Expert: Susan Rand - 7/2/2011

Question
QUESTION: If you rememeber me, I wrote you a few weeks ago about writing a book. I have another question for you.
How do I seperate chapters? Or do I have to? Is there such a thing as one long book without chapters?

I want to write a book about weight loss. And it will be a few years in the making because I'm not there yet. I just started. And until I make it, it wouldn't be right to advise others.

ANSWER: Hello Joyce:

I do remember you! I always advise my students to make an outline before beginning to write. This allows you to walk down a straight path rather than wandering around in confusion. An outline serves the same function as the map you use when taking a long car trip.

I have never seen a book without chapters; chapters (1) give the reader a break; (2) signal a change in topic and focus (why you should lose weight/how to lose weight) (3) bring a sense of logic and coherency to the work. However, you are quite free to write your book as you see fit!

You can learn about outlines at http://www.lavc.edu/library/outline.htm.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have a new question. Am I allowed to use names in my book? If I refer to using Splenda or I bought a spaghetti measure on Ebay or we save money by shopping at Sam's Club?
Will I get in trouble for that?

Answer
Hi Joyce, I'm not a lawyer, so I can't tell you if you would get in trouble. I have read books that named products, but not very many.

Call it by a generic name: "artificial sweetener," "auction site, "a big name discount store."

I hope this helps.