Do you have important things to say that the world needs to hear? Do you know what it takes to become an author? Are you ready to write your book?
The hardest part of a writer’s job is sitting down to do the work. You have to invest everything you are into creating an essential piece of work. You write a sentence, then a paragraph, and if you’re lucky, you might even write an entire chapter. Writing happens in bits and pieces. It’s a process.
The way you get the work done isn’t complicated. You take one step at a time, then another.
First, let’s look at the big picture. What does it take to write a book? It happens in three phases:
- Beginning: Start writing. It seems obvious, but it is the most overlooked step in the process. You decide first what you’re going to write and how you will write it.
- Motivation: Once you start writing, you may begin to doubt yourself, get overwhelmed, or have a hundred other reasons. Plan for obstacles to ensure you don’t quit.
- Finishing: Nobody cares about a book you almost wrote. People only want to read a book that you finish. What makes you an author/writer is your ability to start a project and then complete it.
Below are ten simple tips to help you write and finish the book you want to write.
1. The Beginning
First, you need to decide what your book will be about. Good writing is always about something.
- What do I want to write about?
- What do I feel is essential to write about?
- Who will want to read about this story/subject?
- Will I be able to carry out this idea effectively?
Write what your book will be about in one sentence, make it a paragraph, and expand it to a one-page outline. After that, write a table of contents to help guide you, then break each chapter into a few sections. Think of your book in terms of beginning, middle, and end.
2. Set a daily/weekly/monthly word count goal
Many famous authors get up an hour or two early every morning and write a page a day. A page a day is about 300 words. You don’t need to write a lot, but you have to write often. Writing a daily word count goal gives you something to strive for. Make it more manageable and attainable.
- 500-750 words per day
- 1,500-2,500 words per week
- 6,000-10,000 words per month
3. Set a time to work on your book every day
Consistency makes creativity easier. Set a daily deadline and regular writing time so you won’t have to think about when you will write. Take a day off once in a while. Don’t let yourself off the hook too quickly. When it is time to write, it is time to write. This is how you will finish your book.
4. Write in the same place every time
It doesn’t matter where you write. It can be your office, your bedroom, or your kitchen. Just make sure when you enter the space, it is time to write. This helps you stay committed to finishing your book.
5. Set a total word count
Begin with the end in mind. It helps to have a total word count for your book when writing.
Here are some general guiding principles:
- 40,000–60,000 words = standard nonfiction book. Read time = three to four hours.
- 60,000–80,000 words = long nonfiction book / standard-length novel. Read time = four to six hours.
- 80,000 words–100,000 words = very long nonfiction book / long novel.
- 100,000+ words = epic-length novel / academic book / biography. Read time = six to eight hours.
6. Make weekly deadlines
Making a weekly goal will help you understand how much progress you have made while understanding how much work is left to do. Having a deadline is something to aim for and a way to measure yourself.
7. Get feedback
Have a few trusted friends to help you figure out if your book is worth writing. They can be friends, editors, or family. Try and get honest feedback early on to ensure you’re going in the right direction.
8. Don’t edit as you write
Write first without editing, then go back and edit later. You’ll have a better flow and won’t be interrupted with your criticism. Also, you will have a lot more writing to edit when it’s time to do so.
9. Commit to publishing
No matter what, finish your book. Set your deadline. Get someone to edit it for you or edit it yourself. Then get it published or release it online.
10. Write another book
Sometimes, authors are embarrassed by their first book, but writing your first book teaches you lessons you might not have had the opportunity to learn. The authors that make it are the ones who show up day after day. You can do the same!
Every bestselling writer has systems. You and I are no different. The writing process matters. Let the world know the important things you have to say.
If you’re looking to write a book and don’t know where to start, contact us at iPlume today to discuss your project!
Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words. -Mark Twain
