If you want to write a book but find the process of putting all of your ideas together a bit scary, you aren't alone.
Surprisingly, even successful and famous writers struggle with this sometimes. Likewise, many writers find it difficult to explain how to write a book and it seems like the sort of thing that people just do.
This couldn't be further from the truth. The truth is, established writers are still learning how to write better, they simply have developed their own template for writing a book from their expertise over time.
So don't worry - this doesn't mean you aren't cut out for writing, it just means you need a helping hand, and that's where I come in 🙂
Writing your first book is hard without getting adequate assistance. The ideas are running in your head, and you likely have all the details in your head. The only problem is putting them down and organizing them all.
When I first get started I searched everywhere for a good PDF template for writing a book, just so I could map everything out properly. I'm sure you know this, but writing a book goes beyond just putting words down.
These templates will help you skip the long hours staring blankly at your screen, the writer's block, and the jumbled-up ideas.
There’s no promise that you’ll create a best seller on your first attempt. However, I can assure you that the tips below can help you start that book!
If you prefer a template you can write in with ink, as I do, then check out this 140-page A4 Plot Building paperback I put together.
click the image above to get the template (paperback)
The Why
Your book can be about anything; it can surround any idea. Begin by asking yourself questions.
What is the bid idea; Why do I want to write the book; Why have I put these ideas together; Why is it necessary you get your words out?
These questions are essential in taking the first step to creating that masterpiece. You don’t want to just have those ideas for the book.
You should understand why you have decided to write it; what you hope to gain from publishing it.
Beginning your book will take some emotional work.
Asking yourself searching questions will help you to get rid of the doubts. It is necessary to eliminate reasons why you shouldn’t write the book. It will boost your resolve.
Focus on your reason and purpose. Your goal may be gaining credibility, or developing a network, having financial gain, helping others, or creating an escape for yourself.
I believe there is no wrong or right reason for writing a book. All these reasons are credible and can serve as a push to begin your book.
Space
You need both mental and physical space to create that masterpiece. Have a Space that you dedicate to writing your book. This place allows you to be able to get into the mood to write your book.
You need a place that keeps you focused on writing. It must be a space where you are easily inspired to write. Isolation helps some people, but you must decide what your flux is.
You might like crowded places like a coffee shop. You might need to turn off sounds. You might prefer writing with music on. Choose something that will help you. You should be comfortable.
Scheduling
You might develop a writing habit by creating a timetable for writing. Decide what time of the day you want to write. It might be in the morning before the break of dawn. You can choose to do your writing between work or evenings. Spending just five minutes every day is not too bad.
Some people say that the best way to learn how to write anything is to write. Learning to do something is doing that thing. Jot down your ideas as they come. No time is too little as long as you can reach the goal. You must choose a time of the day that you are convenient with.
You are allowed to decide how you want to start. I advise that you do not put too much pressure on yourself. However, you must know when you want to finish your book.
Put your end date into your timetable and stay focused on that goal.
Decide on how many words will be in your book. It will determine how many words you want to conquer daily. With this, you will know how many hours or minutes you need each day to meet your deadline.
Having a deadline helps you to stay on the goal. Be intentional and consistent with it.
I advise that you start small.
The Right Tools And Template
Get the right tools to write your book. Remember, writing a book is no small business. You should not deal lightly. You must carry your thoughts along the lines of using efficient word processors.
I suggest using Word Processors like Google docs and Microsoft Word to make your writing process as seamless as possible.
You should sketch out a good template for your book.
There are separate templates used for fiction, nonfiction, reviews, poetry, etc. It all depends on what kind of book you plan to write. A good writing template should sync with your writing style.
Creating a Template is basically a preparation process for writing the book. It will make the process easier. It allows you to create the pattern you want to follow.
Begin, Continue, And, Finish!
When you finish making the construction of your book, write the first few words. You now know what direction you must follow. Allow your creative juice to flow.
Consistently create your piece and be in peace with the moment.
It is not possible to do two things perfectly at the same time. One task will definitely lag. Allow yourself to continue writing. Don’t stop writing.
Usually, the desire drops a pint when you stop to edit or research between writing. It is impossible to finish “anytime soon” when you go back and forth between the dictionary and your manuscript. When you start writing your book, do just that – WRITE.
It is safe to ignore errors until you are sure that you have your book. Do not get stuck on your mistakes. Continue and finish.
Proofread And Edit
The real work is editing. The draft is the skeleton for your book. Finishing the draft is the most essential step to publishing. Now, you can figure out all the errors or inconsistencies that you ignored while writing. You can replace missing content and add where you need to add.
This stage is significant and must not be skipped. You might have to add or remove things from the draft. It might even be an entire chapter or reshuffle content. Check for relevance and accuracy.
Keep it simple. Consider your audience and make sure that your book is something that can be understood. Do not subject to your reader what you will not want to be subjected to. Be prepared to continuously improve your book.
You must respect your audience. It is disrespectful to allow your readers to waste their time reading something with a weak structure, grammatical inconsistencies, and poor diction.
You can outsource for a professional editor to make sure that your content is consumable.
Publish The Book!
Your book is not done until you have put it out.
The first book might determine if there will be a second book. It will tell if there should be a second book. Allow yourself to be assessed by the readers. Getting feedback is essential as a writer.
Publishing your first book is only the beginning. Remember I mentioned that you might not become a best-seller right away, but you can become a good writer. Take the first step by writing that book. It is easy to write the next.
Challenge and yourself and strive to exceed your limit at all times. Your best is never really the best.
To successfully write a book, you need a path to follow. Have a guide that you can follow. I really hope that the tips I have provided are sufficient.
