In today's blog, you're in for a treat because I'm breaking down a simple solution to write your book and get it done fast. Welcome to week 3 out of a 6-week blog series where I'm answering the frequently asked question "How long does it take to write a book?" Well, here is the short answer. It can take anywhere from 3 days to 3 years to write a book depending on the type. Yes, I've seen it happen, a journal can be done in 3 days but a novel can take up to 3 years. It took me 3 months to write my first chapter book. But I've got something even better for you today because I'm going to show you how to complete a book in 30 days so let's dive right in.
In 2021 it's possible to get your book done fast. Especially if you're writing any of the below types of books:
Personal story
Devotional or Journal -Prayer, Gratitude, Guided
Step-by-step
Short-stories (fiction or non-fiction)
Poetry
Inspirational sayings, ie. 30 Days of Affirmations
To write your book fast you need three things; an outline, writing goals, and self-discipline. In this blog, I'm going to really focus on the writing goals and give you a winning plan to finish your book in 30 days. Welcome to Write Your Book 30 Days Challenge which kicks off today July 1st -30th, Monday- Friday. Are you following me on Instagram? Check out stories @Tahiragift for support with the challenge.
Okay, let's assume that you know what type of book you want to write and you already have your outline. Step 3 of my 6 Step Blueprint is about setting writing goals and the writing process. If you want a Write Your Book in 2021: 6 Step Blueprint Checklist get a free download here. This will help you with the writing process and keep you on track. See below for 6 additional writing tips to help along your journey.
Tip #1: Follow an Outline
One of the easiest strategies to write an outline is to research frequently asked questions and make them chapters in your book. For the sake of this challenge, we are going to focus on writing any of the 6 types of books mentioned above and stick to a general template.
Here's an example:
Type of Book: Step-by-step nonfiction book
The Problem solved: How To Write Your First Book
Target market: Aspiring authors.
General Book Outline:
Introduction
Chapters 1 through 6 will be the steps
Final Word
Bonuses: 30-Day Devotional, 30-Day Challenge Checklist, 30 Frequently Asked Questions
Chapter Outline:
Straight to the point solution
Pro tip
Personal story
Quote or inspirational saying
Key points
Reflection questions (take away from key points)
The more detailed you are with your outline the better. I have found that when you have an outline for your book not only does it help the writing process to flow, but it also helps to keep your reader in mind. Every writer has an individual style, the more you write the more you'll realize your writing style. You will get better, just keep writing.
Side Note: I personally like giving bonuses, what person doesn't like a good surprise? I feel like God surprises us with good things and I like to give people more than what they expect. Lead with generosity is my model.
Need help creating a personalized outline for your book? Do you want to know your deeper "Why" to motivate you to complete your book? How about having the word count needed to write the first chapter of your book? Book your one-on-one consultation and we can get done with an outline, discover your deep why, and have what you need for that first chapter in one session.
Tip #2: Set Writing Goals
For the purpose of this 30-Day Challenge to finish writing your book, we're going to aim for...
Writing Goals
A 120-page book.
30,000-word count book.
Break it down to 7,500 a week.
6 pages a day 5 days a week.
At least 2 hours 30 minutes a week.
Monday through Friday only (rest on weekends).
If you are able to join the challenge writing starts July 5th- July 30th, which is 20 days. By the end of July 30th, the goal is to have your first rough draft if you follow this schedule. Now you want to take that rough draft and do Step 5 which is to send it to a proofreader. While your manuscript is being proofread finalize your book title and get your book cover done if you haven't already.
Pro Tip: Start telling people you're writing a book now. Get the word out! Don't wait. Have the courage to speak your dream and get the accountability needed.
Did you know that the average person talks about 16,000 words per day? Don't tell me that you can't write at least 1,500 words toward your book when you sit down to write.
The words from your book are actually in your mouth. Get out of your head and get to talking.
Tip #3: Format Your Book From the Beginning
Use 12 point Times New Roman as an acceptable font.
Use standard pages 8.5 by 11.
Set your margins to 1 inch on all sides.
Use double-spaced lines.
Indent paragraphs by 5 spaces and don't hit tap or 1 space to indent.
Use page breaks to begin new chapters.
Start numbering your pages when your story begins.
Tip #4: Think about the Reader as You Write
Questions to ask if you get stuck or to help you write:
What does my reader need to know? What will help them?
What questions do they have?
What problem am I solving for the reader?
How can I inspire my reader? Give them hope that they can do it?
Is my message clear and straight to the point?
What key points do I want my reader to walk away from reading this book?
Pro Writing Tips:
One of the best ways to inspire readers is with truth, your truth. How did you overcome something? Share your personal testimony.
Share what inspires you, your favorite scripture or quote (give credit for quotes used).
Highlight key points in bold you want the reader to take away from your book.
Ask your reader questions in the book, then answer the question. You can even have reflection space for those readers who like to take notes in the book.
Tip # 5: Find Your Flow
When writing a book keep in mind that your book should flow for the reader. Think of it like a standard essay your book should have a beginning, middle, and end. Are another way I like to say is a hook, the main solution to the problem, and a final word or conclusion.
The first chapter should be your hook. The last chapter is to connect, your call to join the community or tell the reader how to stay connected with you. Don't just end with thanks for reading my book, give the reader a reason to want more and see what's going on next with you. Do you have a blog? An additional service you can help them with? How can they stay connected? Whether on your website or social media. Don't just leave without extending an invitation.
If you decide to include an introduction it can set the expectation of the book. I am personally a fan of introductions because I like giving my readers a heads up of what to expect from the book. It's also a way to make sure you give the reader exactly the points mentioned.
Fun fact: Did you know some people actually wait until the end to write the Introduction or pick the title of their book?
Pro Tip: Most people will want a sample or a preview of your book. In order to start an email list, you can give people the first chapter of your book to opt into your email list. You can pre-sell your book even before you self-publish it. Once you self-publish your book create a launch date. A launch date can be anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks after you receive a proof or author's copy of your printed book. The goal and dream are to write the book, but marketing and promotion is a long-haul game.
At the beginning of writing, you need to learn what works best for you. I'll give you my suggestions but please know it's okay to go outside of the box if it works for you. What works for me in my writing process is
research
writing
break
more writing
break
rereading and publish
Yes, I incorporate breaks as work in the writing process. You'll be surprised how much better you write after taking a break.
Allow yourself room to receive. Great ways to take a writing break:
walk
nap
watch a favorite movie or show
Pro Tip: Ideas can come from rest. While on break you get what I like to call "Divine Downloads".
Tip #6: Track Your Word Count
Keep your word count in mind. You can either leave it on the page or check it daily just as an inspiration to keep you motivated. Tracking your word count can feel like counting calories some of us love it, others not so much. You choose, but remember that when getting help with proofreading you will be charged by word count. Don't forget these tools as well.
Google docs are great for keeping track of word count as you write.
Grammarly helps with your spelling, grammar, and even the tone of your writing.
Final Word
Even if you read this blog after the start of this Write Your Book 30 Day Challenge begin whenever you're ready. This is your season to write your book and finally become an author in 2021. If you're a self-starter take these writing tips and get started. You can do it! And if you would like assistance with the 6-Step Blueprint I can help. Don't be afraid to give the first chapter of your book for free. Put it out there and be open to receive feedback. Also, don't let self-publishing scare you. I will be breaking down all the potential costs in another upcoming blog series.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post please feel free to ask any questions in the comments, like, and share. Join my email list so you never miss a post during this series. Stay tuned for week 4 to come out next week July 8th.
Upcoming Series Topics below:
Week 1: How to Write a Book in 2021: A 6-Step Blueprint (Detailed Step-by-Step)
Week 2- How Do you Write a book if you're not a Writer I Writing Tips for Beginners
Week 3- How Long Does it take to Write a Book
Week 4- The Easiest Way to Self-Publish a Book
Week 5- Dreaming of Becoming an Author I Don't Let Fear Stop You
Week 6- How Do you Make Money from your Book
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