Your topic should be something that you are knowledgeable about, passionate about, and interested in. It should also be something that other people want to read about, meaning that there is a demand or a gap in the market for your book.
Your genre should be something that you enjoy reading and writing in. It should also be something that matches your topic and your goals for your book.
For example, if you want to write a self-help book on how to overcome anxiety, you might choose the nonfiction genre of personal development.
If you want to write a fictional story about a spy who saves the world from an evil villain, you might choose the fiction genre of thriller.
To choose your topic and genre, you can do some research by:
- Reading books in different genres and topics that interest you
- Browsing online platforms such as Amazon, Goodreads, or Medium for popular books and articles in your niche
- Asking yourself what problems or questions you can solve or answer for your readers
- Asking yourself what stories or messages you want to share with your readers
Once you have chosen your topic and genre, write them down in one sentence.
For example:
I want to write a nonfiction book on how to start an online business from scratch.
or
I want to write a fiction book about a young girl who discovers she has magical powers.
This sentence will serve as the premise of your book and will guide you throughout the writing process.
Step 2: Outline Your Book
The next step of writing a book is outlining your book. Outlining is the process of creating a blueprint or a roadmap for your book that shows what you will write in each chapter and section.
Outlining your book will help you:
- Organize your ideas and information
- Clarify your main points and arguments
- Identify gaps or weaknesses in your content
- Avoid writer’s block and procrastination
- Save time and energy when writing
There are different ways of outlining your book, depending on your preference and style. Some common methods are:
- The Snowflake Method: This method involves starting with a one-sentence summary of your book, then expanding it into a paragraph, then into a page, then into a full outline with subplots and characters.
- The Mind Map Method: This method involves using a visual tool such as a mind map to brainstorm and connect your main ideas and subtopics in a hierarchical and logical way.
- The Index Card Method: This method involves using index cards to write down your main ideas, scenes, or events, then arranging them in a logical order on a board or a table.
You can use any method that works for you, or combine different methods to suit your needs. The important thing is to have a clear and comprehensive outline that covers all the aspects of your book.
