Fortunately, there are numerous options available to would-be authors who want to publish their own book. You can hire a ghostwriter or work with a book-writing coach to help you get your book done. You can join a writing group, work with an accountability partner, or even enlist the help of a co-author.
If you choose to write your book on your own, here are some additional tips and tactics for finally getting your book written:
1. Begin with the end in mind.
Before you write a word, you’ve got to determine why you’re writing a book in the first place. Where will your book fit into your overall business model? Will you use your book as a lead-generator, to establish your expert status, or to promote your business? Decide what you want from your book so it can be written with your goals in mind!
2. Your title is (almost) everything.
Here’s an amazing statistic: Over ___% of book buyers purchase a book on the title alone! The importance of your book’s title cannot be overstated. Your title is crucial to the success of your book, so choose something memorable and compelling. In this case, you can judge a book by it’s cover!
3. Develop your outline.
If the thought of writing an entire book intimidates you, think of your book as several smaller articles (chapters) and chunk it down. Start by developing your outline or table of contents. Build and expand from there. You may find that you’ve already got existing materials that can be repurposed for your book. Have you done teleseminars or courses that can be converted to book content? Use what you’ve already got and you may be amazed at how quickly it comes together.
4. Get into your writing groove.
Some days the words just flow, other times you may hit a brick wall. The trick is to keep on writing. Just try to get the words down. You can always revise and edit later. Set daily or weekly writing goals. Try committing to writing one hour per day or shoot for 3,000 words per week. It’s easier to re-write than to write – so bang out that first draft quickly and edit later.
5. You’re done! Now what?
You’ve finally finished your manuscript. Now the real fun begins! How will you market, promote and distribute your book? Do you need an agent? Should you self-publish? While the publishing process could easily be a book in itself, here are a few options to consider:
Self-Publish vs. Traditional Publishing
If it’s your first book, it may be more realistic – and a lot faster – to self-publish. The Internet has opened up an enormous range of self-publishing opportunities and resources.
Agent vs. Solo
If you’re self-publishing, you really don’t need an agent. However, if you decide to pursue a mid-sized to large publisher, you will definitely want to enlist the help of a literary agent.
Finally, don’t confuse so-called “vanity” publishers with large publishing houses. Find a reputable self-publishing who has the ability to get your book distributed both online to Amazon.com and to the major retailers like Barnes & Noble.
Need more help or advice? Visit www.TheBookWritingCoach.com!
Lou Bortone is a freelance writer and writing coach with more than 20 years experience in marketing, branding and promotion. In addition, Lou works as a copywriter and professional ghostwriter, with a ghostwriting site at www.GhostwriteForYou.com and a book-writing coaching site at www.TheBookWritingCoach.com.
In addition to hundreds of national, print and online publication credits, Lou has also written and ghostwritten full-length books, magazine features, e-books, speeches, marketing materials and even television scripts and screenplays. As a writing coach, Lou helps entrepreneurs and executives realize their dreams of becoming published authors.
