How to Write a Book: A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide to Writing a Book
Writing a book is a dream for many, but turning that dream into a reality can feel daunting. Whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction, the process requires creativity, discipline, a clear roadmap, and a large dose of consistent patience.
No matter if you are a heart-centered coach seeking to share your method to help others or a writer with a deep calling to have the world meet your characters, this comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know to write your book, from developing your idea to completing your final draft.
Step 1: Why Write a Book?
Before you start writing, take a moment to reflect on why you want to write a book. Is it to share a message, tell a compelling and impactful story, or establish yourself as an expert in your field? Understanding your motivation will guide your process and keep you focused when challenges arise.
it can be helpful to write out a “why statement” to have in your writing space so that you can stay connected to it every time you sit down to write.
Step 2: Develop Your Idea
Every great book starts with a compelling idea. For fiction writers, this might be a unique premise or an unforgettable character. For non-fiction writers, it could be a problem you’re solving, expertise you’re sharing, or a story from your life.
Start with the Brainstorming Section to do a “mind dump”—a space to get all your ideas on paper, freeing up mental space and allowing you to see which concepts resonate the most.
Tips for Finding Your Idea:
Fiction: Ask “What if?” to explore intriguing possibilities. For example, what if people could relive one day of their life?
Non-fiction: Identify your niche or a topic you’re passionate about and knowledgeable in. Consider what questions people frequently ask you.
A mind map could also be a useful tool when you have a central idea with many related stories or concepts. Start by placing your main idea in the center, then brainstorm different branches that connect to and support it. Each branch represents a supporting idea or story, helping you organize your thoughts visually.
This step is all about getting your idea out of your head and onto paper!
Step 3: Plan Your Book
Once you feel like you have a compelling idea for your book, it’s time to start outlining. An outline can be as detailed or general as you need it to be in order to feel confident diving into the writing process. Many writers need to outline every plot point and chapter before starting the writing process, while others just need a general framework to know where they are headed and will fill in the rest as they write. There is no right or wrong way to do this.
An outline provides a roadmap for your writing. It doesn’t need to be overly detailed, but it should give you a sense of direction.
Fiction Outline: Map out key plot points, character arcs, and settings. Use tools like the three-act structure or the Hero’s Journey to organize your story.
Non-Fiction Outline: Structure your book around main themes or chapters. Each chapter should have a clear purpose and build toward your overall message.
Set Goals: Determine how long your book will be. For example, these are the average word count for various books:
Novels: 70,000–100,000 words
Memoirs: 60,000–90,000 words
Business books: 40,000–60,000 words
By understanding word count goals for your book category, you can then break your word count into daily or weekly goals to stay on track. This will provide you with an idea of how long it will take to write your book. Here is a free Word Count Tracker to help define your goals and track your writing progress.
Step 4: Establish a Writing Routine
Consistency is key when writing a book. By showing up often and putting words on the page, you are making progress toward your completed manuscript. One of the best ways of ensuring you consistently show up to write is by creating a writing routine that fits your schedule and minimizes distractions.
Tips for Building a Routine:
Dedicate a realistic number of writing sessions per week. (Life is also happening and we have to make space for it all.)
During each session, set a timer and aim for a specific word count.
Choose a dedicated writing space that inspires creativity.
For more tips on creating your practice, read this blog post.
Step 5: Write Your First Draft
Your first draft is about getting your ideas on paper—don’t worry about perfection. Focus on forward momentum. The magic happens in the editing process. Plus, no one ever has to know how many drafts it took to reach your final book manuscript. Many authors don’t write every detail in their first drafts, using comments in the margins to remind themselves to come back to add further descriptions is very common. Again, it isn’t about perfection, it is about having something to work with and mold into a book.
Self-doubt, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and writer’s block are all pitfalls along the writing journey. The key is to work with them to prevent them from stopping you from reaching your goal.
Overcoming Writer’s Block:
Break writing into smaller tasks.
Skip ahead to sections you’re excited about.
Change up your environment. Could you write in a different room, at a coffee shop, or the library?
Step away from writing if that feels the most nurturing.
Step 6: Revise and Edit
Editing as you write will slow down your process and potentially derail you from completing the manuscript. The first draft is all about getting your idea out of your head and onto paper!
Once your first draft is complete, the real magic begins. Revising and editing transform your manuscript into a polished book.
Revision Tips:
Take a break before revising to gain a fresh perspective.
Focus on big-picture elements like structure, pacing, and character development.
Use beta readers or critique partners for feedback.
Work with professional editors for a fresh perspective and expert eye on how to elevate the reader experience.
Editing Tips:
Review the structure of your book to ensure the pacing of information flows and there are no plot holes.
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Consider hiring a professional editor for developmental, line, or copyediting.
Check out this blog post to learn more about the different types of editors and when to work with them.
Step 7: Prepare for Publishing
There are many routes to publishing your book. The right path for you depends on your goals. As you near the end of having a completed manuscript, it’s time to think about how you want to publish. Here are a few
Traditional Publishing:
This includes writing a query letter, finding an agent, and submitting it to publishers. It often involves advance payments, editing services, and some marketing support. However, this route has long timelines (~24 months) and less control.
Self-Publishing:
Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or IngramSpark are avenues to self-publishing. This gives you full creative control and higher royalties. However, all of the upfront costs fall to you as well as the marketing.
Hybrid Publishing:
A mix of the two, where writers pay for some services but receive professional support with access to distribution channels. There is often still a royalty structure.
Take some time to think about which book publishing path is right for you.
Bonus Tips for Fiction and Non-Fiction Writers
Fiction Writers:
Read widely in your genre to understand audience expectations.
Focus on creating relatable, multidimensional characters.
Use dialogue to reveal personality and advance the plot.
Non-Fiction Writers:
Build credibility by including research, data, or personal experience.
Use clear, concise language to engage readers.
Include actionable takeaways to provide value.
Writing a book is a journey of creativity, perseverance, and self-discovery. Whether you’re crafting a thrilling novel or sharing your expertise through non-fiction, the steps outlined here will guide you from idea to publication. Remember, the most important step is starting. Your story matters, so embrace the challenge and start writing today!
Idea to Manuscript Workbook
If you found these tips helpful and are ready to brainstorm your idea, check out the Idea to Manuscript Workbook. This is a step-by-step guide walking your through everything above and more! Start exploring your book idea today and don’t keep pushing it off until later. Purchase on Amazon for $13.99.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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The timeline varies. A focused writer might finish a first draft in 3-6 months, while others may take years.
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While not mandatory, professional editing significantly improves your book’s quality and readability. Having an expert pair of eyes on your work can elevate the reader experience and have them recommending your work. Learn more about Her Narrative editing services.
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Absolutely! Many first-time authors learn as they go. Commit to the process, and you’ll grow as a writer.
