If I can write a book, anyone can do it. I’ve had the honor of writing six. I’m working on number seven right now. Here are ten steps to follow…
- Start with an idea – you probably already have a few or you wouldn’t be reading this.
- Brainstorm chapter headings – sometimes just writing – not editing – makes room in your brain for more ideas.
- Start writing in a word document so you can save it. Don’t worry about format or editing too much at this point, or even the number of words you are writing. Set a reasonable goal for yourself, maybe 500 words a day. Many word processing programs will give you a word count. There is no right or wrong answer for how long or short a book needs to be. I think most books are too long.
- Post each chapter as a blog post. I was aiming for one a week. You may do more or less. Don’t worry too much about editing. What’s the purpose of this? Get some feedback from some of your (hopefully) strongest supporters – friends and family. Does the story/subject resonate with them?
- At some point, you will realize you are near the end. Take what you have written and begin to edit it. Cut out extra words. Add stories or details that you forgot to add the first time around. What works best for me is to actually print it out and mark all over the paper.
- Go to Kindle Direct Publishing and set-up an account. If you already have an amazon account, you will be able to log in using that. Start working with the online cover editor. Make decisions about the size of the book. Download their template and start formatting your material to the template.
- Order a proof copy. Not required but I highly recommend it. I made some changes after seeing my proof.
- Order your books. I ordered 50 copies originally and within two weeks had to reorder, mainly because I had given so many away. My physical books cost me about $3 a copy. I sell them for $15. Digital books are free to make.
- Selling…It helps if you already have a “platform.” In other words, you should have a way to sell the book. In my case, I am a motivational speaker part time and am able to sell the book at my events. If you don’t have a platform, think of how you can create or incorporate one.
- Be realistic. I sold about 5 copies the first month my book was out. Dan Miller of 48 Days fame says it takes two years for a book to really get going. Be persistent and stay encouraged.
I created a course that takes you step by step through this process. Find it HERE.
James is a retired teacher, now motivational speaker. He has too many books to read and too many to write, so he knows he will live to be at least 150 to get it all done. Watch I Believe Everybody Can Write a Book.
James hosts The Music Ed Podcast and also shares an inspirational keynote in which he uses his 100+ year old saxophone to talk about how – even though our lives may be scratched, dented, and abused, a beautiful symphony can still pour out of our lives. Find out more at www.jamesdivine.net.