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Write a Must-Read
A book is not about something. A book is for someone.
You want to write a nonfiction book that matters. A book readers love and rave about. A book they underline, dog-ear, and highlight. A must-read.
How do you do that, when you’ve never written a book like that before? When you aren’t sure what content to include in a nonfiction book, or how to organize it? And when you’re not sure if your idea is worth pursuing in the first place?
At the heart of the answers to all these questions is a craft created by AJ Harper, ghostwriter and editor for some of the foremost thought leaders of our time. The foundation of that craft is a simple, yet powerful Reader First. When you learn how to put your reader first at every stage of book development, writing, and editing, you can create the connection and trust required to transform their lives.
In these pages, Harper reveals the proven methods and frameworks she has used for nearly two decades to write and edit perennial bestsellers. It’s not the easy way, or the fast way; it’s the effective way. The payoff for doing this important a must-read book, and a massive readership who serve as ambassadors for your message and your brand.
You want to write a nonfiction book that matters. A book readers love and rave about. A book they underline, dog-ear, and highlight. A must-read.
How do you do that, when you’ve never written a book like that before? When you aren’t sure what content to include in a nonfiction book, or how to organize it? And when you’re not sure if your idea is worth pursuing in the first place?
At the heart of the answers to all these questions is a craft created by AJ Harper, ghostwriter and editor for some of the foremost thought leaders of our time. The foundation of that craft is a simple, yet powerful Reader First. When you learn how to put your reader first at every stage of book development, writing, and editing, you can create the connection and trust required to transform their lives.
In these pages, Harper reveals the proven methods and frameworks she has used for nearly two decades to write and edit perennial bestsellers. It’s not the easy way, or the fast way; it’s the effective way. The payoff for doing this important a must-read book, and a massive readership who serve as ambassadors for your message and your brand.
264 pages, Paperback
Published August 26, 2025
33 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 7, 2022
Write a Must-Read is a thoroughgoing step-by-step manual for writing a truly great book, but it doesn't come off like an instruction manual. The stories and humor make this a really entertaining read. I laughed out loud several times, and by the last chapter, when Harper likens the writing journey to her son's progress in the sport of basketball, I cried. I've read a lot of books for writers, and I can say without hesitation Write a Must-Read is itself a must-read for writers.
November 25, 2024
This book is fantastic. I *wish* I’d read it years ago when writing my first book. I’m now writing my 3rd book and find myself referencing this book over and again.
Publishing companies should GIVE this book to first time authors. Working with traditional pubs is a privilege but it’s shocking how little guidance they give to new authors.
So thankful I discovered AJ on the Hungry Authors podcast (another great resource!)
Publishing companies should GIVE this book to first time authors. Working with traditional pubs is a privilege but it’s shocking how little guidance they give to new authors.
So thankful I discovered AJ on the Hungry Authors podcast (another great resource!)
December 28, 2024
This is a very helpful guide for anyone looking to write non-fiction. And, despite the disclaimer in the front, I think this is very helpful for fiction writing, too. It provides exercises that help writers get to the heart of understanding their readers and their needs and helps them organize and apply that information to their writing. There's helpful information about pacing that applies to both fiction and nonfiction and information about compelling storytelling to highlight or emphasize a point.
I recommend this to anyone who's interested in writing a book! Must read for non-fiction authors and still a recommended read for fiction authors.
I recommend this to anyone who's interested in writing a book! Must read for non-fiction authors and still a recommended read for fiction authors.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2024
This is an excellent book on writing non-fiction books (or honestly, essays, curriculum, or course content). I highly recommend it!
August 7, 2024
This book is absolutely excellent. Written by someone who is clearly down to earth, this is an easy, non-preachy, non-arrogant read. Read once, listened to the audiobook, and plan to read-read and listen again!
November 9, 2022
This is one of the most comprehensive and helpful books on the rating process I have read. There are many helpful exercises that pay off later in the writing process. I highly recommend you get, reads, and implement this book's strategies to give readers the book they will not forget about.
May 28, 2022
Amazing book! It itself is a must-read for anyone considering writing and publishing a book! Loved it! Need it! Very useful and inspiring!
November 13, 2024
A. J. Harper (no relation) has had a varied career as a ghostwriter on multiple books, publisher, editor, coach, co-writer, teacher, and more. Clients urged her to teach other writers how to write transformational nonfiction books. A nudge from a co-writer and an author retreat helping writers caused her to realize maybe she could write such a book. The result is Write a Must-Read: Craft a Book That Changes Lives—Including Your Own.
Harper’s main theme is “Reader first.” Often writers get started because they feel they have something to say. But writing to impact others isn’t just focused on imparting the writer’s story or information. Even a memoir or biography needs to have a take-away for the reader; otherwise, unless the author is famous, a reader won’t be interested in reading it.
First Harper helps writers identify their ideal reader and what their need is. I appreciated the distinction that the ideal reader is not an avatar, with multiple specific characteristics down to the cereal the reader eats (I’ve seen some writing advice that seems to lead this way). Rather, “Ideal Readers may come from different backgrounds and circumstances (demographics), but their problems, desires, and challenges in pursuit of their desire (psychographics) are the common denominator” (p. 46).
Then she helps writers craft their Core Message: what’s the “foundational truth that your entire book is built on” (p. 65). From there, writers craft the promise they make their readers.
Harper talks about teaching points,stories, anecdotes, case studies, outlines, sequencing, and much more, all under the umbrella of what would best serve the reader.
She includes a multitude of helpful questions to ask while editing and ends with a crash course in the process of publishing and need for marketing.
All her points are illustrated with stories and anecdotes from the authors she has worked with.
Many of the chapters end with exercises to work through and links to her web site for more information or to download worksheets or lists.
Some of the quotes that most stood out to me:
This would have been a five-star review, but I thought the profanity was quite unprofessional. However, the writing advice was excellent.
Harper’s main theme is “Reader first.” Often writers get started because they feel they have something to say. But writing to impact others isn’t just focused on imparting the writer’s story or information. Even a memoir or biography needs to have a take-away for the reader; otherwise, unless the author is famous, a reader won’t be interested in reading it.
First Harper helps writers identify their ideal reader and what their need is. I appreciated the distinction that the ideal reader is not an avatar, with multiple specific characteristics down to the cereal the reader eats (I’ve seen some writing advice that seems to lead this way). Rather, “Ideal Readers may come from different backgrounds and circumstances (demographics), but their problems, desires, and challenges in pursuit of their desire (psychographics) are the common denominator” (p. 46).
Then she helps writers craft their Core Message: what’s the “foundational truth that your entire book is built on” (p. 65). From there, writers craft the promise they make their readers.
Harper talks about teaching points,stories, anecdotes, case studies, outlines, sequencing, and much more, all under the umbrella of what would best serve the reader.
She includes a multitude of helpful questions to ask while editing and ends with a crash course in the process of publishing and need for marketing.
All her points are illustrated with stories and anecdotes from the authors she has worked with.
Many of the chapters end with exercises to work through and links to her web site for more information or to download worksheets or lists.
Some of the quotes that most stood out to me:
Writing a book is not about organizing content. It’s about creating an experience for the reader (p. 119).
The best outline for your book is the one that meets your reader where they are and takes them on a journey that leads to your Promise, delivered (p. 119).
You are not the hero of this book. They are. You are not the focus of this book. They are. And they need you to help them get where they want to go (p. 121).
Your book is not a collection of stories and knowledge. It is a journey—a quest (p. 130).
With nonfiction, specifically personal and professional development books, the aim is transformation. My singular goal is to help the reader change their life (p. 138).
A book is not about something. A book is for someone (p. 200).
This would have been a five-star review, but I thought the profanity was quite unprofessional. However, the writing advice was excellent.
September 11, 2023
As a published author, editor, ghostwriter, and book coach who's written, ghostwritten, edited, and/or coached more than sixty books published via traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing paths, I thought I knew everything about prescriptive/how-to nonfiction.
Well, granted, I knew a lot in this book and while audibling it each morning, I nodded my head, yelling "Yes!" and, "That's what I keep telling my author-clients!" often. But I also learned a lot that I didn't know, and found new ways to articulate what I knew - and had just learned - to my clients. Those parts were GOLD. Actually, if you're new to writing and publishing, the whole book is gold.
If you're an aspiring, working, or published author, a book coach, ghostwriter, or editor (especially a developmental editor), I can't recommend this book enough. I'm going to recommend it to all my clients. It answers SO many of their questions and will help them understand that I really and truly have their best interests at heart when I give them advice they don't want to hear. Write a Must-Read *is* a must-read for anyone in nonfiction books.
Well, granted, I knew a lot in this book and while audibling it each morning, I nodded my head, yelling "Yes!" and, "That's what I keep telling my author-clients!" often. But I also learned a lot that I didn't know, and found new ways to articulate what I knew - and had just learned - to my clients. Those parts were GOLD. Actually, if you're new to writing and publishing, the whole book is gold.
If you're an aspiring, working, or published author, a book coach, ghostwriter, or editor (especially a developmental editor), I can't recommend this book enough. I'm going to recommend it to all my clients. It answers SO many of their questions and will help them understand that I really and truly have their best interests at heart when I give them advice they don't want to hear. Write a Must-Read *is* a must-read for anyone in nonfiction books.
February 27, 2023
I picked up this book for self-editing tips and for non-fiction structuring tips.
What I liked:
1) The "reader first" approach.
2) Guidance on developing a "core message."
3) The cover is eye-catching and fun.
4) Guidance on thinking through "fundamental truths" behind a non-fiction self-help approach.
5) Guidance on thinking through the reader's doubts and the writer's promise to the reader.
What I didn't like:
1) The book is too long.
2) Though entertaining at first, the author's focus on stories and anecdotes makes reading a slog, which detracts from the book's essential points.
3) By the end, I felt the point of the book was to lure writers to the author's courses.
4) The book comes in hardback, but not paperback -- so to avoid paying a ridiculous amount, I had to buy the ebook.
Overall, I liked the book and will use some of the advice, but I ended up skimming most of the last half. The message would be more compelling with more take-aways and fewer stories.
What I liked:
1) The "reader first" approach.
2) Guidance on developing a "core message."
3) The cover is eye-catching and fun.
4) Guidance on thinking through "fundamental truths" behind a non-fiction self-help approach.
5) Guidance on thinking through the reader's doubts and the writer's promise to the reader.
What I didn't like:
1) The book is too long.
2) Though entertaining at first, the author's focus on stories and anecdotes makes reading a slog, which detracts from the book's essential points.
3) By the end, I felt the point of the book was to lure writers to the author's courses.
4) The book comes in hardback, but not paperback -- so to avoid paying a ridiculous amount, I had to buy the ebook.
Overall, I liked the book and will use some of the advice, but I ended up skimming most of the last half. The message would be more compelling with more take-aways and fewer stories.
March 6, 2023
I had heard about the writer, A.J. Harper, from Gena Cox, who had gone through the writer journey with A.J.
I really enjoyed this book, which I first listened to as an audiobook (narrated by the writer.) I got so much value out of the book that I purchased the hardcover so I can go through the book again, using the book essentially as a checklist since I'm already 80% through writing my first draft of my first book.
A.J.'s authenticity and vulnerability is memorable, I really enjoyed listening to her stories of her early struggles living in Los Angeles, traveling on the bus and stopping off at a coffee shop/florist and figuring out how to overcome the resistance that most people have to creating something from scratch (writer, artist, etc.)
Although I haven't used A.J.'s book yet, I can tell it will be useful to me...and others who are trying to write a transformative, non-fiction, "must read."
I really enjoyed this book, which I first listened to as an audiobook (narrated by the writer.) I got so much value out of the book that I purchased the hardcover so I can go through the book again, using the book essentially as a checklist since I'm already 80% through writing my first draft of my first book.
A.J.'s authenticity and vulnerability is memorable, I really enjoyed listening to her stories of her early struggles living in Los Angeles, traveling on the bus and stopping off at a coffee shop/florist and figuring out how to overcome the resistance that most people have to creating something from scratch (writer, artist, etc.)
Although I haven't used A.J.'s book yet, I can tell it will be useful to me...and others who are trying to write a transformative, non-fiction, "must read."
March 31, 2023
AJ Harper has achieved writing a must read about how to Write a Must Read. Read this book. Follow her advice. Your readers will thank you.
The author presents the necessary steps in the book writing and publishing long game. To skip these steps is to short change your reader. The book you need to write will emerge from diving into questions AJ sets forth.
I recommend reading this book as if attending a workshop, ready to apply in the moment and work through what AJ asks the potential author to address in regard to how the book you want to write will serve your reader.
The effort spent working through each step will strengthen the book produced. And AJ gets her readers, so find encouragement along the way. The book will make you work, but it will help you write a better book – a must read.
The author presents the necessary steps in the book writing and publishing long game. To skip these steps is to short change your reader. The book you need to write will emerge from diving into questions AJ sets forth.
I recommend reading this book as if attending a workshop, ready to apply in the moment and work through what AJ asks the potential author to address in regard to how the book you want to write will serve your reader.
The effort spent working through each step will strengthen the book produced. And AJ gets her readers, so find encouragement along the way. The book will make you work, but it will help you write a better book – a must read.
October 24, 2024
I’m at a loss for words to convey how incredible this book is. I just finished reading it and immediately started a second round. As I work on my debut travel memoir with my literary agent, I believe this book will be a game-changer for my writing. Its mantra, “Reader First, Reader Last, Reader Always,” truly resonates with me. Thank you, Aj, for sharing your wisdom and helping us craft must-read books that truly resonate with our audience.
did-not-finish
August 2, 2023Did not finish - skimmed - July 2023
Seems like it would be a useful book if you had a message for a nonfiction/self-help book you believed the world needed. A lot of what seems like solid advice and process help. But not really useful for me at this moment in time, just skimmed and read a few sections out of curiosity.
Seems like it would be a useful book if you had a message for a nonfiction/self-help book you believed the world needed. A lot of what seems like solid advice and process help. But not really useful for me at this moment in time, just skimmed and read a few sections out of curiosity.
January 8, 2024
I have always wanted to write a book and after reading this I have decided I can. I started working on the exercises as I read and ended the book motivated to keep going. This offers a helpful structure and is written in an engaging way.
March 20, 2025
El libro me gustó! Tiene varias pastillas de conocimiento práctico que me van a ayudar a seguir escribiendo un libro de no-ficción. Sin embargo, muchas veces redundaba en la misma idea y el porcentaje de revelación de conocimiento era bajo.
January 12, 2025
Though the book is written for writing a must read book, the principles can be applied to any goal you might have.
March 2, 2025
Excellent for those wanting to write their book.
Cleat structure. Easy to read and to apply
Cleat structure. Easy to read and to apply
April 27, 2025
Good concepts on how to create a book. I would recommend reading it a couple times and keeping it in your toolbox whenever you write a book.
January 20, 2025
Sorry, I didn't get anything out of this book that I was looking for. Yes, it did warn readers it was for nonfiction or non-fiction. I write fiction and thought maybe something could be important, but alas nothing was. On to the next book on my list "Make every word count".
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews