It is possible that you have had an idea in your head for a long time but you have not yet put it on paper. You know what you want and that is to write a book, but what is the most important thing to keep in mind?
Writing an entire book can be a daunting task, especially for new writers. It requires hard work, extreme ambition and intense discipline. Even for successful bestselling writers, the hardest part of the writing process can be just sitting down to write the first page. However, if you go step by step, writing a book is an achievable goal.
What to consider before writing a book
Whether you're already a bestselling author working on your next book, or a first-time writer aiming for self-publishing, There are some essential questions you need to ask yourself. Before you start working on your book idea:
- Do you have the time and mental energy to commit to writing an entire book? You must be willing and able to stick to a daily writing schedule and sacrifice other activities.
- Are you ready to develop potentially unknown skills like desktop publishing and rewriting? Writing a new book will often expose your strengths and weaknesses, and you'll spend a lot of time refining those skills.
Do you have a basic understanding of the main characters, plot, or theme? You don't have to have it all figured out, but it's helpful to have a reasonable idea of the shape and direction of your book before you start writing it.
How to write a book step by step
Once you have timed and considered your plot and characters, you can begin the actual writing of the book. Following these step-by-step writing tips will help you write your own book.
Set a space and time to write
If you're going to write a great book, you'll need a great writing space. It doesn't have to be a soundproof room with a stunning view. All you really need is a quiet place, free of distractions, where you can consistently write well. Whether it's a home office, your couch, or a coffee shop, the environment you work in should allow you to focus, uninterrupted, for hours at a time.
Refine the idea of the book
Maybe you already know precisely what your book is about, or maybe you're trying to decide between a million different ideas. Maybe all you have is an image for the book cover. Either way, ask yourself a few simple questions before you start writing. What is my book about? Why is the story interesting or important? What attracted me to this idea in the first place? Who will want to read my book?
summarize the story
Good writers spend a lot of time outlining before writing books. Outlines can be detailed chapter outlines or simple rhythm sheets on which each section of the book is laid out. They can be visual maps that serve as a graphical representation of where your book is headed. Regardless of your method, the important thing is that you have a roadmap for your future writing sessions.
Investigate
Research is an essential tool for professional writers. If you're writing a nonfiction book, you'll probably want to spend time in libraries and archives, soaking up everything you can on the subject. Research is also useful for fiction writers, as it can provide useful context for the time period or character archetypes you are writing about. Read books or listen to podcasts that cover topics similar to yours.
Start writing with a routine
Researching, outlining, and brainstorming are critical steps in writing your first book, but there may come a time when preparation turns into procrastination. At a certain point, it's time to start writing your draft. This requires committing to consistent routines and productive writing habits.
There are simple steps you can take to maximize your chances of success. Just because you're not Stephen King doesn't mean you shouldn't treat writing like your full-time job. Try setting daily word count goals to stay on track. Schedule a time to write and put it on your calendar so you don't skip it. Ask a friend or fellow writer to hold you accountable by sending them updates on how much you've written that day.
Finish the first draft
As you write your first draft, you'll experience self-doubt, lack of motivation, and typical writer's blocks. That's normal. Whenever you feel stuck, try to go back to your scheme or look for inspiration. Try to manage your expectations realistically. Your first book may not be a generational masterpiece or a best-selling book… and that's okay. If you compare yourself to literary greats, you're doing your work a disservice. All you can do is keep writing until you reach the end.
review and edit
Every good book goes through many rounds of revisions. You can endure the editing process yourself or ask a friend or professional editor for help. Either way, maybe you have to rewrite some parts and nothing happens.
write your second draft
The second draft is your opportunity to apply revisions and edits. It is also an opportunity to consider broader general questions that can only be answered after you have completed your first draft.. Does your book have a consistent tone? Is there an overarching theme that can be developed and strengthened? Are there weak parts of the book that can be cut out entirely?
The second draft is also an opportunity to address more granular issues. Does the book have a strong opening hook? A shocking conclusion?
publish the book
Once you have finished the final draft it is time to bring it to light. With the rise of online marketplaces and e-readers like the Kindle, desktop publishing is easier than ever. Alternatively, if you want to go the traditional route, you can submit a book proposal to a publisher, ideally with the help of a literary agent. Once you've successfully published, all that's left to do is sit back, relax, and start working on your second book.