Non-fiction November is an annual celebration dedicated to exploring and appreciating non-fiction literature. The Federation of Children’s Book Groups created it around 2013 to highlight the importance of information books and to promote reading non-fiction for pleasure.
Non-fiction November brings together writers, readers and enthusiasts to engage with the world of factual narratives. Furthermore, it provides a unique opportunity to gain insights into the world of non-fiction writing, thus sharing experiences and knowledge with fellow authors while honing the craft of factual storytelling.
Read this article to learn everything about Non-fiction November and its literary significance. Let’s begin!
- What is the literary significance of Non-fiction November?
- How to celebrate Non-fiction November?
- Do you need professional editing during the Non-fiction November?
What is the literary significance of Non-fiction November?
Non-fiction literature holds a significant role in the literary world. Firstly, it serves as a bridge between factual information and the art of storytelling, enriching our understanding of the world. Non-fiction brings forth real stories, real people and real events, creating a profound impact on readers. The literary significance of non-fiction lies in its ability to convey real-life experiences, knowledge and ideas through compelling narratives. Consequently, it combines the precision of facts with the artistry of language, making it an essential component of the literary landscape.
Certainly, non-fiction literature contributes to the literary world by offering a diverse array of genres and styles. From memoirs to essays, investigative journalism to historical accounts, non-fiction provides a platform for writers to engage readers intellectually and emotionally.
For writers, Non-fiction November provides a platform to showcase their skills in crafting non-fiction narratives. It fosters creativity and innovation in the non-fiction genre, encouraging them to engage readers with unique perspectives and storytelling abilities. Lastly, it brings the literary community together, creating a sense of community among writers and readers who share a passion for non-fiction.
How to celebrate Non-fiction November?
This month-long celebration of non-fiction literature offers readers, writers and enthusiasts a unique opportunity to dive into the world of facts, knowledge and real-life stories. Here are some ideas to participate actively.
How can readers celebrate Non-fiction November?
- Create a non-fiction reading list: Curate a list of non-fiction books that pique your interest. Whether it is a biography, history, science or self-help, plan your reading journey. For your inspiration, here is a list of Amazon’s bestselling non-fiction books worth reading during this Non-fiction November:
- Generations by Jean M. Twenge
- You Have to Be Prepared to Die Before You Can Begin to Live by Paul Kix
- The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann
- Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia
- Poverty by America by Matthew Desmond
- Quietly Hostile: Essays by Samantha Irby
- The Power of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
- Billionaires’ Row by Katherine Clarke
- On Our Best Behavior by Elise Loehnen
- Our Migrant Souls by Héctor Tobar
- Join a book club: Many book clubs focus on non-fiction during November. Participating in one can provide a sense of community and lively discussions.
- Challenge yourself: Set a reading goal, like reading several non-fiction books during the month.
- Share your insights: Use social media, blogs or discussion forums to share your thoughts about the non-fiction books you are reading. Remember to engage with others in the community.
- Explore new genres: Step out of your comfort zone and explore non-fiction genres you have not delved into before. You might discover a new favourite.
How can writers celebrate Non-fiction November?
As for writers and publishers, Non-fiction November can be made a success through the following activities.
- Promote non-fiction titles: Writers can engage with their readers by promoting their non-fiction works. Hosting virtual events, book launches or Q&A sessions can generate interest.
- Offer discounts: Special discounts on non-fiction books during the month can encourage more readers to explore this genre.
- Support non-fiction blogs: Writers can collaborate with bloggers and influencers focusing on non-fiction, providing them with advance copies for reviews and interviews.
- Create reader magnets: Use your non-fiction texts to create a reader magnet that will help you engage with your readers. For instance, use an unpublished short story or a deleted scene from one of your already-published books.
Do you need professional editing during the Non-fiction November?
Non-fiction November is a popular time for writers to intensify efforts on a new manuscript. Professional editing may help take the text closer to the finishing line, ready for publishing. Here is how professional editing services can help improve a non-fiction manuscript.
Developmental editing plays a pivotal role in refining a non-fiction manuscript’s overall structure, organisation and content. This service focuses on strengthening the main ideas, ensuring a logical flow and addressing gaps or inconsistencies. Its primary goal is to enhance clarity and effectiveness, ensuring the manuscript effectively communicates its intended purpose.
Line editing takes a closer look at sentence-level improvements, including style, tone and language use. This service addresses awkward phrasing and ensures an engaging tone throughout the manuscript. By enhancing the readability of the language, line editing contributes to a more dynamic and compelling overall narrative.
Copyediting, on the other hand, concentrates on grammar, punctuation, spelling and overall consistency. By correcting language errors, ensuring proper syntax and maintaining a consistent writing style, it enhances clarity. Moreover, it provides a polished final product by eliminating language-related issues, offering an error-free manuscript.
Fact-checking verifies the accuracy of information presented in the manuscript. This process ensures that data, statistics and facts are correct and properly cited. By preventing misinformation, fact-checking bolsters the manuscript’s credibility.
Proofreading focuses on identifying and correcting minor typos and formatting issues that may have been overlooked during earlier editing stages. This service is essential for presenting a professional and error-free manuscript, leaving a positive impression on readers.
Indexing creates an index for the manuscript, facilitating efficient information retrieval. This service enhances the manuscript’s usability, making it more accessible and user-friendly, particularly in academic or reference-oriented non-fiction works.
How much does professional editing cost?
The cost of professional editing during Non-fiction November can vary widely. However, according to the Editorial Freelancers Association, the following are the price ranges for the various editing services.
- developmental editing ($50.0–$82.50),
- line editing ($45.0–$75.0),
- copyediting ($40–$65.0),
- proofreading ($35.0–$60.0),
- fact-checking ($55–$72.5),
- indexing ($50.0–$60.0).
What factors determine the price of professional editing services?
Professional editing prices vary depending on several factors. These include the following;
- Type of editing: The more comprehensive the editing, the higher the cost. For instance, developmental editing, which involves in-depth feedback on plot, character development and structure, is more expensive than copyediting or proofreading.
- Manuscript length: Editing costs are often calculated based on your manuscripts’ word count. Longer manuscripts will generally incur higher editing fees.
- Editor’s experience: Experienced and highly skilled editors typically charge higher rates. Their expertise can significantly impact the quality of the editing.
- Urgency: Some editors may charge more for rush jobs if you require a quick turnaround. Planning and booking editing services well in advance can help you avoid these additional fees.
- Additional services: Some editors offer extra services, such as query letters or synopsis assistance, which can add to the overall cost.
Final thoughts
Non-fiction November stands as a remarkable celebration of the literary world. It offers readers and writers a unique platform to explore and celebrate the vast realm of non-fiction literature.
Contact me for a free sample edit if you want to prepare your manuscript for publishing during NaNoWriMo 2023 (and remember to use my early bird discount). You can also follow me on Mastodon, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn or join my newsletter.
