How To Start Writing A Book

Having fears about writing a book is actually very common. Maybe it’s because you don’t know where to start. Or, you don’t know how to structure a book. Or, it’s because the steps to getting published seem so daunting.

However, one thing to keep in mind is not to get stuck in “analysis paralysis.” Don’t spend time too much time thinking and debating about how to start writing a book. Instead, just do some proper research and preparation, and you’ll find that you too can discover how to write a book with more ease and confidence.

For some extra motivation and in-depth information when it comes to writing a book, I highly recommend you see my blog post, Why Should You Write a Book? (3 Reasons You Should, Even If You’re Not a Writer).

Brainstorming Ideas for Your Book

Maybe you have ambitions to write a book, but you’re short on ideas.

I know that when I have good book writing ideas stirring around, I usually sit down with a blank piece of paper and lay out the entire book on paper without reference to any resource material.

For some people, this is the easiest way. However, I understand that you may need to spend a little more time gathering the proper book writing ideas, and getting inspiration.

If that’s the case, I highly recommend starting with a simple book writing template, like the 6-Step Book Planning Worksheet I share with you at the top of this page. It’s a clear-cut, fill-in-the-blank worksheet that can get the ball rolling, help you clarify your thoughts and ideas, and get you in the right frame of mind before you put pen to paper.

If you still feel pressed for ideas after going through my fill-in-the-blank worksheet, feel free to check out my blog, How to Start Your Book: Choosing a Winning Message.

Book Writing Exercises

There are many writing activities and creative writing exercises you can do to “get you in the groove.”

Here are some highly recommended writing activities that I found useful in my own experience:

• Craft your message first. This is one of the best creative writing exercises you can do, because you must know what message you want your book to convey before you start writing it.
• Save editing for the end - it’s one of the last steps to writing a book. Get all the information out of your head and onto paper first… you can always go back and edit later.
• Stay organized. Organize your material into seven, ten, twelve or twenty-one chapters, each following in a logical order, from beginning to end.
• Write often, even when you don’t want to. I recommend writing at least 1,000 words a day.

For more ideas for keeping your brain in writing mode, check out my blog, 20 Great Tips to Crush Your Writer’s Block.

How To Publish A Book

Publishing a book can definitely be an intimidating and daunting task.

However, I do have a few quick tips you can use, so you know how to publish a book when the time comes.

First, you shouldn’t go out and rush to the first agent, and jump the gun when it comes to submitting proposals. That’s one of the biggest mistake you can make when it comes to publishing a book.

Instead, I recommend nailing down your message first, and who your audience is, what your book will do for them, and who your competitors are.

For more behind-the-scenes tips for publishing your book, check out my blog, Publishing a Book? 10 Questions You Must Be Able to Answer.

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