To outline your book, you can follow these steps:
- Write down your book’s premise in one sentence
- Write down your book’s main goal or message in one sentence
- Write down your book’s target audience in one sentence
- Write down your book’s title and subtitle (optional)
- Write down your book’s main chapters and subheadings
- Write down the main points or events that will happen in each chapter or section
- Write down any notes, examples, quotes, or sources that you want to include in each chapter or section
Once you have outlined your book, you should have a clear picture of what your book will look like and what you need to write in each part.
Step 3: Write Your First Draft
The third step of writing a book is writing your first draft. This is the stage where you turn your outline into actual words and sentences.
Writing your first draft can be exciting and scary at the same time. You may feel eager to get your thoughts on paper, but you may also feel nervous about whether you are doing it right or not.
The key to writing your first draft is to focus on getting the content out, not on making it perfect. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, punctuation, or style at this point.
You can fix those later in the editing stage. Just write what comes to mind and follow your outline as much as possible.
To write your first draft, you can follow these tips:
- Set a daily word count goal and stick to it. For example, if you want to write a 50,000-word book in 30 days, you need to write at least 1,667 words per day.
- Set a regular writing time and place. For example, you can write every morning from 8 to 10 am in your home office.
- Use a distraction-free writing software or app. For example, you can use Scrivener, Google Docs, or Microsoft Word to write your draft.
- Write in short bursts or sprints. For example, you can write for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break, then repeat until you reach your daily goal.
- Write from start to finish. Don’t skip around or jump ahead. Follow your outline and write each chapter or section in order.
- Write as if you are talking to your reader. Use simple and clear language that conveys your message and engages your reader.
- Write what you know and what you have researched. Don’t make up facts or information that you are not sure about. Cite your sources if necessary.
- Write with confidence and enthusiasm. Don’t doubt yourself or criticize your writing. Believe in yourself and your book.
Once you have written your first draft, congratulate yourself for completing the hardest part of writing a book!
Step 4: Edit Your Manuscript
The fourth step of writing a book is editing your manuscript. This is the stage where you polish and refine your draft and make it ready for publication.
