1. Narrative: This form tells a story, weaving facts and information into a compelling narrative. It often features personal anecdotes, character development, and a clear beginning, middle, and end. Think of biographies, memoirs, and investigative journalism.
2. Informational: This form focuses on providing factual information and explaining concepts clearly and concisely. It often uses headings, subheadings, bullet points, and visuals to organize information and make it easy to digest. Think of textbooks, how-to guides, and research reports.
These are just two basic forms, and many nonfiction books combine elements of both. For example, a biography might use narrative to tell the story of a person's life, but also include informational sections detailing their achievements and impact.
It's important to remember that the best form for your book will depend on your topic, your audience, and your own writing style.