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To write a book takes more than a few writing tips

Have you previously tried to write a book? If you have you will know that it is somewhat harder than you anticipated. The process requires more than following a simple set of writing tips.

The worst thing is that nobody, not even you, can predict exactly what you will struggle the most with. You can accept for a fact that mere talent has nothing to do with whether you will finish your book or not. In reality bull headed stubborness will probably serve you better than a boat load of talent would.

Steps to write a book

From reading writer's books and other writer's views on writing you will gather that there are certain steps to follow. This should make the writing process very straightforward. There is however not any consensus on exactly what the steps are and how you are to follow them. I have found that the most common approach is the one that dooms me to failure.

There are steps but you have to find them out for yourself while writing your first book. Making an outline seems to be an obvious part of the process. But many writers manage fine without an outline. Having lots of creative writing ideas should be a basic prerequisite. Many authors however manage successful careers in genres and styles where innovation is seen as a liability rather than a requirement.

Guidelines to write a book

There are a number of basics that you need to be aware of. Language is the first. Spelling and grammar and the basic ability to express yourself in words is the foundation of writing. Eloquence can also be a drawback if your language goes over the heads of your intended audience.

Truth or fiction

Just because you know you want to write a book does not mean there are no more decisions to make and you can just get on with the job. Knowing what literary form would suit you best is something worthwhile to know before you start your book. Unfortunately you might only find out what you should have written during your editing process, or maybe even after publication (or rejection for publication if you are lucky).

Getting your book published

Even with a finished manuscript, hard enough as it is, your journey might not be over. To get a publisher interested in publishing your book require a complete new set of skills. Skills that you may not have developed up to this point. Writing a cover letter and synopsis or summary of your book might feel like a waste of time. But without publication your book will not see the light. Your hard work will stay a manuscript and you will be the writer of an unpublished work, not an author.

Publication is a process that is for the most part completely out of your control. But you need to know which aspects of it you can have an influence over and work to have the best possible influence you can. You do not want to suffer the irony of being completely responsible for not getting your book published because you cannot follow publisher submission guidelines.

If you do not want to deal with publishers you might opt to find a literary agent. This process may be just as hard as trying to solicit a publisher. There are basic things to be aware of but for the most part you are dependent on the quality of your writing.

This brings us right back to you getting that book written. This is where the process starts and where it ends. Is your desire great enough? Do you feel born to do this rather than anything else? Even if it is just once?

Join me and start working towards the completion of your first book.