The Scribe Guide to Writing Effective Nonfiction

Remember writing essays in school with a minimum word count? If you were like me, you probably stretched every sentence as far as possible—turning a simple phrase like "they said" into "they then proceeded to vocally exclaim..." That’s a terrible way to learn how to write. Instead of teaching us how to engage readers, schools often force students to meet arbitrary length requirements, leading to bloated, unreadable prose. But great nonfiction isn’t about word count—it’s about clarity and impact. If you want to write a compelling nonfiction book, focus on what readers actually want: content that is short, simple, direct, and relevant to them. The Four Scribe Writing Principles

1. Make It Short

This is the most important principle. If you get this right, the rest usually follow. Brevity forces clarity. When you limit your writing, you focus on what’s essential and cut the fluff. Apply this principle at every level:

• Chapters: Keep them concise (typically under 4,000 words).
• Paragraphs: Stick to 2-3 sentences.
• Sentences: Aim for 5-20 words.
• Words: Favor shorter, simpler terms (less than 12 characters when possible).

Short writing isn’t about leaving out key details—it’s about making every word count.

2. Make It Simple

Simplicity and brevity go hand in hand, but they aren’t the same thing. You can write something short yet still confusing. That’s why you must prioritize clarity. Use plain English. Even complex ideas can be explained in simple terms. As physicist Richard Feynman said, "If you cannot explain your idea simply, you probably don’t fully understand it." Simple writing also increases your audience. If readers don’t understand what you’re saying, they won’t stick around.

3. Make It Direct

Most nonfiction writing is indirect—filled with passive voice, jargon, and unnecessary adjectives. Avoid these traps:

• Use active voice:
  • Active: Tucker wrote the book.
  • Passive: The book was written by Tucker.
• The first is easier to read and visualize.
• Be precise:
  • Active: I made a mistake.
  • Passive: Mistakes were made. (See how the second version avoids accountability?)

Direct writing makes your message clearer and more compelling.

4. Make It About the Reader

This is the hardest principle to master because it requires shifting your perspective. Instead of focusing on what you want to say, ask: Why does the reader care? Most people write for themselves—not their audience. The result? Self-indulgent, grandiose writing that readers don’t connect with. To engage your audience, address their problems, answer their questions, and make your content relevant to them. Conclusion Great nonfiction is:

• Short
• Simple
• Direct
• About the reader

These principles may seem straightforward, but they go against much of what traditional education teaches about writing. It took me years of professional experience to realize they work. By following these guidelines, you’ll create nonfiction that grabs attention, keeps readers engaged, and delivers real value. Ready to Write a Book That Readers Love?

Access the full Scribe Method for free, or grab a hard copy here.