How to Write a Book as a New Author Successfully in 15 Steps
Books are usually the literary version of an author’s thoughts. Over the years, books have been about personal experiences, observation, and mere imagination.
Nevertheless, writing a book is not easy for any author, irrespective of experience. It is more difficult for new authors.
However, publishing a book is easier than ever, even for new authors. Gone are the days when authors needed to pitch their books to publishing houses and expect royalties if they could secure a deal.
Today, with few clicks, anybody can self-publish and market their books.
Importantly, there is a difference between writing a book and publishing a successful bestseller.
Here are 15 steps to writing a book successfully as a new author;
1. Determine a ‘why’
Every author has a ‘why’ for writing a book. Books are meant to ignite the imagination and fulfill a specific purpose.
Fiction books are usually written to entertain. Non-fiction books like personal development or motivational books are written to help individuals understand and/or take specific actions.
The first step to take as a new author is to determine the impact you want your book to have on the reader.
2. Brainstorm
The next step is to think about what the book is about. Think about the targeted audience that would be interested in your book. Ruminate on why the chosen idea would appeal to your targeted audience and how best you can convey the message you intended.
Do not rush this step. Take your time and always move around with a jotting pad, so whenever an idea crosses your mind, note it.
3. Outline
This is the stage where you design the framework of your book. List how you want the content to flow.
There is no definite way to write an outline. It could be detailed or bullet points of chapters and expected contents.
Irrespective of what you choose, the outline should be able to summarize the book content from start to finish.
4. Research
Books are written so the reader can learn. To avoid misinforming potential readers, it is essential to research the subject you are writing about thoroughly.
Nothing kills a book faster than a bad review. Being a new author, it could have a long-lasting damage effect on your writing career.
5. Schedule a time and place to write
There are two different types of authors: those who get published and those who never finish writing their books.
What separates these two is discipline. Writing is beyond inspiration. You need the discipline to be consistent to finish the book.
Choose a place comfortable to write and a specific time of the day and day(s) of the week to write.
6. Set a writing goal
Set a target for every time you sit to write. It may be 100 words per day or more. Choose the number of words that is most convenient for you.
The average word of a book page is 250; hence you may decide to write at least a page every time to hasten the book’s completion.
7. Choose a deadline
Setting a deadline for your book writing can help you finish it faster than just writing with the hope of finishing it someday.
8. Finish your first draft
Every author experiences writer’s block. Whenever you feel tired and don’t know what to write anymore, refer to your outline and the notes you wrote during the brainstorming stage.
9. Revise and edit
After completing the first draft, read through the book to ascertain the content flows as you outlined. If not, consider rearranging the chapters, for instance. Also, correct any grammatical errors you notice.
10. Finish the second draft
Write another draft with all necessary adjustments effected. Read it over again like you did the first until you are satisfied.
11. Proofread
Hire a professional proofreader or give the final draft to a competent friend to help highlight and correct the grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
12. Organize a reading party
Give the manuscript of the book to family and friends you trust to read and offer their constructive feedback before you finally publish.
13. Pick an identity
Some authors prefer their names unknown for personal reasons. If this is something you intend, decide on a pen name.
14. Publish
Once the final draft is ready, there is no need to waste time before publishing the book. There are many self-publishing platforms today, like Kindle where you can publish your book with a few clicks in minutes.
If you prefer the traditional way, submit your book manuscript to a publishing house. You stand a better chance of getting a response if you go through a literary agent.
15. Promote
Use your social media pages to promote your book. Pitch to local radios and television, serving your targeted audience to feature as a guest.