Nonfiction Stories? – Have you ever wanted to check before buying a book what kind of book it is or just look at the title and author’s name? You buy books because the author of the book is an idol so you keep following his works?
Because you really need a book, maybe you don’t realize that the book you bought is a non-fiction book. Usually these non-fiction story books are used as supporting references for making scientific works, theses, papers and so on.
Definition of nonfiction stories
Nonfiction story is an essay or writing that is informative, the author has responsibility for the truth of the events, people, and/or information conveyed.
Therefore, when assembling a non-fiction story content framework, rigorous research is needed based on information, accurate data and the truth or facts of an event or problem regarding the matter to be written.
This needs to be considered because this story is usually used as a source or reference material for information for its readers. The language used in the story must also be logical and acceptable to the reader’s reasoning, the language used is formal, not informal.
Sinaumed’s can learn step by step how to write nonfiction stories in the book Become a Nonfiction Writer? It’s easy!!! It contains various writing tips, and many more that can help improve your writing skills.
Non-fiction stories are very different from fictional stories in that the writer does not need accuracy regarding the content in them. The difference in nonfiction stories can be seen for the first time from the title of the book. Want to know more about the characteristics of nonfiction stories?
Features of nonfiction stories
Here are some of the characteristics of non-fiction stories that you pay attention to when you want to identify them:
1. Formal or Standard Language
As I said above, the first feature that is easily identifiable from the category of writing non-fiction books lies in the delivery using formal language, which can be seen from the title of the book, not using slang. The formal language, in this case, does not use slang, alay or contemporary language that is currently booming , does not use various types of writing.
In terms of writing according to good and correct language, sometimes the contents of nonfiction books are serious. Although there are some non-fiction books, for example motivational books and reference books, some are written in lighter language. Even though using light language, writing still uses appropriate language, this method is allowed.
In the process of writing non-fiction story books, writers usually follow the rules of each publisher because each publisher has various writing SOPs. There are book publishers that accept books that use standard language and ideas that have never been published before or are similar to one of the books that have already been launched.
Then, there are publishers who accept non-fiction books that use language that fits the author’s style of language. However, in terms of delivery, basically you have to use good and correct puebi. So back again, it depends on each publisher’s policy.
2. Denotative language
What is denotative language? According to the Big Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI) related to denotation. It means a word that is based on a straightforward designation of something outside language or that is based on certain conventions and is objective in nature. Both have similarities, denotative is the meaning with an objective meaning and in accordance with the original. The meaning of what is is not accompanied by feelings and thoughts without creating a certain sense of value.
What is written is useful for conveying complete information, to the point and firmly. The writers use denotative language with the aim of the writer providing information to the reader without being artificial. Information that is not convoluted and only half of it. Not only providing information, but also providing stimulants and inspiration to readers.
3. The contents are related to facts/actuals
The contents of the storybook are factual and factual. Facts are in accordance with data obtained from the field or pre-existing research. The contents of the book submitted are factual so that readers can benefit from the information provided.
There are many categories of non-fiction books, including teaching materials, motivational books and reference books. Of these several types of books, all of them have different characteristics, and have one thing in common, namely imaginative books without sources.
4. His Writing Is Popular Scientific
Non-fiction storybook writing is said to be in a popular scientific writing style or adapted to the Puebi format. In other words, writing is not always stiff and that’s all. It is said that scientific writing is popular because it is presented in language appropriate to the market and the data taken is based on studies, field research surveys , bibliography and refers to the same references or sources.
The source referred to later is not directly rewritten just like that. However, still going through the process of selecting diction or words that are familiar are quite easy to understand and convey again using the language style that the author uses. The usual way is to combine old ideas from reference sources and then mix and match with the ideas we have.
5. The contents are taken from existing or inventions
Why are non-fiction books written by the author until they are published for readers? Of course it has to refine or improve ideas from previous authors/reviewed manuscripts.
Therefore, writers who write themes, content, story ideas that are similar or simply the same in different languages are often rejected by major publishers. Large publishers have criteria such as the author submitting manuscripts that contain elements of interesting new ideas and are not exactly the same as existing manuscripts.
So, don’t give manuscripts to publishers carelessly so that your writings can be printed by big publishers
You can find a work of non-fiction and can immediately identify the elements mentioned above in the work.
Learn these elements and their application to improve your writing skills through the book 1 Hour Advanced Writing: A Guide to Learning to Write Fiction & Nonfiction by Annisa Mardatillah.
Forms of Nonfiction Writing
The following are forms of non-fiction essays that we often encounter, my friends:
1. Curriculum vitae / Biography
A biography of a person, is writing that contains the journey of a person’s life either written by himself or written by someone else. One example is the book Soekarno: A Biography which tells the story of a hero of independence in Indonesia.
2. Essay
Essay is an essay or writing that discusses a theme from the author’s personal point of view. As one example that Sinaumed’s can read, namely FS Soliloquy: Collection of Essays .
3. Scientific Writing
KTI is the work obtained from writing activities by applying scientific conventions, for example, theses, theses, papers, journals, research articles and working papers.
Sinaumed’s can learn the techniques and concepts of compiling structured documents in making good scientific writing through Microsoft Office Word through the book Writing Scientific Papers Using Microsoft Office Word 2003 (revised).
4. Documentary Records
Historical stories are writings that tell about the past of an object. One example is the book Innocent (The Innocent Man) which is an adaptation of a documentary that is on Netflix.
Types of Nonfiction Stories
Based on the examples mentioned, the types of nonfiction stories are divided into two, namely pure nonfiction and creative nonfiction. The explanation is below:
1. Pure non-fiction
The writing is arranged or made with a truly original depiction. The author when developing pure non-fiction stories, there is evidence in the form of original data that can be accounted for. Examples of scientific writing such as theses, journals, papers, someone’s curriculum vitae
2. Creative non-fiction
Creative non-fiction also includes evidence in the form of original data which is then developed into an imaginative essay. An example is writing in literary journalism such as articles and news.
The structure of nonfiction is not the same as fiction. Offensive nonfiction structures:
- Orientation , is the part that contains the introduction of the characters involved in the story and an explanation of the text of the story.
- The series of events in sequence, contains the sequence of events that occur in the story from the beginning to the end of the problem which usually uses forward flow.
- Reorientation , is the ending of a story that contains the conclusion of a story and a cover that contains suggestions and moral messages that can be taken from the positive side of non-fiction story texts
Next, we will discuss the elements in non-fiction stories, namely:
Elements of Non Fiction Books
Below are elements of non-fiction stories that must be present in a story
1. Title
The book title is the name used for a book or chapter which can briefly imply the contents of the book, usually placed on the cover of the book. The title of a non-fiction book uses standard language.
2. Author Name
There is an author’s name in a nonfiction story that conveys his composition
3. Publisher Name
Publishers are companies/agencies that print books, starting from editing, layout, cover design and so on until the book is printed and ready for distribution.
4. Page Thickness / number of chapters
Number of pages and number of chapters discussed in the book.
5. Contents of the book
Content is the topic to be discussed
6. Cover
Closing is the conclusion of the book which is the last statement from the author of the book, sometimes there are also suggestions from the author.
For those of you who are trying to write non-fiction works, you need to know the steps so you don’t miss anything.
How to Make Nonfiction Story Composition
Steps to make a non-fiction essay, let’s continue to follow it until the end
1. Looking for Creative Ideas
If you want to find ideas for writing non-fiction books, you can make scribbles in notes related to what areas you master or have fun doing most while browsing too. it is suitable for any age
2. Gather references
After finding an idea, the next activity is collecting data related to the contents of the story that will be poured. It is really necessary to do research, make observations from books, newspapers and journals that can be used as a reference for our writing.
3. Create a concept to be written
After the data is collected, make a concept for your book, starting from compiling chapters, compiling sub-chapters or making questions that complement the contents of the writing. Decide on the theme of what non-fiction book will be made, for example history, motivation or scientific essays
4. Language style
The concept has been made, then use the writing language style with the theme and type written. It’s very important to pay attention to writing in a language style that is adapted to pubic language because in this section your work will be assessed by prospective publishers who will distribute your work properly or not. After passing from the publisher, readers will judge your work, whether it is informative, the language is easy to understand or too difficult to understand.
5. Supporting Data
Some nonfiction books usually require supporting data. Supporting data can be in the form of incident examples, application examples, photos, drawings, and so on.
6. Enter the parts of the book completely
Don’t forget to write down the table of contents, list of figures, list of tables, introduction, contents, bibliography, index, and our profile as authors in the book. Along with a list of pictures and a list that is included in the contents of the book, if there are scientific terms in the essay, make an index to make it easier for the reader to know what the terms you use mean. All completeness of the manuscript aims to make it easier for readers to understand the contents of our book.
7. Choosing the Right Title
The title is always the first thing seen before the reader decides or is interested in reading it when in the library and buys a book. Choose a title and diction that represents the contents of the manuscript, is eye-catching , invites the curiosity of potential readers, for example: Teras Philosophy .
8. Double-checking the writing
After the process of writing a non-fiction book is complete, it is best if the last process needed to be confident in yourself is to re-read the manuscript that was made, check again whether there is still missing data or a series of words that have the potential to confuse the reader, must be deleted and replaced with the word friendly .
9. Submitting to the Publisher
Now, after the manuscript has gone through the self-editing stages, you are sure of everything, the last step you take is to send your work to the publisher and don’t forget to check again before sending to make sure all the details are complete.
We can send manuscripts to major publishers for publication, offer manuscript agents, or publish them indie. Choose a publisher that has the same vision and mission as our manuscript so that the chances of it being published are greater.
Examples of Nonfiction Books
If you need a reference for writing, first read story books that are considered non-fiction, stay tuned until the end because I’ll tell you examples .
1. Examples of Non-Fiction Books on Education
School textbooks are books that have a function to assist students in learning to become good citizens. Through the materials contained in the Pancasila and Citizenship Education book, students are expected to become the next generation educated, nurtured, and directed to be able to think, behave, and act that shows high concern and respect for their nation.
In addition, the next generation can place the interests of the nation and state above self and group interests. Pancasila and Citizenship Education can deliver the next generation capable of facing future challenges. Armed with the Pancasila philosophy, students are able to keep up with the changes and developments of the times, but still maintain the character of the Indonesian nation.
2. Examples of Non-Fiction Stories about Sociology
This book contains Soekarno’s original thoughts on various matters, especially concerning ideology, nationalism and independence, which took place throughout 1928–1940 and were published in various newspapers, especially Suluh Indonesia Muda and Pikiran Rakyat.
In a way, it was the thoughts in this book that became the guideline for Soekarno’s struggle in determining the future of the Indonesian nation towards independence and unity.
3. Examples of Non-Fiction Books for Children
4. Examples of short short non-fiction stories
The book is a short short non-fiction story of the contents of the book
That was the explanation about the nonfiction story. How, do you understand what is meant by non-fiction stories and what are the types? So now you can start looking for non-fiction stories to read, then you can also write them if you want.
Also know about:
- Nonfiction Books
- Definition of Fictional Stories
- Meaning of Pantun
- Definition of Poetry