I’ve been writing books before I knew I could publish them under others names and make way more money doing it… but, I had to skip out on jumping on Oprah’s couch.
See, as a Ghostwriter, I have written enough books to fill a bookcase. As a Book Coach, I work with people just like you to produce their book in 90-days. I pride myself in making the process simplified and easy for wannabe authors. Just 7 steps to book author greatness.
So, here’s my short & sweet guide to writing your very own book… the easy way!
Step 1: Have a really, really, really good book idea
If you’re not passionate about it chances are nobody else will be either. Also, when we write about things we love it shows. You can take an ‘ok’ writer and give them a topic they happen to be lit up about and just watch the writing improve!
Step 2: Outline the Story
Whether telling your own sordid stories or making one up for funsies, you’ll want to outline the book before you dive on in. While you don’t need to hold yourself to this – think of it like a guidepost for what happens next so you can focus on each chapter instead of worrying “did I already say that?” along the way. I personally prefer pen to paper for this and starting with what I know for sure, before adding in my question marks and things to figure out.
Step 3: Unleash The Kraken (aka Your Hook)
What’s that first sentence of your book? Does it grab you? Build intrigue? Scare us? Challenge our ways of thinking or being? Your first sentence should be fantastic. For most writers, when we start dreaming of our books we have a first sentence in mind. Have yours?
Step 4: Your First Draft Is Your Worst Draft
Don’t stress about “getting it right” right now. Just write. Get it all out of you as it falls. Save the backspace and edits for… well, editing. Don’t be hypercritical. I recommend ‘batch writing’ scheduling sections of time where you simply focus on writing and getting the story out. Just tell the story and get it down on paper. The real work… comes next.
Step 5: Trust Your Writer’s Intuition
Even if you don’t think you have one – you do. We all do. It’s the reason you had this book idea in the first place and why the simple act of putting pen to page to tell this particular story excites the heck out of you. Trust yourself to know when to write it, how to write it and what to say. Then do it.
Step 6: Have Manuscript. Will Edit.
This is the real work. Once the first draft or manuscript is ready, you need to go back through your work and pick it and your writing apart. Now, you don’t have to go it alone (in fact, I don’t recommend it) instead hire 2 editors – content & copy. One focuses on continuity and content, and the other on grammar, spelling, punctuation and flow. You need both to create a bestseller.
And finally…
Step 7: Print. It. Already.
Publishing a book has never been easier for self-published works. If you want a Publisher to publish… submit, submit, submit. Getting your book out there is paramount. You’re a writer by simply writing. Your a published Author only after you print and publish.
BONUS TIPS:
* Block time in your calendar to write or you never will.
* Consider voice noting yourself and transcribing rather than writing fully.
* Use distraction-stopper apps that block you from anything but writing.
* Tell others you are writing and watch the excitement build.
Now, what are you waiting for?
Write On!
