Want to Write a Non-Fiction Book? This Udemy Course Shows You How
If you’ve ever thought, “I should write a book about this,” you’re not alone. Whether you’re a coach, entrepreneur, expert in your industry, or just someone with a story to tell, publishing a non-fiction book is one of the most powerful tools to build authority and share your message.
But writing a book is harder than it looks—especially if you don’t have a plan. That’s where structured, practical non-fiction writing courses come in.
In this post, we’re reviewing Udemy’s highly rated course, “Writing a Non-Fiction Book”, and how it stacks up in a world full of content, online writing programs, and overpriced coaching offers.
We’ll cover:
- Who this course is best for
- What you actually learn
- Course highlights that make it stand out
- How it compares to competitors
- If it’s worth your money
Let’s cut through the fluff and see if this course can help you turn your book idea into a published reality.
Why Take a Non-Fiction Writing Course in the First Place?
Everyone can write, right? Sure. But writing a compelling, clear, and organized non-fiction book that readers finish (and review!) takes more than opening a Google Doc.
Writing instructional, memoir-style, self-help, or thought leadership books requires:
- A powerful hook
- Reader-centric structure
- Clear call to action
- A content plan that gets finished
That’s why thousands of aspiring authors turn to guided programs. According to this Reddit thread in r/selfpublishing, most successful non-fiction authors found structured courses valuable not because they reinvent the wheel—but because they give momentum and eliminate overwhelm.
“It helped me stop overthinking and start writing a solid first draft.” — r/selfpublishing contributor
Let’s explore one of today’s most accessible options on the market.
Course Spotlight: Writing a Non-Fiction Book (Udemy)
Here’s what you get inside the course:
- Developed by established author and writing coach Jim Bruce
- 33 on-demand video lectures
- Includes assignments and worksheets
- Lifetime access
- Mobile-friendly and downloadable content
- Over 4,000 students enrolled with high satisfaction ratings
At under $100—often much less with Udemy’s frequent sales—this is a low-risk, high-reward investment for aspiring authors.
What You’ll Learn (and Why It Matters)
This course follows a clear, 3-phase structure that’s aligned with top-performing author methods:
1. Developing Your Idea
You’ll uncover how to take a vague topic like “personal finance” or “mindset” and transform it into a focused, reader-friendly concept with unique angles. The course teaches:
- Identifying your audience
- Researching market gaps
- Clarity in your message
→ Why it matters: Books don’t fail because they aren’t well-written. They fail because no one wants them. You’ll avoid that trap early.
2. Writing & Structuring the Book
This is where many aspiring writers quit. The course gives practical tools to organize an outline and stick to a schedule:
- Storyboarding your outline
- Building momentum through chapter planning
- Avoiding “imposter syndrome” self-sabotage
→ Why it matters: Structuring makes writing a non-fiction book faster and less overwhelming.
3. Getting Published
The final modules cover real-world strategies for both traditional and self-publishing:
- How to pitch agents or publishers
- Pros and cons of Amazon KDP
- Setting up freelance cover design and editing
→ Why it matters: Your book is only valuable if it’s finished and published. This course doesn’t leave you hanging at draft one.
Who Is This Course Best For?
This course is ideal for:
- Coaches, consultants, or course creators who want to build authority
- Everyday professionals who’ve lived through something worth sharing
- Bloggers looking to expand their content into book form
- Anyone who started a manuscript—but stalled halfway in
According to Quora discussions on self-publishing, first-time non-fiction authors are more successful long-term when they have drafting systems and accountability in place—which this course offers.
Pro tip: If you’ve never written more than a few blog posts or essays, a course like this smooths the path forward without requiring 1-on-1 coaching.
How It Compares: Udemy vs The Competition
Here’s a breakdown of what you get with this course compared to others in the space:
| Features | Udemy Course | MasterClass (Gladwell) | Author Success Academy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | < $100 (often <$20) | $180/year | $1997+ |
| Personal Feedback | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Lifetime Access | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Instructor Published? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Publishing Modules | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Community | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
This shows where Udemy stands out: giving major value at a micro-price… even if it lacks live coaching or 1:1 critique.
Pros and Cons: What Real Students Say
✅ Pros:
- Simple, actionable steps
- Clear audio and video lectures
- Encourages finishing a book start-to-end
- Lifetime access means you can revisit anytime
⛔ Cons:
- No group or peer feedback built-in
- Relatively short (roughly 2-3 hours video)
- Doesn’t teach deep marketing or ads
Overall, reviews are overwhelmingly positive—many students report finishing the first draft of their book within weeks using this method.
Is It Worth the Money?
If you’ve been researching how to write a non-fiction book online and feeling overwhelmed, this course is an affordable launchpad.
Here’s when it’s a clear yes:
- You’ve procrastinated on your book for more than 3 months
- You have no plan beyond “write a chapter when I feel like it”
- You want clarity on what it takes to actually publish
It won’t make you a bestseller overnight (no course truly can!), but it will show you a replicable model for getting your story told.
Consider it a small investment with long-term personal and professional value.
And if the pace of this program still isn’t enough? You can always “level up” into premium coaching or editing services after you’ve finished your draft.
Final Thoughts
There’s never been a better time to publish a non-fiction book—from self-help and memoir to business and how-to. And there’s never been a more affordable way to learn how.
This Udemy course strips away the fluff and helps you go from that blank page on your screen to a completed manuscript ready to publish.
If you’re ready to finally write that book you’ve been thinking about for years, this course is the perfect first step.
Referenced insight shared from Reddit’s r/selfpublishing thread: “Are writing courses worth it?” and Quora’s self-publishing channel for trending author behavior.