I'm kicking off another 6-week blog series. This one is for all the aspiring authors out there. If you have ever wanted to write a book and don't know where to start, this series is for you. I'm answering some of the most frequently asked questions about writing a book over the next 6 weeks. You can find a list of upcoming series topics below.
Over the past 6 years as a published author the #1 question I have been asked is...drum roll please...you guessed it, "How did you write your book?" I've listened to many people over the years and the real question they want to be answered is...
How do you write a book?
and
Is it possible for me?
You're in for a treat! Today's blog will tell you how I did it (my story), and even better I'm giving you the exact 6-Step Blueprint I use with my clients to help write their books in 6 weeks. And is it possible for you to write your book? Absolutely! I believe 2021 is the year of publishing books and if you're a newbie, this is your season. If you want to get it done fast and save time I can help. Now, let's dive right into the 6-Step Blueprint.
With the right steps, motivation, and persistent action your dream of writing a book can become a reality.
Step #1: Vision and Your "Why"
Why do you want to write a book? I know a lot of people think writing is the first step but let me tell you it takes more than putting words together to make your dream of becoming a published author a reality. First, get clear and have a strong "Why". A "Why" is defined as the driving force or conviction that propels you forward. So if you're reading this blog and haven't finished your book here is some tough love...
You don't have a Vision or a strong enough "Why".
Awareness is key but here is the good part. One of my gifts is that I am a visionary, with the ability to maximize others' potential, and help them to find their deeper "Why". This "Why" will motivate you to finally get that book done. Most people think they have a "Why" on the surface. Over the years I have heard many statements...
"Well I've always wanted to write a book"
or
"I think I can help a lot of people with my story"
or
" I want to create an additional income stream."
All of these reasons above are valid however, that's not truly your "Why". Once you dig deep and discover it (hint: it's already inside of you), this conviction will help you complete the next 5 steps.
How I did it (My story)
As many of you might already know I am an author of several books. I'm currently writing a series of books called Giving Inspiration For Today. But before I had the courage to fulfill my dream of becoming an author, I had a vision and felt a strong conviction from above high that this book was needed in the world. Freedom For Today: Practical Advice on How to Create A Life You Love was birthed from daily prayer walks with God and because I had tapped into my "Why".
Step #2: Decide and Create an Outline (Outline example below)
Okay now that you have your "Why" you need to decide. To be clear, decide on the type of book you want to write.
Will it be...
a prayer journal
a personal story
a step by step
These are a few types of books I can help you write (I have a total of seven options you can choose from when working together to get your book done in 2021).
Decide on how long you want the book to be. For first-time authors to get their book done fast I recommend a 120-150 page book.
Decide who is the book for? It's important to have an audience in mind before even writing the book. Some might call this your "target market" but the point is you're writing for someone else to benefit from your book.
Decide on how you will outline your book. Look, before you dive into writing you must have an outline. Yes, I'm going to say it again for all the people in the back, an outline is a must!
I highly recommend you decide before starting to write the type of book. An outline will keep you focused and give you a specific plan of action. Without an outline, you have no direction. Hint: I even have an outline for this blog post. Keep reading and I'll give it to you at the end.
How I did it (My Story)
My first book was actually a children's book published on August 16th, 2015. I wanted to create a book to inspire young readers ages 5 to 7 to learn to read. At that time my own daughter was struggling with reading and I wanted to encourage her. So Vivi the Butterfly Discovers Her Gift was born and I even dedicated it to my daughter.
Side note: My daughter Vivian who is now 12 going on 13 later this year no longer struggles with reading. She loves reading so much she can finish a 268-page book in 4 hours. I had to brag because my first book did more for my daughter's self-esteem than I could have ever known.
Step #3: Set Writing Goals, Start the Writing Process, Write, Write, and more Writing
Yes, writing is step 3 out of 6 (not 1 or 2). Now here is where your writing process can vary. It's important to do what works best for you to find your writing rhythm. However, here are the basics you need to know. Set a writing goal. Let's say you have a writing goal of a 20,000-word book. Word count matters when it comes to the next step, especially if you choose to outsource. Setting a word count goal can help you break down how many words to write per day. Let's say you write anywhere between 150 to 200 words a day 5 days a week. I like better a goal of a certain number of pages to write a day. For a 120 to 150 page book that comes out to 4 or 5 pages a day. Also, set a certain day and/or amount of time each week you want to dedicate to writing. I suggest you start getting in the habit of writing every day even if just for 7 minutes in the morning to finish that book. I recommend at least 2 hours a week if you want to finish faster.
Pro Tip: Okay I'm going to share a quick way I help my clients skip this writing process and you can use this method too. It's called Talk to Text. Why write when you can just speak and have your words typed for you.
With my clients, the writing process can be expedited by using video conference interviewing and asking according to the outline to get the word count needed for their book. Then I take the video and have it transcribed. Now the computer is doing the writing for you.
How I did it (My Story)
When I first started writing I'll be honest I took a long time. First, it was getting over the fear, then the procrastination, then trying to organize and decide what to put in my book (because I am a journaler). I started by writing in my journal by hand than typing it all on my computer. It took me 3 months to write my first 100-page book. I would not recommend that method today. With all the wonderful technology available to us to use, today's writing can be done with little to no writing at all.
Step 4: Rough Draft and Proofreading
After the bulk of your writing is done you want to review your rough draft. It's okay to have multiple rough drafts during this step. You want at least three eyeballs to review your rough draft. You count as one and at least two other people. There are many who will outsource this part in the writing process. It really depends on how much help you need with editing, and formatting your book. If you're pretty confident after reviewing your rough draft then two additional proofreaders suffice to double-check the spelling, sentence structure, etc.
Pro-Tip: While you wait for the proofreaders, finalize your book title if you haven't already and get the book cover made (you can outsource the book cover as well).
How I did it (My Story)
For all of my books, I had help with proofreading, formatting, illustrations, book cover, etc. I believe in getting help and yes from the very beginning I paid for others to help me. I have always known the value of saving time by hiring an expert.
Step #5: Approve Final Draft and Send it to get Copyrighted
When you get your final rough draft back from the proofreaders they will have recommended changes (this is normal to have suggestions). Once you approve the changes now you have a final draft. The very next step is to protect your work. Yes, please get your book copyrighted, it is your intellectual property; an asset. Begin now to see the value of your book even before it is available to the general public. If you are in the USA here is the link to find out more information Literary Works: Registration | U.S. Copyright Office
Pro Tip: Start Pre-selling your book and getting the word out. You don't have to wait until your copyright comes back to start pre-selling. Once it's submitted you have a record so feel free to start telling friends and family that you have a book coming out. You can even set a release date and have a launch party (more on this in an upcoming blog post).
How I did it (My Story)
Yes, all of my books are copyrighted and I also decided to create a brand around my latest book series Giving Inspiration For Today. There is more to being an author than just publishing a book. Trust me when I say writing and publishing your book is the easy part. Especially if you decide to get my Done-For-You Service where I help you write your book in 6 weeks.
Step #6: Create your Ebook and Self-Publish your Book
Now you're at the finish line. Once you have approved your final draft go ahead and create a PDF. Now you can start pre-selling it as an ebook. Next, you self-publish it to Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Kobo, or any of the various distribution sites. I will go into details about the various options in another upcoming blog post.
Pro Tip: I highly recommend you have your own website as well to sell your book direct to consumers (higher income margins than royalties) and start an email list. Once you accomplish the dream of publishing the first book you might want to publish another. Having an email list of raving fans will help you sell more books with ease.
Yay, you did it! You're now a published author. Can you see how simple the process can be? Sometimes you just need accountability to get it done. If you want to save time remember I have a premium Done-For-You Service I can help you write your book in 6 weeks. Book a consultation here to get started.
How I did it (My Story)
Yes, my first book in 2015 was self-published. I went through Create Space which is now KDP which Amazon owns. In 2010 I did submit my manuscript to a traditional Christian publisher to become a published author. However, after going through their vigorous author process where they asked me to take out parts of my book I decided it was not for me. I felt my creativity and liberty at that time was comprised. I wanted the freedom of decision-making and was okay with paving my own way. This is not to discount the benefits of working with a traditional publishing house and everyone's experience is different. Do what works best for you. However, now with self-publishing being so easy and accessible for everyone why wouldn't you want to get your book out there.
Final Word
This is your season to write your book and finally become an author in 2021. If you're a self-starter take these steps and get started. You can do it! And if you would like assistance with the 6-Step Blueprint I can help. Also, don't let self-publishing scare you. I will be breaking down all the potential cost in another upcoming blog series.
Hey did you figure out the blog outline? It is very detailed but it helps to keep focused during the writing process. Feel free to use this outline for your own writing if it helps. Here are the deets...
Blog title
Title Image
Intro
Quote
Step 1
How I did it (My Story)
Step 2
How I did it (My Story)
Step 3
Pro-Tip
How I did it (My Story)
Picture
Step 4
Pro-Tip
How I did it (My Story)
Step 5
Pro-Tip
How I did it (My Story)
Step 6
Pro-Tip
How I did it (My Story)
Final Word
Upcoming Series Topics
Picture
Consultation link
Amazon Affiliate disclaimer
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 2 to come out next week June 24th.
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
Book Consultation Now offering a Summer Special of $100 vs $250 for a one-on-one. Click here to schedule your consultation so you can finally get that book done.
This blog contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate if you purchase from any link I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks again for your support. And happy reading!