A Manual for Structuring Non-Fiction Writing

I had the opportunity to collaborate with ​Sefirot Independent Publishers to develop a creative tool for planning, structuring and writing a diverse range of non-fiction genres.

For the project, I led an in-depth literature review and developed a detailed manual on a wide range of topics relating to non-fiction writing. The manual provides both theoretical grounding in rhetoric and practical tools for developing, structuring, and refining nonfiction writing in a wide range of genres and contexts. It's designed to empower writers not just to follow templates, but to discover and express their own ideas effectively. 

Writing as Rhetorical Action
I present writing as a purposeful, problem-solving act situated in a rhetorical triangle between writer, reader, and text. It begins with interpreting one’s own thoughts and experiences, then shaping them to influence or inform an audience. The aim is always to prompt a meaningful response.

Writing as a Process
I emphasise writing as a recursive process rather than a linear task. Each stage—from prewriting to editing—supports the writer in clarifying, structuring, and refining their ideas. Understanding these phases allows writers to produce work that is both coherent and impactful.

Prewriting Tools
I cover prewriting tools that help writers discover what they think and why it matters. Techniques like freewriting, looping, and clustering encourage exploration, while structured frameworks like classical invention generate fresh perspectives. This stage lays the intellectual groundwork for all that follows.

Planning Structures
Planning involves selecting the most effective way to structure ideas for clarity and persuasion. The material in Fabula for Non-Fiction outlines diverse organizational patterns—from chronological sequences to argument-driven formats—that writers can adapt depending on their communicative goals and genre.

Genre Templates
Writers are introduced to genre-specific structures for academic, journalistic, business, and scientific texts. These templates offer practical starting points while encouraging thoughtful adaptation to context and purpose. The focus is on enabling effective communication, not formulaic writing.
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Revision and Editing
Revising and editing ensure that the final text meets its rhetorical purpose with clarity and polish. Writers are encouraged to re-evaluate content, logic, and structure before fine-tuning language, grammar, and style. These final stages transform raw drafts into professional writing.

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Fabula for Non-Fiction Creative Deck

The creative geniuses at Sefirot Independent Publishers turned this manual into a deck of cards—a visual tool designed to support writers, teachers, and creative professionals write clearer, stronger, and more structured non-fiction texts, including articles, essays, reports, books (and more niche genres).

Image Copyright ​Sefirot Srl

Fabula for Non-Fiction can be ordered directly from Sefirot: https://sefirot.it/fabula-deck-non-fiction

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