There are no “rules” when it comes to book structures, but there are a few “common” ways that books are structured. That being said, don’t let structure hold you back from what is intuitively flowing through you. These are only suggestions.

Below are some ways that you can structure your nonfiction book, depending on the type of content you’re writing, so your reader can easily understand what you’re trying to say.

*Soul-Led Writing Pro Tip: Choose the structure that feels the most exciting and natural to you, which as a result, will be the easiest for you to write. That energy will come through in your words and transmit to the reader receiving your words/message/methods, leading to the highest impact and success for all involved. This is the secret to aligned soul-led books that blow up.

Common Nonfiction Book Structures

🔎 1. Borrow an Existing Structure

This approach involves studying successful books in your niche and borrowing structural ideas that align with your book idea. It’s not about copying them, but about using existing frameworks and book structures as inspiration.

For example, if you're writing a book on manifestation, you might go to your local library or bookstore, check out all the manifestation books and see how they are organized, and apply or borrow structural elements you want to use.

🎭 2. Topic-Based Structure (Modular)

This type of structure works well for books with a few main ideas that are related, but each can stand on its own. The chapters are grouped by theme or topic, and readers don’t have to read them in order. They can skip around to whatever sections interest them most.

Example:
A book about productivity might have sections like:

• Mindset Shifts (Chapters on focus, motivation, and discipline)

• Time Management (Chapters on planning, scheduling, and managing your energy)

• Tools & Systems (Chapters on helpful apps, workflows, and automation)

Ideal for: Self-help, business, wellness, or guide-style books.

👣 3. Step-by-Step Structure

Great for books that teach a process, guiding the reader from point A to point B in a logical, progressive manner.

Example: A “How-To” book on launching an online business might follow these steps:

• Step 1: Identify your niche (Chapter 1-3)

• Step 2: Create a business plan (Chapter 4-6)

• Step 3: Build your brand and website (Chapter 7-9)

Ideal for: How-to books, instructional guides, personal development.

📖 4. Case Study Collection

Best for business or coaching books where each chapter highlights a client’s story, the challenges they overcame, and the transformation they experienced using the author’s methods.

It provides multiple examples of results, social proof, and helps your reader see their own success and possibilities in your teachings.

Ideal for: Leadership books, authority books, business books, lead magnet books

✅ 5. Listicle Structure

Organizes information into a set number of key ideas, principles, or steps. Readers know exactly what they’re getting.

Example:

• 10 Rules for Building Confidence

• 7 Pillars of Financial Freedom

• 5 Keys to Overcoming Anxiety

Ideal for: Self-help, business, personal growth books.

🥦 6. Comparison Structure

This structure works well for books that explore different perspectives on a topic, helping readers evaluate options or viewpoints.

Example: A book on diet and nutrition comparing different approaches:

• Meat-Based Diets (Pros and Cons)

• Vegetarian Diets (Pros and Cons)

• Vegan Diets (Pros and Cons)

• Paleo Diets (Pros and Cons)

Ideal for: Health, lifestyle, and psychology books.

💡 7. Problem & Solution Structure

The book is framed around a central problem, with each chapter offering solutions or strategies to overcome it.

Example: A book on stress management:

The Problem: Why modern life is stressful

The Solution: 10 strategies to manage stress

• Mindfulness

• Exercise

• Healthy Diet

• Sleep Optimization

Ideal for: Personal development, self-help, wellness books.

📓 8. Timeline Journey (Popular for Memoirs)

A linear and chronological format that follows events in the order they happened, making it ideal for storytelling-based nonfiction. It might also alternate between stories and lessons drawn from them, bridging relatability with practical takeaways.

Example: A memoir could be structured as:

• Part 1: Childhood & Early Life

• Part 2: Defining Moments & Struggles

• Part 3: Lessons, Growth & Where I Am Now

Can also be used for history books or business success stories.

Ideal for: Memoirs, biographies, historical narratives.

🛌 9. Reference Structure

A flexible format that allows readers to jump to different sections as needed. Often organized alphabetically or thematically for quick access.

Example:

• A Guide to Meditation Techniques (Organized by method: breathwork, mantra, visualization, etc.)

• Dream Dictionary (Organized alphabetically by symbols and meanings)

Ideal for: Encyclopedic guides, workbooks, industry-specific handbooks.

📚 10. Three-Act Structure (Popular for Memoirs & Narrative Nonfiction)

A storytelling structure that keeps the reader emotionally invested by following a clear beginning, middle, and end.

• Act 1: Setup (Introduce the world, the challenge, and key players)

• Act 2: Confrontation (Tension builds, obstacles arise, transformation begins)

• Act 3: Resolution (Lessons learned, new perspective gained, ending wraps up key themes)

Example: A memoir about overcoming adversity:

• Act 1: The struggle (childhood trauma, self-doubt, obstacles)

• Act 2: The turning point (a mentor, a realization, a bold decision)

• Act 3: The breakthrough (success, personal transformation, lessons learned)

Ideal for: Memoirs, narrative nonfiction, personal growth books.

📼 11. Hybrid/Combination Structures

Many books blend different structures to create a unique reading experience.

Example: A book on leadership might mix:

• Chronological (The history of leadership principles)

• Problem-Solution (Common leadership challenges and solutions)

• Modular (Leadership skills grouped into themes like communication, strategy, and mindset)

🧠 Choosing the Right Structure for Your Book

The best structure depends on:

✔ Your book’s purpose (Inspiration, education, or step-by-step guidance?)

✔ Your reader’s journey (Do they need to follow a sequence or jump around?)

✔ Your storytelling style (Are you guiding, teaching, or sharing personal experiences?)

A clear, intentional structure will keep your book engaging, readable, and impactful.