In social media, the humble sub-heading doesn’t seem important. But when you write a book, this simple tool is your best friend.
SAD BUT TRUE
I know. You have laboured over every word in your book. You are shocked and saddened to hear that your reader may skim it. They scan your book for the bits that interest them most. It’s awful. But readers are ruthless.
SUBHEADINGS REPAY THE THOUGHT YOU PUT INTO THEM
A great subheading captures and holds the scanning reader’s attention. And the subheadings also keep your reader moving down the page and on to the next exciting bit of your book.
Although they are smaller in size than your main heading, make them stand out. Put as much thought into your subheading as you do into your chapter titles and book title.
USE THE HEADLINE FORMULA FOR SUBHEADS TOO
Use the old newspaper headline formula to create them:
- Useful: Holds a promise of what is below.
- Unique: Includes a surprising idea or fact
- Ultra-specific: Is precise, not general
- Urgent: Makes the reader feel they must read the content immediately
MY BIG TIP
Of these, the most important is “useful” because reader’s look for what is of benefit to them first.
What is a simple tool you use every day and love? (Mine’s my fountain pen.)