Did you know that if you include self-published books, there are up to 4 million new books published each year? Are you trying to add your book into the mix?
Writing a book isn’t easy, especially if you want to do it well. We’re here with a few tips for writing a book that can put you on the right track. Read on to learn more.
1. Treat It Like a Job
This is the most important writing advice that anyone can give you. If you want to write a book and you’re truly committed, you need to treat it like a job (even if you already have a full-time job).
Writing a book is an art project of sorts, but it’s also a commitment. If you’re only writing it in the margins of your day, you’re going to lose focus.
Give yourself a dedicated writing time and space. You can use that time for research, planning, editing, or actual writing, but you must be working on your book.
Even if you have no ideas, sit at your writing desk and write stream-of-consciousness-style into your notebook just to get your thoughts down. Eventually, your brain will start cooperating, and the writing process will begin.
2. Give Yourself Weekly Deadlines
Speaking of turning writing into a job, you need deadlines.
For most new writers, or anyone interested in writing self-published books rather than working with a professional publishing team, there are no real deadlines yet. There’s no outside entity there to tell you when you need to be finished.
You need to be your own boss. Even if your goal is to write 2,000 words per week, that’s enough of a deadline to get you started.
Consider giving yourself a small reward when you meet deadlines, like a nice cup of coffee.
3. Start (or Join) a Writing Group
Do you struggle to hold yourself accountable when you’re writing on your own? It was so much easier to meet deadlines when you were in school, and someone was always looking over your shoulder!
A writing group will help. Gather together with some other writer friends (or find a group online). You can meet “in real life” or via an online chat.
Before each meeting, everyone will share what they wrote. They may request edits or just ask that everyone else in the group reads their work.
During the meeting, you’ll all discuss each other’s work. This is a great way to keep yourself on track, and you’ll have a group of people who will tell you if everything in your book is “working” or if you need a change.
4. Don’t Get Too Ahead of Yourself
Too many people try to run before they can walk, so to speak. When you’re figuring out how to start writing a book, focus on writing rather than the rest of the process.
You don’t need to think about publishing, drawing out scenes (unless that helps you), or book printing yet. Let those things come later when you’re closer to the finish line.
Use These Tips for Writing a Book
These tips for writing a book won’t make the writing process easy, but they’ll help you get started. If you want to show the world your story, it’s time to start writing!
For more helpful articles about the top trending topics, visit the rest of the site.
