Beginning Strategies To Start Your Book
When you are thinking about writing a boo, there are two basic components to keep in mind:
Everyone has a book inside them, the challenge is 'how do I get it out?' You start by letting the idea rolling around in your head out; that’s the easy part! The place where most people struggle is in the actual writing process.So allow me to share a few pointers to help you get started:
t. Decide On Your Subject
If you aren't sure what the subject should be, you might start by making a list of at least ten subjects you are knowledgeable about. Next, narrow your list by selecting a few of the 'simpler' subjects you could write about. Your choice here will be a key factor in whether or not you complete your book. In other words, chose the path of least resistance, at least for your first book. Save the harder ones for later.
Write a Book Proposal To Yourself
If you are planning on having your book published by a traditional publisher, you will eventually have to write a book proposal. That will be a vital step. But for now, an even more important step is for you to write a book proposal to yourself. Give the book a 'working' title and subtitle (you can always change it later). Next write three or four short paragraphs that describe your book. Then write a paragraph about you think will want to buy your book. Then go to bed and sleep on it. The next day review your 'proposal' and revise it, now you can think about the chapters of your book, or maybe create your table of contents (TOC) to serve as your starting point for the actual writing.
Scope Out The Competition
Check out your competition. If you research the top 10 or 20 best-selling books on your chosen subject, or in your genre, you will be able to see what has been covered before and see if you discover some gaps that you can fill in and present some new, and needed, information. Plus, these 'competitors' can also serve as a starting contact list later when you need to solicit testimonials from other experts in your subject/genre. Make sure you check out the reviews on these books as well. This can be a great way to find clues to previously missing information.
Organize Your Book and Keep Track Of Your Time
Thank God for computers! They have made it so easy to organize your book. The 'easiest' way is to simply create a folder in your documents folder and then add each chapter as a new file. Make sure you name the chapters in order, and in the appropriate number i.e., “Learning to write a book, Chapter 1”. In your book folder keep your initial table-of-contents and proposal along with any other research you may need.
To help you track your time, pick a chapter that inspires you and just start writing. Keep track of your time and once you’ve written a couple of pages, stop and get the word count. take note of how long it took you to write that number of words. This simple act will give you an idea of just how to schedule your time for writing in the future. Think about it, if you can write 500 words an hour, in 10 hours you could write 5,000 words. You have this book written in record time!
Just Write
Remember, your first draft is your first draft. The first draft doesn’t have to be perfect (it won't be), grammatically or with punctuation. Don't shoot for perfection, just write. Write freely and resist the urge to edit as you go. Editing comes later. Once you’ have reached your writing goal, get up and walk away. Before you begin your next writing session, reread what you previously wrote (unless you plan to write a different chapter). This will help you to maintain the flow from chapter to chapter.
Remember You Are The Expert
Back in your research stage, you may have discovered 'gaps, things that others possibly overlooked, or didn't cover as completely as they could have. Look for ways you can express your knowledge differently. Be you. Keep a list of questions, then contact a few experts, or even conduct interviews. Make your book remarkable, valuable, and authentic. Remember, you are the expert. The nly difference between you and an author who has a book is that they beat you to it. But you are gonna change that, aren't you?
Editorial Evaluation
Once you have finished writing your first two or three chapters, it’s a good idea to have an editorial evaluation done by someone who is familiar with your subject or genre. An editor will be able to give you valuable feedback on your writing style, organization, completeness, and other areas that will ultimately improve your book. Unfortunately, this is where many new authors stumble and end up having to completely rewrite their entire manuscript.
The Next Step
If you need more help, don't be afraid to ask! There are plenty of self-publishing professionals available on the internet. They can offer excellent resources for brainstorming book ideas and conducting research, or simply offer you more tips on how to write a book. Here at Baileia, we offer manuscript evaluations, and copyediting services. We also offer Eddie Smith's two writing courses (which are excellent!)
Now go and write that book!)
- Deciding on a a subject
- The actual process of writing
Everyone has a book inside them, the challenge is 'how do I get it out?' You start by letting the idea rolling around in your head out; that’s the easy part! The place where most people struggle is in the actual writing process.So allow me to share a few pointers to help you get started:
t. Decide On Your Subject
If you aren't sure what the subject should be, you might start by making a list of at least ten subjects you are knowledgeable about. Next, narrow your list by selecting a few of the 'simpler' subjects you could write about. Your choice here will be a key factor in whether or not you complete your book. In other words, chose the path of least resistance, at least for your first book. Save the harder ones for later.
Write a Book Proposal To Yourself
If you are planning on having your book published by a traditional publisher, you will eventually have to write a book proposal. That will be a vital step. But for now, an even more important step is for you to write a book proposal to yourself. Give the book a 'working' title and subtitle (you can always change it later). Next write three or four short paragraphs that describe your book. Then write a paragraph about you think will want to buy your book. Then go to bed and sleep on it. The next day review your 'proposal' and revise it, now you can think about the chapters of your book, or maybe create your table of contents (TOC) to serve as your starting point for the actual writing.
Scope Out The Competition
Check out your competition. If you research the top 10 or 20 best-selling books on your chosen subject, or in your genre, you will be able to see what has been covered before and see if you discover some gaps that you can fill in and present some new, and needed, information. Plus, these 'competitors' can also serve as a starting contact list later when you need to solicit testimonials from other experts in your subject/genre. Make sure you check out the reviews on these books as well. This can be a great way to find clues to previously missing information.
Organize Your Book and Keep Track Of Your Time
Thank God for computers! They have made it so easy to organize your book. The 'easiest' way is to simply create a folder in your documents folder and then add each chapter as a new file. Make sure you name the chapters in order, and in the appropriate number i.e., “Learning to write a book, Chapter 1”. In your book folder keep your initial table-of-contents and proposal along with any other research you may need.
To help you track your time, pick a chapter that inspires you and just start writing. Keep track of your time and once you’ve written a couple of pages, stop and get the word count. take note of how long it took you to write that number of words. This simple act will give you an idea of just how to schedule your time for writing in the future. Think about it, if you can write 500 words an hour, in 10 hours you could write 5,000 words. You have this book written in record time!
Just Write
Remember, your first draft is your first draft. The first draft doesn’t have to be perfect (it won't be), grammatically or with punctuation. Don't shoot for perfection, just write. Write freely and resist the urge to edit as you go. Editing comes later. Once you’ have reached your writing goal, get up and walk away. Before you begin your next writing session, reread what you previously wrote (unless you plan to write a different chapter). This will help you to maintain the flow from chapter to chapter.
Remember You Are The Expert
Back in your research stage, you may have discovered 'gaps, things that others possibly overlooked, or didn't cover as completely as they could have. Look for ways you can express your knowledge differently. Be you. Keep a list of questions, then contact a few experts, or even conduct interviews. Make your book remarkable, valuable, and authentic. Remember, you are the expert. The nly difference between you and an author who has a book is that they beat you to it. But you are gonna change that, aren't you?
Editorial Evaluation
Once you have finished writing your first two or three chapters, it’s a good idea to have an editorial evaluation done by someone who is familiar with your subject or genre. An editor will be able to give you valuable feedback on your writing style, organization, completeness, and other areas that will ultimately improve your book. Unfortunately, this is where many new authors stumble and end up having to completely rewrite their entire manuscript.
The Next Step
If you need more help, don't be afraid to ask! There are plenty of self-publishing professionals available on the internet. They can offer excellent resources for brainstorming book ideas and conducting research, or simply offer you more tips on how to write a book. Here at Baileia, we offer manuscript evaluations, and copyediting services. We also offer Eddie Smith's two writing courses (which are excellent!)
Now go and write that book!)