• First of all, define your target audience very well. The length, depth, and language to be used will be a function of your target audience.

Introductions, Indices, Heads

• All books need to begin with some form of introduction, enabling the reader to know what the book is about. This same recommendation holds for the beginning of chapters and sections.
• The Table of Contents needs to afford a clear idea of the content and logical structure of the book, and it should be carefully planned for it to make perfect sense.
• All headings and subheads need to clarify the content to follow, and should be made a part of the Table of Contents. These decisions will help to subdivide your text in a logical manner.

Languaje

• Use simple sintax.
• When describing a process it is preferible to use bullets. Instructions should be as specific as possible.
• Keep in mind that readers have differing levels of education and knowledge about a topic. The text should be accessible to the widest possible audience. Perhaps the reader will know very little about a topic, and therefore the writer will need to start from scratch.
• Use a limited number of words. Do not use difficult words that will require a dictionary. If it is absolutely necessary to use uncommon words, pick those that are found in a dictionary.
• Avoid ambiguities and words that have multiple meanings.
• Don’t use trade jargon, unless the book is aimed at the initiated.
• Terms, definitions, descriptions, and instructions need to be as precise and as clear as possible so that anyone can understand them.
• Avoid regional language so that a worldwide audience may be feasible.
• Keep in mind that your book may be translated into another language.

Paragraphs and Sentences

• Paragraphs should be short in order to avoid tediousness. Yet you should avoid very short paragraphs that look like telegraph messages. Long paragraphs need to be subdivided. The new resulting second paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that will tie it to the previous paragraph, for example, “Another example of this is …”
• A short paragraph is an eye-catcher, and therefore, it should contain something you wish to highlight.
• Distribute the information to accommodate readers of various levels of interest. The most important items first, followed by the supporting information.
• Do not use long sentences. Using between 20 and 25 words is good. Condense each sentence to its essential meaning, utilizing only the necessary words and choosing periods rather then commas. But, conciseness is not the suppression of information.
• Do not deal with more than one topic in the same sentence.
• Avoid unclear sentences and paragraphs. Everything needs to be explained in a simple way, using direct language.

Information

• There is no need to burden the reader with information that is not relevant to the topic at hand.
• Fact-check your facts. Do not include information if you are not sure of its accuracy.
• The topic needs to be treated in the most complete way possible, depending on the target audience. If for any reason a topic cannot be discussed at length, the reader should be alerted in a footnote that directs him or her to further reading.
• Rather than expressing opinions, it is preferable to cite facts and relay data that can speak for itself.
• Images should be placed as closely as possible to the text they illustrate.