I Want to Write a Book – But I Don’t Know Where to Start!

Writing a book can seem like a daunting task – even for experienced writers and authors. Writing requires motivation, organization, and planning. When you’re just starting out writing your book, it can be difficult to know if you’re on the right track. Here are some ways to start writing your first book, without feeling overwhelmed.

Research Your Genre and Audience

influence your writing by knowing what your audience looks for in your chosen genre. Read popular books by bestselling authors in your genre to see what readers are gravitating towards. Is it a specific writing style? A common theme or plot structure? What demographics are reading your genre? Answering these questions will not only help inform your writing, but will come in handy later when you are planning the marketing strategy for your book release.

Start Writing

It may seem obvious, but the best way to start your book is to simply start writing! If you need help starting out, we recommend creating an outline to map out your book. Write an outline for each chapter – it doesn’t have to be a lot, just enough information to form the bones of your book. This outline may include different sections you know you already have material for, character outlines, and plot outlines. Outline your book to make writing more seamless, write it down, and go for it.

Get Organized

Writing a book also means finding the motivation to wake up and write. Sounds easy, right? Well, a lot of authors struggle with writing motivation or writer’s block. So, if you find yourself lacking the motivation to write every day, try introducing writing rituals and settling on a writing routine that proves to be productive.

Pay attention to when you really find yourself in a writing groove. What atmosphere are you in? What time of day is it? If you need to warm up to writing your own book, try journaling about your day or choose a random writing prompt to get the writing juices flowing.

48 Hour Books can help get you started with our easy-to-use free book templates. Simply download the template in the printed size you want your books to be and start typing! The margins and page size will already be formatted for you. Writing in one of our free book templates will help save you time and energy when it comes time to fine-tune your book formatting before printing your book. If you need additional help formatting your book for printing, our design experts can help with our book formatting services.

Set Daily Writing Goals

Continuing with organization, many self-publishing authors find that setting tangible writing goals each day or week helps to keep them on track. For example, you may set a goal of writing 5,000 words a day. Depending on if you hit that goal or not, you can adjust accordingly.

Plan for Feedback and a Re-Write

This next step can be done before or after your book is edited. Hire one or two beta readers to initially read your book before anyone else does. Take in their feedback and constructive criticism, then revisit your book and make adjustments based on their notes. This feedback may lead to a larger re-write, but don’t be discouraged. Having to re-write parts of your book is part of the writing process.

Edit, Edit, Edit

When you have finished writing your book, it is extremely important to have your book professionally edited. Especially as a first-time author, it’s crucial to make a good first impression with readers. If your book is riddled with errors, this could diminish your credibility as a writer. Spelling and grammar mistakes will trip up readers. You want your book to be a seamless read and a not a struggle.  

48 Hour Books has helped narrow your search for a professional editor with our editing resources. View our list of recommended editors then contact them directly for an editing quote!

Decide Your Publishing Route

Your book is finally finished, edited, formatted, and ready to be printed and published. Now what? As a new author, you have to decide the publishing route you want to take: traditional publishing or self-publishing?

To sign with a traditional publishing company, you must be represented by a publishing agent. You can start this process by writing query letters to different publishing companies. If your book is chosen by a publisher, the publishing company will take care of the printing and promotion of your book. Signing with a traditional publisher is a huge accomplishment, especially as a first-time author, but often isn’t realistic. Traditional publishers are extremely picky about choosing authors to represent. If you send out query letters and face rejection, take comfort in knowing that this is very common. Traditional publishers want to sign a guaranteed bestseller, choosing authors that already have large followings and readership.

Many authors decide to go the self-publishing route for this reason. When you self-publish, you’re in control of your book in every way – including the editing, printing, and marketing.

48 Hour Books can help you start the self-publishing process, including ordering an ISBN and barcode for your book. If you plan to sell your books in stores or online, you will need an ISBN and barcode. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about the self-publishing process to help you start your journey.

Ready to get started? Contact 48 Hour Books today!