want a loyal audience. You want your readers going to sleep thinking about your words, excited to read more.

You as a writer have the power to grow and lead vast communities — even movements.

Through years of writing in public, here’s what I’ve learned about making your readers fall in love with you:

Tell us the truth.

Most people do not. They sugar-coat for fear of repercussions.

They are doing their audience a disservice by telling half-truths, or watered-down ideas with the intention to impress, over truly helping them.

Serve the people who need it most, by giving it to them straight.

Have a sense of humour.

Even more ‘serious’ topics can benefit from appropriate humour.

I’m telling you — please — use humour more often. There are far too many writers who are unintentionally boring because they’re just. so. serious. Be different. Bring out YOUR quirky sense of humour.

Be funny — at least occasionally.

Show us who you really are.

A huge moment for me in my writing career was when I finally saw my writing not only as a means to convey ideas but as an opportunity to reveal the depth of my character.

You can’t paint a picture of yourself without both the lighter AND darker shades. Be willing to be real as F.

You will stand out like the Mona Lisa.

Be more conversational.

Many of us are used to the dry approach of school textbooks or newspaper articles.

This will not help your reader create a bond with you, the author. Be loose and your humanity will flow out and touch another. This holds enormous appeal to those sick and tired of robotic, dry and ultimately inauthentic language.

Write like you’re talking to someone for whom you care deeply.

An interesting thing happens when you see your reader in a new light.

They are not faceless morons who you see as merely a statistic. What would happen to your writing if you no longer saw your reader as an ‘average Joe,’ but rather someone you wanted the absolute best for?

Inspire us to see what’s possible.

Do this with examples, vivid imagery, case studies, and stories of personal transformation.

When you can inspire them to see what they themselves are capable of, they will grow very attached to your writing.

Write about what few agree with you on.

Writing is about provoking the status quo, not maintaining it. Be bold, and go where few agree.

All is subjective. No one thing is ever totally the ‘right’ thing. Be the writer who is in the minority — most people will respect your stance.

If you aren’t attracting a few haters, it’s a sign you’re too vanilla.

Use your own nerves as a gauge.

James Altucher says he doesn’t hit ‘publish’ on most of his articles unless he feels nervous.

He has built a tremendous following using this ‘strategy,’ choosing uncomfortable topics that don’t always put him in the most graceful light. He writes about his shyness, his failures, and his tougher moments.

He also regularly shares strong opinions — like how college is a waste of money — all of which create a loyal, yet polarised readership.

Write when you are angry.

If you’re not angry think of something that makes your blood boil. This is an occasional option, obviously.

I can assure you this will not only give you the energy to write with passion, but it will translate in many cases to a highly enjoyable read.

Tell us about the time you struggled the most.

People are thirsty for stories about another human’s hardship.

They see themselves in your shoes, and get emotional about it, especially when your story shines a light to the possibility of victory.

Tell us about what you learned from a highly emotional experience.

If it was emotional for you, it’s likely to be profound for the reader when you convey the lessons learned.

Return to those moments, and allow the emotional rush to add flavour to your words.

Reveal something you’ve been hiding.

You’ve been hiding it for a reason. It holds a lot of meaning for you.

What secrets are you willing to share that the world needs from you?

Write from your soul.

In other words, write without trying hard. Let your inner wisdom take over when you write freely and calmly.

If it takes ten minutes of free writing absolute nonsense beforehand — great. Your reader needs you to do this.

Show us what has worked.

Theory is one thing, but nothing strikes a chord quite like sharing real-world examples of what has worked for you and your clients, for example.

People want to see ideas put to use. This will inspire them to enact your ideas in their own lives.

Save us time and hardship.

Show us how you went through pain so we don’t have to.

Making their lives easier will garner you respect and more readers, so remind us frequently when you’ve done the hard work, or had the tough experiences. This will carve you into the shape of a leader people look up to.

Give us more than we expect.

Whether a LinkedIn post or a book chapter, every piece you write would benefit massively through being unexpected. When the reader gets more than they expected, they can’t help but want more of the same ‘service’ from you.

This is how to make your reader feel like a VIP.

Write what others refuse to write.

Regularly bring your consciousness to what others are writing about in your niche for example.

What is often missed? This applies to both topics, but also in writing strategies.

HOW could you write, and in what quantities, that few others are doing?

Now get out there and write.

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