Why Structure Matters
So you’re an academic with a book idea—and you want to reach readers outside your field.
You’ve got the research, the argument, maybe even a first draft. But here’s the catch: what works in a university press monograph doesn’t usually fly in the trade publishing world.
Writing for a broader audience means rethinking the structure of your book just as much as the language. In this post, we’ll explore why structure matters so much in public-facing writing—and how to start reshaping your material to serve a more narrative-driven, reader-centered form.
Academic Structure vs Trade Structure
Most scholarly books are designed around a set of field-specific conventions:
A lit review up front
Chapters that build an argument incrementally
Frequent signposting (“In this chapter, I will…”)
A thematic or conceptual focus that holds even if narrative is light
In contrast, trade nonfiction is often organized with the reader’s experience in mind:
A compelling hook or anecdote at the start
A clear, often personal reason the book exists
Chapters that stand on their own and build momentum
A sense of movement, transformation or discovery
This isn’t about dumbing anything down—it’s about making the book live for someone who isn’t required to read it.
Start with the Why (Not the Lit Review)
In academic writing, we tend to start by proving that we know the field—who’s said what, what’s missing, and how we’re filling the gap. But general readers don’t care about disciplinary gaps. They care about why this topic matters and what they’ll get from reading the book.
Trade books usually open with:
A compelling personal anecdote
A dramatic or surprising moment from history or the news
A relatable question the book will explore
You’re not just establishing authority. You’re inviting the reader into a journey.
Chapters as Arcs, Not Steps
Academic chapters often follow the logic of argumentation. But in trade writing, chapters are often built like essays or episodes. Each one should:
Pose a question or tension
Explore it through story, example or analysis
Land somewhere that leaves the reader eager to turn the page
Think about rhythm and variation. Not every chapter needs to be the same length or form. A vivid personal story can sit next to a deep historical case study—as long as both serve the larger arc of the book.
Narrative Flow Over Exhaustive Coverage
Many scholars are trained to be comprehensive: if you know it, cite it. But for a general audience, too much information can kill momentum. Trade books thrive on focus and flow. That often means:
Leaving interesting material on the cutting-room floor
Prioritizing resonance over exhaustiveness
Thinking of structure not as a map of your research, but as a story you’re telling
Let the Reader See the Stakes
Popular nonfiction is often organized around questions with urgency: How did we get here? Why does this keep happening? What can we learn from this?
Structure in a trade book isn’t just about organizing content—it’s about keeping the stakes visible. Remind the reader why they’re on this journey with you.
Quick Exercise: Reimagining Your TOC
Try this:
Take the table of contents from your academic book or dissertation. Strip it down to chapter titles only. Now imagine how those same chapters might look in a trade version. Ask:
What’s the hook or question for each one?
Can any chapter be combined, reframed, or reordered for narrative flow?
Is there a through-line a non-specialist reader would care about?
You don’t need to have all the answers now. But asking these questions early will help you build a structure that pulls readers in—and keeps them reading.