Historical Books

After years of journalist writing, author Lucy Ward had to relearn how to incorporate her own voice when it came to writing her nonfiction book. Here, she shares 9 ways to insert your own voice and style into research-based nonfiction.

Writer Stephen L. Moore discusses the benefits of having first-hand accounts for historical writing and offers advice on best practices in securing interviews while there’s still time.

Bestselling nonfiction writer Tom Clavin discusses the bittersweet experience of publishing his newest co-authored book, To the Uttermost Ends of the Earth.

Writer and editor Liisa Jorgensen tackles destigmatizing mental illness through her research in writing her nonfiction book, Far Side of the Moon.

Writer and editor Liisa Jorgensen discusses tackling a new perspective in her new nonfiction book, Far Side of the Moon.

WD gives a peek at the daily routine of Erik Larson and the writing process behind his bestselling narrative nonfiction in this Nov/Dec 2020 profile by Zachary Petit.

Debut author Jennifer Boresz Engelking discusses what led her to write her historical nonfiction book Hidden History of Lake County Ohio and how research gave her a new appreciation for her hometown.

Historical nonfiction author Peter Vronsky shares what surprises him about writing true crime books and how he negotiates titles with his publisher.

Comic historian and author Ken Quattro shares what inspired his nonfiction title Invisible Men: The Trailblazing Black Artists of Comic Books, why journalism training influences his research process, how writers can stretch their writing muscles, and so much more.

Francesca Beauman shares what inspired her most recent history title (Matrimony, Inc.), what section of the newspaper she always turned to first, why writers need to love their subject, and more!

While researching another book, Robert L. Richardson came across a story worth sharing from a pilot who will turn 100 later this year that became his latest title, Spying From the Sky: At the Controls of U.S. Cold War Aerial Intelligence from Casemate Publishers.

Author spotlights (like this one with Jaime Breitnauer, author of The Spanish Flu Epidemic and Its Influence on History from Pen and Sword) are a great way to learn how authors are finding success writing and publishing their books.

When considering the best topic for a work of historical nonfiction, you must consider your reasearch, your target audience, and what you seek to accomplish. Author Cory Taylor discusses what goes into this process, and how to pitch the work once it's complete.