Writing a book is both a labor of love and a long process that begins with an idea. The journey continues as you write the initial manuscript and work through the editing, publishing, and publicity processes. Last time, I gave you five tips to help you get started thinking through your book project. In this blog, I share the remaining five tips for your journey.
4. Get it on Paper – This means coming up with an outline for your book manuscript in some format. This could mean writing it out longhand, typing it on your computer, or even verbalizing it into a recorder. The important point is to get it down in some format. I like to encourage authors to employ the “Brain Dump” method of getting things on paper. This merely means putting your thoughts down. Don’t worry about formatting, punctuation, spelling, or any other editing. Simply get your ideas down and don’t edit while writing. That comes later as your team helps you organize the material and present it in a more logical form. Stay focused and imagine a chapter as you write. Compartmentalize topics, but don’t worry about organizing them at this point. That comes later.
7. Stay in your Lane – Many times, authors try to be the editor and social media guru instead of just focusing on telling the story. Everybody else you may use as part of your team plays a role, but some authors have a heavy hand on their project when they need to have a light hand. They need to let other experts determine how to edit and market their books. Authors guide and are part of the process but need to let other experts do their jobs.
8. Be Prepared to Work Hard Once Your Book is in Print – Most authors think the job is done once the book is published. Wrong! Doing PR, marketing, and getting people to talk about and buy the book are the next essential steps. The publisher may do some of this, but authors also need to be willing to work. Unless you’re a celebrity or well-known author, you have to be out there promoting your book.
9. Start Working on Your Next Title – Often, a topic lens itself to multiple books and the author needs to think that far ahead. Once you’re out there working hard, it helps you decide what to write about next. Often authors will have books on different topics or focused on specifics about one subject.
10. Have a Platform for Promotion (i.e., speaker, pastor, etc.) – You must have a platform, or build one to sell your book. You can start expanding your presence on Social Media, even your book is finished. Once you establish a platform, you need to stand on it and communicate with your audience. It might mean doing a reading rather than a speech if you don’t like speaking in public. Be willing to tell your story in the media, be responsive to their requests, and welcome the exposure opportunity. That platform is crucial for most successful authors. Remember, if you don’t sell the first book, no one will buy the second one.
The Bottom Line: The book writing journey is an exciting and rewarding one in many different ways. As you do your research, figure out your market, get your thoughts down on paper, and start writing, you are well on your way to becoming a published author!
If you’d like to discuss your book project or simply ask a question, please reach out to me.
Dave Ficere is an Author, Editor, and Ghostwriter with over 30 years of experience in broadcasting and writing. When Dave is not writing and editing manuscripts for clients, you can typically find him narrating and producing audiobooks.
To learn more about Dave, visit him on LinkedIn.
“Bringing Your Story to Life” is more than just a tagline at Ficere Writing Solutions. We provide clients with top-notch writing, editing, and audiobook services to get your book or audiobook ready to publish. Our portfolio of services includes Ghostwriting books, editing book manuscripts, and narration and production of audiobooks.
To learn more about how Ficere Writing Solutions can help you and your business, click HERE