How to write a compelling book introduction

As a non-fiction editor, I read a lot of book introductions (and I mean A LOT). Whether they’re long or short, detailed or brief, they have one thing in common: they set the tone for the book. But what are the elements of an effective book introduction? And do all non-fiction books need one? In this article, I explore what a book introduction is, how to craft a compelling one and common pitfalls you should avoid (like being long-winded or boring!).

What is a book introduction?

In simple terms, a book introduction is a summary of the book's content or themes. Usually found in non-fiction, it serves the following purposes:

• Explains what the book is about. It usually goes into more detail about the book's content and objectives, ensuring the book is a good match for the reader.

  
  

• Clarifies the scope of the book. It tells readers which topics will be covered (and which won’t) and why.

  
  

• Establishes credibility. It outlines the author's professional background and experience, showing readers why they’re the best person to write the book.

• Gets readers hooked: The style and tone of an introduction can give readers a taste of the author’s personality – and whether they want to keep reading. 

6 key elements of a great book introduction

 

If you browse your bookshelf, you’ll find that no two book introductions are the same. An introduction to a personal development book may look different to one in a history book. (Sometimes you won’t find an introduction at all – but more on that later!) While there’s no right or wrong, the best introductions have 6 key elements.

 

1. The hook

Many non-fiction authors start their introductions with a hook. In other words, they open with an enticing story, fact or question that draws readers in. Why? Because this is usually the first thing people read when they’re browsing online (FYI, many Amazon previews only include the introduction) or in a bookstore.

If an introduction doesn’t give them a sense of the content and the author’s style, they move on. Check out this hook from Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear:

On the final day of my sophomore year of high school, I was hit in the face with a baseball bat. As my classmate took a full swing, the bat slipped out of his hands and came flying toward me before striking me directly between the eyes. I have no memory of the moment of impact.

You want to keep reading, right? What was the impact of that injury? How did this event lead to a book about habits? That, my friends, is the power of a great hook!

2. Why you wrote the book

Authors usually write with an objective in mind, such as educating, entertaining, raising awareness or solving a problem. An introduction is a great place to make this goal explicit. Have you uncovered new information that changes our perception of a famous figure? Are you sharing tips about frugal living that no one is talking about? An explanation of why this topic is important will prompt people to care – and keep reading.

3. Who the book is for

Every non-fiction author has an audience in mind, whether it’s as broad as ‘investors’ or as narrow as ‘Australian investors who want to buy property in the UK’. The title or subtitle of the book usually gives this away, but an introduction can be more specific about who the book is for and why. Here’s another example from Atomic Habits:

The strategies I cover will be relevant for anyone looking for a step-by-step system for improvement, whether your goals center on health, money, productivity, relationships or all of the above. As long as human behaviour is involved, this book will be your guide.

As you can see, the book taps into core human needs – health, wealth and relationships – and assures us that better habits can transform these areas.

4. How the book is structured

Some book introductions don’t provide chapter summaries, particularly if the book lacks a traditional structure or the author wants to keep things casual. However, a summary can set clear expectations, build anticipation and provide a roadmap for readers (particularly if you're writing a self-help or business book).

5. Your credentials

Readers want to be educated or advised by experts, so many authors include their credentials in the introduction. But they don’t have to read like a CV (actually, it’s best if you steer clear of that format altogether). Just explain your experience in simple terms and why they should listen to you. Take a look at how Susan Cain does it in Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking:

I have seen firsthand how difficult it is for introverts to take stock of their own talents, and how powerful it is when finally they do. For more than ten years I trained people of all stripes – corporate lawyers and college students, hedge-fund managers and married couples – in negotiation skills.

Cain doesn't list college degrees or workplaces. Instead, she talks about the types of people she's trained. This allows readers to identify themselves in that list and feel empowered by her promise.

6. What readers will gain

What do you want readers to get out of your book? Will it change their life in some way? Will they discover something new about a familiar topic? Describe where readers are now and where they could be after reading your book.

If you’re writing a how-to book, help them visualise the outcome. Will they have the tools to deal with anxiety? Have you provided a framework for building a lucrative business from scratch? Or maybe you've just provided a different way of looking at things. Here’s how Susan Cain ends her introduction in Quiet:

If there’s only one insight you take away from this book, though, I hope it’s a newfound sense of entitlement to be yourself. I can vouch personally for the life-transforming effects of this outlook. Remember that first client I told you about, the one I called Laura in order to protect her identity? That was a story about me. I was my own first client.

By the end of the book, Cain wants us to frame introversion, or 'being quiet', differently – and embrace its power. She also closes a loop by revealing the identity of her case study (it was her all along!), building trust in her strategies and their capacity to effect change.

Does every non-fiction book need an introduction?

No, not every non-fiction book needs an introduction. In fact, some genres like biography and memoir rarely have one, while business and self-help often do. If you want to include an introduction and don't know where to start, take inspiration from successful books in the same genre as yours. Break down those introductions and examine why each part works. Or review the extracts I've provided in this article. On the other hand, if you want to keep your book tight, give it a miss. It's up to you!

When should you write an introduction?

In general, book introductions are written first. That's because non-fiction authors often create detailed outlines, so they know exactly what's going into each chapter. In fact, an introduction can provide a clear breakdown of the book and help guide the writing.

That said, if the book changes shape during the self-editing process, the author may need to cross-check the introduction for concepts or sections that were deleted. A good way to avoid this scenario is to write the introduction last. You’ll be in a better position to articulate your book's objectives and approach – and you won't make any promises you can't keep!

What’s the difference between a preface and an introduction?

Some writers get these two confused because they look deceptively similar. Like an introduction, a preface includes information about the author’s objective, background and process. However, a preface tends to be shorter (about 750–1500 words long) and it appears before the introduction. It may also include a disclaimer or trigger warning.

If you want to provide context for your book and don’t want to want to write a full-blown introduction, consider writing a preface instead.

How long should a book introduction be?

There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to length. It all depends on the genre, the complexity of the book and your personal preference. In general, book introductions are shorter than an average chapter. Aim for half the length or less. As long as you still include the elements of a great book introduction (see my points above!), you’re good to go.

What should be avoided in a book introduction?

Not all book introductions are inspiring. In fact, some can be downright dull. (I've read my fair share of those!) Here are a few things you should avoid to keep readers engaged:

• making vague or general promises

• providing long-winded summaries of every chapter

• including too much background about the topic

• using jargon or specialist vocabulary

• introducing a topic that isn’t discussed in the book

• providing credentials that read like a CV

• including spoilers (don’t give away key strategies or revelations just yet)

• using a tone or style that differs from the rest of the book.

To make sure your introduction has all the right elements (and none of the problematic ones), use the checklist below.

Final thoughts: How to write a book introduction

While it isn’t compulsory to write a book introduction, a well-crafted one can set the tone for your book and build trust with readers. If you’re currently writing an introduction (or reworking a draft), remember the key elements: use a compelling hook, explain what the book is about, identify your target audience, provide chapter outlines, share your credentials or experience and tell readers what they’ll gain.

Do you have a favourite book introduction? Tell me about it in the comments. Or if you need a professional to copyedit your manuscript (and that pesky introduction), send me a message via my contact page.