Writing Non-Fiction Books Vs Fiction

Why would you write non-fiction vs. writing fiction?  I was asked this by a few people, and I think I’ll give the long answer here.  Keep in mind that in either case you are writing something which potentially can be of benefit to you.

I didn’t think too much about the reasons behind my decision, but I did come up with a few things that make me lean towards writing non-fiction:

1) as a new author, a non-fiction book is an easier sell.  Most people are willing to spend money on non-fiction as opposed to fiction.

2) I’ve always enjoyed writing non-fiction.  I did take courses in writing fiction, but it always seems a bit harder for me.  It’s a personal choice.

3) Once you’ve published a book, most people tell me that a non-fiction book is far easier to market and/or write another book in the series.  Other authors tell me that if it is a fictional mystery or science fiction series, that it is equally as easy to promote your books — if you have everything in place.

4) Some people find that non-fiction is also easier to get a ranking — or a sort —  for on a seller’s web site than a fiction book.  Most fiction readers like the staus quo; they don’t want to change authors.  I think it is because they are familiar with and enjoy an author’s particular style.  Many non-fiction readers are willing to find a different point of view.

5) How about reviews?  I think it’s both easy and hard to get reviews for book you have written whether it’s non-fiction or fiction.

I also think it is a bit like the formats of books:  You can go with e-book, paperbacks and hardcovers, or you can focus on one format alone.  My non-fiction book is called In Search of The Lost Ones.  It is a history about the second world war and how it affected the Transylvanian Saxons.