How to Write and Self-Publish a Book in 2023
If you have a dream to author a book in 2023 you've come to the right blog. Today I'm going to teach you something I know well, and that's how to write and self-publish books. I'm breaking down step-by-step how you can go from an idea in your head to a published book in your hand. These steps come from my signature book, 6-Step Blueprint: How to Write a Book in 30 Days for Faith-Based Authors. So, let's dive right in.
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.
Start by getting out a journal. Once you have your journal, you're going to do two things:
1) Brainstorm all your ideas that you have. Set a timer for at least 3 minutes and write down all the ideas you want to write about.
If there is not a specific idea you already have here are some questions to get you started.
What is something I have achieved?
What have I overcome?
What can I show others how to do?
What are the steps I took to achieve a specific result?
2) Then reflect! Ask yourself out of all the ideas listed which one can solve the biggest problem for someone? Why do you think this book will be a solution to their problem?
When you start this first step, guess what? You have already started toward becoming an author.
Pro-Tip: Taping into your "Why" makes great content that you can use in the introduction of your book. Readers enjoy hearing about behind-the-scenes and the process it takes to complete your book. So, take your reader along the journey.
Step #2 Decide on the Type of Book and Create an Outline
Okay now that you have your "Why" you need to decide. To be clear, decide on the type of book or genre you want to write. A lot of the books I create are in the faith-based genre.
Here are a few books that you can write in 30 days.
a devotional
a non-fiction step-by-step
Also, you can use your personal story in all these types of books.
Decide who the book is 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 the outline of your book. This is a must!
I highly recommend you decide before starting to write chapters to your book. An outline will keep you focused and give you a specific plan of action. Without an outline, you have no direction.
One way to create an outline is to do market research on your topic. What are the most common questions your target market has about your book topic? For your book outline each chapter in your book can address a most frequently asked question. See an example of the questions I address in my signature book, 6-Step Blueprint
Where do you start when writing a book?
How do you plan a book?
How do you write a book?
How do you edit a book?
How do you protect your book?
How do you self-publish and market a book?
Step#3 Set Writing Goals and Start the Writing Process
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 writing goals. Set a start and finish date for your book. Yes, the mind likes something to focus on. For first-time authors to get their book done fast I recommend a 120-page book, no more than 150-page book. Also, short read books are in, write 10,000 words are less. Yes, think quality over quantity. If you can give your reader a solution to their problem in 120 pages, they will feel accomplished finishing your book. Set an achievable word count goal like 500 words a day 5 days a week. I recommend at least 30-minute writing sessions 5 days a week or 2 hours 30 minutes a week if you want to finish your book in 30 days.
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.
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). If you need a book cover designed go to https://99designs.com/book-cover-design
Step #5 Approve Final Draft and Copyright
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 you now 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.
Step #6 Create 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 KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing). It's free to publish on Amazon but they do take up to 40% from your book sale.
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 now know what it takes to become a published author. Can you see how simple the process can be? Sometimes you just need accountability to get it done. If you would like accountability, I'm happy to assist Book a consultation here.
This is your season to write your book and finally become an author in 2023. 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 have a checklist 15 Steps to Self-publish on Amazon KDP and will be breaking down step-by-step in another upcoming blog post.
Which one of the above steps are you going to take action on? If you enjoyed reading make sure to like, comment, and subscribe to my Blessed Author Newsletter so that you never miss a blog post.
Book your one-on-one consultation for an individualized Success Plan to Self-Publishing Winter Special is currently $100 vs. $250. You will walk away with clarity and 3 actionable steps to write your book and self-publish the right way. Click here to schedule your success plan.
Featured book: 6-Step Blueprint: How to Write a Book in 30 Days for Faith-Based Authors
If you're an aspiring author of faith this book is for You. Also comes with a 30-Day Devotional for Courage, Confidence, and Consistency. Available now on Amazon for $14.99 click the link here to get your copy.
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Hi, I'm Tahira! Author, Writer, and Self-publishing Consultant at TahiraGift Consulting LLC. As a Blessed Author, I share on this blog tips to help others publish faith-based books for impact and income. Learn more and get my Write a Book 6-Step Blueprint Free Checklist click here.