Language guidelines are a lifeline for authors and writers, especially if you're just dipping your toes into the writing world. We get it; it's tempting to sound sophisticated and authoritative but trust us, it's not always the way to go. It can hinder our progress. So, let's stick to these guidelines, with a pinch of flexibility for those unique situations that may arise.

The purpose of these guidelines is to create a reader-friendly language with minimal friction. Thus, our aim is simplicity, friendliness, and clarity. Let's begin our exploration 

1. Mastering Simplicity in Writing for Effective Communication

When writing, the first rule is to keep it simple and easy. Many aspiring writers tend to put immense pressure on themselves to impress their friends and family with their writing. They believe that using complex and sophisticated language will make their work better. But guess what? That's completely wrong! Instead, authors should strive to make writing as simple and easy to understand as possible. Just imagine yourself explaining it to a kid.

The idea of the book is knowledge, not the language it is written in, especially when it comes to non-fiction. The complexity of the language used is irrelevant. If the language is too sophisticated, it may alienate the reader. Avoid using overly complicated words or "lexical complexity," which refers to the complexity of language. Instead, we want to ensure that readers can easily grasp the content without having to overthink it. 

2. Continuity in Writing

Second, we want to avoid very long sentences. It's quite common to stumble upon individuals who have a knack for using an excessive number of commas, resulting in sentences that seem to go on forever. As a rule of thumb, we should refrain from constructing sentences that surpass the 16- to 17-word mark. These long sentences create unnecessary friction for the reader, making it more difficult for them to follow along. The idea here is to minimize any obstacles for the reader and make the text as simple as possible. 

3. Friendliness in tone and approach 

Next is friendliness, an extension of the first point, which is simplicity and ease. Friendliness is an important aspect that goes hand in hand with simplicity and ease. When authors communicate with their readers, they have various ways of approaching them. One approach is to assume a position of authority and provide clear instructions. On the other hand, authors can also choose to embark on a journey of exploration with their readers, venturing into uncharted territory together. To foster a friendly atmosphere, authors should avoid an authoritarian tone. They should instead aim to reassure readers by sharing their own experiences and acknowledging the challenges commonly faced. For example, they can say, "Don't worry, you're not alone," or "Even I struggled with this when I was younger." By being friendly, authors make readers feel comfortable and confident in their learning journey.

The third approach revolves around being extremely friendly with our readers while imparting knowledge. We firmly discourage any unfriendly or authoritative submissions, particularly in technical nonfiction, as they can be quite daunting for readers who are striving to acquire new technical skills.

4. Framework Structures

Anything and everything that can be transformed into a framework or structure opens up a world of possibilities. The beauty of this approach is highly valued. Structures and frameworks are not easily forgotten and can be put into practice right away. When we think about frameworks, there are numerous examples to consider. Take Michael Porter's Five Forces Framework, for instance. Then there's the one-page marketing plan and value chain design by Michael Porter. Let's not forget the Business Model Canvas. Each of these frameworks could serve as key points, offering valuable insights that could have been poorly explained otherwise. 

But why structures, formats, and frameworks? 

When engaging readers, structures, formats, and frameworks play a crucial role. They provide visual cues and allow readers to navigate through the content easily. Additionally, incorporating these elements can also enhance the book's marketing appeal. Therefore, authors are encouraged to include structured frameworks that can be shared with readers, as they facilitate better understanding and retention of information.

5. Incorporation Of Relatable Examples And References

 To make our examples more relatable and relevant to the Indian market, it is important to use examples that are closer to home. Instead of referring to research papers from 2001 or the early days of Apple, let's focus on examples like Micromax Mobile or ACC Cement. These examples are more relatable and familiar to our audience, making it easier for them to understand and connect with the concepts we are discussing. By using known examples in the right context, we can ensure that our message is clear and easily comprehensible. The goal is to reduce friction in reading and keep our audience engaged, rather than overwhelming them with unfamiliar references.

 6. Engagement Of The Readers

One way to engage your readers is by actively involving them in the content. But what exactly does it mean to engage your readers? It's not just about throwing in some generic questions. Engaging your readers means prompting them to reflect on what they've learned, encouraging them to share their thoughts on a topic, or simply asking them to take a small action. The goal is to stimulate their minds so they're not just skimming through the text but processing the information. By doing this, you're helping them stay focused on the material and increasing their chances of retaining the information. So, instead of giving them a big task to complete, try incorporating small activities within the content. Ask them open-ended questions or have them jot down their thoughts on a particular topic. These little prompts keep their minds active without disrupting the reading flow. Remember, the key is to engage your readers without overwhelming them with tasks that take them away from the main content.

7. Provision Of Actionable Tasks

Besides captivating your audience, as we discussed previously, we can now give them assignments or small tasks. It's important to not overwhelm them with too many tasks or too frequent interruptions, as it can disrupt their reading experience. By strategically placing tasks either at the end or in the middle, readers can smoothly transition between reading and completing tasks without feeling mentally drained. Be mindful of the type of tasks given, avoiding lengthy ones that could break the flow of reading and discourage readers from coming back for more. The goal is to keep readers engaged with the content while providing tasks that enhance their retention.

8. Repetition in Writing: Repeat but Don’t Omit

Authors sometimes mistakenly assume that readers grasp their content and strive for brevity. Nevertheless, it's essential to reiterate key points several times in non-fiction writing to guarantee comprehension. This practice can prevent readers from turning to external sources and interrupting their reading flow. Repetition isn't a flaw; however, excluding vital information can lead to unnecessary confusion and prompt readers to seek answers online. This concept is fundamental to successful non-fiction writing. 

9. Crafting, Editing, and Shaping Your Literary Masterpiece

Now that you've learned the three methods for writing this specific book or any raw content, it's important to consider the external assistance required to bring the book to life. Whether you're writing solo or not, there are certain types of help you'll need.

Firstly, you'll require the expertise of writers or instructional designers. If you're providing them with raw content in oral, video, verbal, or written format, these writers will be essential in articulating your ideas effectively to ensure the message isn't lost in translation. 

Second, there are instructional designers. Instructional designers play a key role in organizing information through in-depth discussions, uncovering valuable ideas, and working together to create a thorough document. Once again, while it may come with a higher price tag if you're not keen on creating the index and other components on your own, you can always enlist the expertise of an instructional designer.

Flying solo or the editor's crucial touch? Thirdly, if you decide to write the book on your own, you won't require assistance from writers or instructional designers. However, you will need the expertise of an editor. It's crucial to have someone who can edit your book effectively. 

There are three categories of editing: technical, language, and inline. 

Technical editing entails reviewing factual information to detect and rectify inaccuracies, whereas language editing concentrates on grammar and other linguistic elements. Inline editing combines both aspects, with a single individual editing both language and presentation. It is advisable to employ a dedicated inline editor or writer-editor to streamline the process. Copy editing and inline editing are closely intertwined, so it is crucial to hire a dedicated editor or writer-editor for a concise and uncomplicated editing process.

Consider hiring an editor for grammar and content structure, especially for paragraph-level errors. Technical editing can be done locally, but language editing may require a professional touch. Publishers or literary agents may offer editorial services. Expect to revise the book four or five times based on feedback. As the process champion, you have the final say and guide the project to success. 

10. Crafting Humility

The next important thing, whether you're writing a book or submitting it for consideration, is humility. 

Some fields require authority, particularly in technical areas, yet excessive authority can be intimidating, especially to younger readers. Humility is crucial, as self-aggrandizing authors can deter readers. While it's crucial for writers to take pride in their work and share their achievements, an excessive display of authority can isolate readers, impede discussions, and form a blockage that often results in poor reception

Authors must skillfully navigate the fine line between showcasing their knowledge and delving into the intricacies of their chosen topic, all the while embracing a sense of humility. The tone should reflect a deep sense of humility, acknowledging past mistakes and accepting them as part of the journey. Humility can encompass admitting that even I didn't get it right the first time or acknowledging that many of my friends also faced challenges in their initial attempts.

Our mission is to craft books that offer a personal narrative from the author's viewpoint. Only when authors adopt a humble approach, acknowledging their mistakes while sharing their achievements, can their books truly come to life. 

11. Don’t Try to Be Perfect

The next important thing to remember is not to obsess over perfecting your book. Don't obsess over perfecting your book. Many authors fall into the trap of striving for perfection in every detail, causing unnecessary stress. Aim for sharing valuable content rather than chasing flawlessness. If you obsess over perfection, your book may never reach its intended audience. Also, remember that your perspective on the book may change after five years. Focus on conveying your expertise in a motivating way to encourage others to absorb and apply it. 

12. Don’t Make a Book About You

Building upon the previous point, the author must avoid making themselves the central focus of the book. The author should take on the role of a teacher guiding a science class. Just like a teacher should not overshadow the subject matter with personal anecdotes, the primary emphasis should be on delivering high-quality, straightforward content. While the author's knowledge and experiences can add value, the book should not start with the author as the main character, unless it is an autobiography. Remember, when it comes to writing books, it's important to keep the focus on the subject matter rather than the author. We have a rule that no more than 25% of the content should be solely about the author. Our goal is to create books that use the author's stories to enrich the explanation of concepts.