When I first sat down with my messy draft of Dare to Decide, I had the content, I had the heart—but I didn’t yet know how to structure a non-fiction book. As I explored the editing process, it became clear my manuscript was missing something essential that every successful non-fiction title needs: structure.
Sure, I could clean up grammar and typos, but what was the point of editing details if I might end up rewriting or removing entire paragraphs? Without understanding the right structure of a non-fiction book, I didn’t know what content to cut or keep. That’s when I started to study how to structure a non-fiction book—and what I discovered changed everything.
Not only does structure bring order to your writing, but it also clarifies how to edit your chapters, guide the pacing, and create a consistent experience for your reader. What surprised me most? There are so many ways to structure a non-fiction book—and each one shapes how your message lands with your audience.
If you’re wrestling with how to organize your ideas, invite transformation, or create a clear journey for your reader, this post is for you. Below, I’ll walk you through nine creative ways to structure a non-fiction book—plus tips to help you discern which format fits the message God is calling you to write.
Glossary for New Authors
Before we dive into the different types of non-fiction books, let’s get on the same page with a few terms:
“Fiction vs. Non-Fiction—What’s the Difference?”
- Fiction is made up—stories that come from your imagination (like novels or parables). You may have heard of story structures that build an engaging narrative such as the Three-Act Structure, Cambell’s The Hero’s Journey, and Dan Harmon’s Story Circle.
- Non-fiction is based on real life—personal experiences, teachings, or truths you want to share (like devotionals, memoirs, or how-to books).
This article will focus specifically on how to structure a non-fiction book.
“Structure vs. Framework vs. Layout?”
Great question—they sound similar but each one plays a unique role:
- Structure is the overall shape of your message—beginning, middle, and end. Think of it like a skeleton.
- Framework is how your content is organized within that structure—recurring themes, steps, or sections that guide your reader through your message.
- Layout refers to how the book looks on the page—chapter headings, spacing, font, and formatting. Layout helps it feel readable and inviting.
Understanding the structure of a non-fiction book helps your message land clearly and consistently.
“What is Genre?”
Genre is simply the category (and sub-categories) your book fits into—like Christian living, memoir, devotional, cookbook, or self-help. Just visit your local bookstore and note the shelf labels or browse through an online bookstore catalogue and you’ll see hundreds of examples of both general and niche categories. Being specific helps readers find your book — and helps also you stay clear and focused while writing. Categories also help bookstore and library staff know on which shelf to place your book. Clarity is a gift to your reader!
9 Structures for Non-Fiction Books (With Real Examples!)
Now that we understand each other, let’s walk through different ways you might structures you might consider for the non-fiction book you’re writing.
1. Narrative Non-Fiction
This structure uses the tools of fiction (scene, dialogue, character arc) to bring real events or people to life on the page. Perfect for history lovers, journalists, celebrities, and literary writers who want to immerse readers in a true, well-researched story that reads like a novel. Variations are also known as literary non-fiction or creative nonfiction, and they come in many forms, such as biographies, autobiographies, historical journeys, medical breakthroughs, missionary stories, and more.
Structure Hallmark: Most kinds of narrative nonfiction follows the timeline of events from beginning to end, usually with a clear “before → during → after” arc. Some might change up the order such as a “present → past → future” arc.
🎯 Ideal Genres: Autobiography, biography, science writing, nature writing, history narratives, personal essays.
📘 Narrative Non-Fiction Book Examples:
- The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
- Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand
🔍 This structure might be for you if…
- You’re objectively telling a real-life story that unfolds over time
- Your transformation or message is revealed through lived experience
- Readers need context or backstory to understand your theme
🗂️ Structure Idea
- Set the scene / life before
- Pivotal moment
- Series of events or obstacles that create tension (rising action)
- Turning point or climax
- Resolution or “life after”
- Reflection on meaning / key takeaways
Think of this like reading a novel or memoir, but instead laced with a subjective view, it’s based on well-researched, true events and told objectively. It tells your story in order and supports a theme threaded from beginning to end.
2. Investigative Non-Fiction
Also called narrative journalism, slow journalism, or longform reporting, this structure dives deep into a specific question, issue, or phenomenon using research, reporting, and story. It’s ideal for truth-tellers, researchers, or thought leaders passionate about uncovering insights, challenging systems, or shining light on hidden stories.
Structure hallmark: Digs deep into a question, system, history, or problem to uncover insight. Often includes interviews, history, personal experiences, and commentary. Many are woven together by a narrative arc.
🎯 Ideal Genres: History, true crime, sports stories, war accounts, medical or science breakthroughs, cultural moments, disaster or survival stories.
📘 Investigative Non-Fiction Book Examples
- Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
- Columbine by Dave Cullen
🔍 This structure might be for you if…
- You’re drawn to research and cultural observation
- You want to better understand the “why” behind something
- You’re writing to inform, challenge, or clarify—not just to inspire
🗂️ Structure Idea
- Present the central question
- Share personal story or cultural context
- Examine evidence or voices (multiple chapters)
- Explore implications or surprises
- Offer insight, synthesis, or invitation to reflect
If you’re a truth-teller and question-asker, you’ll shine with an investigative narrative approach. Your book might not give all the answers, but it will definitely open eyes.
3. List or Survey Style
Sometimes known as roundups, anthologies, or themed collections, this structure covers a broad topic by showcasing many examples, resources, or angles. Great for curators, teachers, or authors who want to offer a buffet of ideas, inspiration, or information across a shared theme.
Structure hallmark: Collects and presents many examples under a unifying theme—think 40 prayers, 12 habits, or 100 inspiring women in history.
🎯 Ideal Genres: Quotes + reflections, stories from multiple people, devotionals, resource roundups, anthologies of testimonies or advice.
📘 Non-Fiction Book Examples
- 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp
- 52 Lists for Calm by Moorea Seal
- 12 Extraordinary Women by John MacArthur
🔍 This structure might be for you if…
- You want to explore a theme from many angles
- You’re compiling a series of smaller but connected reflections, lessons or case studies
- You’re more curator than storyteller
🗂️ Structure Idea
- Introduction to the overall theme
- Repeatable chapter format (e.g., title, story, reflection, takeaway)
- Divide main chapters into 3–5 major sections
- Closing chapter to reflect on the collection
These books are often giftable, devotional, or inspirational in nature.
4. Reference Style
Reference books—like dictionaries, guides, handbooks, and glossaries—are designed for lookup and learning, not cover-to-cover reading. Best for experts, educators, or specialists compiling key knowledge, practices, or terminology in one accessible place.
Structure hallmark: Organized by topic or term, these books are meant to be used, not necessarily read cover-to-cover. Often include glossaries, indices, and how-to explanations, arranged for quick lookup.
🎯 Common Genres: Cookbooks, craft or DIY manuals, devotionals, curriculum or study resources, writing or grammar handbooks, theology dictionaries or lexicons, health and wellness, travel guides.
📘 Examples:
- 400 Knitting Stitches
- The Well-Spoken Thesaurus: The Most Powerful Ways to Say Everyday Words and Phrases
- The Flavor Bible by Karen Page
🔍 This structure might be for you if…
- You’re creating a resource to be consulted, not consumed
- Your book breaks down a field, process, or subject into bite-sized entries
- You want to equip, not entertain
🗂️ Structure Idea
- Brief introduction / how to use this book
- Alphabetical or categorical entries
- Each section stands alone with consistent format
- Optional appendices, glossaries, charts
These are super helpful books, and often essential to a niche audience!
5. How-To / Step-by-Step
Also referred to as instructional, transformational, or prescriptive nonfiction, this structure walks readers step-by-step through solving a problem or improving a skill. Ideal for coaches, consultants, experts, or leaders eager to guide their audience from stuck to successful.
Structure hallmark: Walks the reader through a process, offering tangible steps, examples, tools, or exercises along the way.
🎯 Ideal Genres: Self-help, business / marketing, productivity, health and wellness, ministry and discipleship resources, coaching / training manuals, writing / publishing guides.
📘 Examples:
- Your First 1000 Copies: The Step-by-Step Guide to Marketing Your Book by Tim Grahl
- The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
🔍 This structure might be for you if…
- You’re teaching a specific process or practice, blueprint or roadmap to a certain goal or solution
- You’re solution-oriented
- You want the reader to feel empowered and equipped
🗂️ Structure Idea
- Connect with the reader’s pain or desire
- Present your core framework or steps
- Teach one principle per chapter
- Use stories, case studies, or scripture to illustrate
- End each chapter with a reflection, action, or tool
- Final chapter: sustain the change
These books do really well with strong chapter hooks, frameworks, and repeatable steps.
6. The Big Idea Book
This structure, sometimes called thesis-driven non-fiction or conceptual non-fiction, revolves around a single transformative idea or insight. Shawn Coyne, an expert story editor who founded StoryGrid, studied and named the “The Big Idea” book structure for some authors he was working with. It often combines the investigative approach with some narrative, expository, and persuasive writing styles. Best for visionaries, researchers, and changemakers who want to introduce or popularize a groundbreaking concept that shifts how readers think.
Structure hallmark: Anchored by one compelling concept that is explored, illustrated, and proven throughout the book using data, stories, or research. Often the content is presented with an investigative thread or a narrative arc.
📘 Examples:
- The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
- Start With Why by Simon Sinek
- The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
🔍 This structure might be for you if…
- You’ve got a fresh way of seeing something
- You want to help the reader rethink their worldview
- You enjoy blending story, teaching, and illustration
🗂️ Structure Idea
- Define the big idea or thesis
- Explain the context or why it matters
- Break idea into 3–5 supporting principles or parts
- Use real-life stories, case studies, and examples for each part
- Recap idea + challenge or future invitation
These books often make waves, but they require clarity of thought and consistency from start to finish.
7. Inspirational / “How-to Memoir”
This hybrid form blends storytelling with personal insight, often rooted in experience, testimony, or collected real-life examples. It’s ideal for ministry leaders, coaches, or survivors with a life-changing message who want to inspire others through their own journey.
Structure hallmark: Combines personal storytelling with spiritual or practical guidance. Sometimes these use one person’s life; sometimes these are a collection of true stories to illustrate a larger point.
🎯 Ideal Genres: Christian living, self-help / personal development, recovery and healing, parenting, marriage / relationships, grief or trauma journeys, leadership and calling.
📘 Examples:
- Love Does by Bob Goff
- Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
- Dare to Decide 😉
🔍 This structure might be for you if…
- You have a story, but the takeaway is bigger than just you
- You want to guide the reader as a “friend a few steps ahead”
- You use story and reflection as your main teaching tools
🗂️ Structure Idea
- Personal story or vignette
- Problem or tension revealed
- Spiritual/practical insight drawn from it
- Encouragement, challenge, or call to trust God
- Optional: reflection questions, journaling space
This format is powerful when done well—your voice and your vulnerability are key.
8. Notable Exception A: Memoir
While memoir is a sub-type of narrative nonfiction, it deserves its own category. It reads like fiction, using a clear plot arc, vivid scenes, dialogue, and emotion—because it’s about taking the reader on a journey through your subjective viewpoint.
🎯 Genres/Styles: Coming of Age / Identity, Spiritual Journey / Faith, Grief, Loss & Healing, Addiction & Recovery, Cultural Identity / Immigration, Adventure / Travel, Parenting & Family, Work & Vocation, Survival / Crisis / Overcoming
📘 Examples:
- All the Scary Little Gods by Natalie Hoffman
- Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri
- Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me by Ian Morgan Chron
🔍 This structure might be for you if…
- Your story is the message
- You want to invite the reader into your interior world
- You’re willing to explore questions more than give answers
🗂️ Structure Idea
- “In media res” opening—start in the middle
- Backstory reveals
- Key relationships, decisions, and turning points
- Recurring theme or image
- Quiet but meaningful resolution or transformation (may not tie up every thread)
Memoir isn’t about telling everything—it’s about crafting a story from your life that reflects a deeper truth.
9. Notable Exception B: Parable
Sometimes called a teaching fable or business allegory, a parable uses fictional narrative to convey a real-world principle. Best for storytellers with a message, educators, or coaches who want their core idea to emotionally and linger long after the last page.
Structure hallmark: Uses a fictional narrative (usually short and simple) to embody a core idea or teaching point. Often centers on a relatable character in a common setting who faces a problem, learns a lesson, and changes.
🎯 Ideal Genres: Business, leadership, mindset, spiritual growth, productivity, team culture, ministry training
📘 Examples
- Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
- Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
- Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
🔍 This structure might be for you if…
- You want to teach a concept or principle through story
- You love making abstract truths simple and practical
- You’re comfortable creating fictional characters and scenarios
- You want readers to emotionally experience the message, not just understand it
🗂️ Structure Idea
- Introduce a relatable protagonist facing a relatable challenge
- Set up the parable’s world and values
- Introduce a guide, mentor, or turning point
- Reveal the transformational lesson through character choices
- End with resolution, reflection, or takeaway
You’re a storyteller at heart—but your story serves a mission. Parable-driven nonfiction is perfect if you want your message to stick like a favorite bedtime story and change someone’s perspective.
Why the Structure of a Non-Fiction Book Matters
The right structure of a non-fiction book can:
- Help readers follow your message with ease
- Keep you focused during the writing process
- Support your book’s goal—whether that’s inspiration, education, or transformation
- Make editing more strategic and less overwhelming
You don’t have to pick your structure before you start writing— sometimes it’s something you discover as you clarify your message and imagine the experience you want your reader to have. Other times, having a structure in mind from the start can help guide and inspire your writing, giving you direction when you feel stuck or scattered.
If you’re writing your first book, remember: you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. The types of non-fiction books above provide tried-and-true formats that connect with readers. Your unique story, voice, and calling will make it one of a kind.
Still Not Sure How to Structure a Non-Fiction Book?
That’s okay! Many first-time Christian authors feel overwhelmed when deciding how to structure a non-fiction book.
As you might have noticed, some books might combine or crossover a couple different structure types. Or maybe you (or a publisher) might book a book in a different category then I would. The point is: your book’s structure isn’t meant to restrict your creativity—it’s simply the shape your message takes so your reader can follow the journey.
So, if you’re unsure, think about the journey you’re inviting your reader to take:
- Is it personal or instructional?
- Is it one big idea or many small ones?
- Do you want readers to reflect, act, or be informed?
Your answers will point you toward the best way to structure a non-fiction book that reflects both your heart and your reader’s needs.
Whether you’re writing a practical guide, a story-driven testimony, or a truth-seeking investigation, God can use your words to bring hope, healing, and delight.
💬 Bonus Invitation:
Not sure which structure your message fits into yet? That’s normal—and if you’d like an outside perspective, I’d love to help!
You can schedule an author coaching session here. Let’s chat through your ideas and map out a structure that will serve both you and your future readers well.
