1. Cultivate a Reading Habit
As an author, your leisure time could be more productively utilized by reading diverse books rather than mindlessly scrolling through the latest viral sensation on social media. Acclaimed authors dedicate numerous hours weekly to reading literature within and beyond their comfort zone.
2. Master the Art of Storytelling
Storytelling surpasses any other writing skill, including grammar and line editing. This indispensable skill can be acquired through writing courses or by studying some of the best books about storytelling.
3. Develop a Consistent Writing Routine
Rather than attempting to compose your book over long weekend hours, dedicate small chunks of time to it daily. Aspiring authors can squeeze in fifteen or thirty minutes of writing or outlining their book before or after work.
4. Experiment with Short Stories and Blog Posts
These compact writing projects allow prospective authors to explore various writing styles, genres, and niches. Moreover, they foster a writing habit of initiating and concluding creative projects.
5. Identify Your Genre
A skilled author has a keen understanding of their readers’ expectations. Take note of the best-selling books and authors in your preferred genre and try to discern what appeals to their readers. Some popular genres in fiction and non-fiction literature include:
- Romance
- Thrillers
- Science-fiction
- Horror
- Action and adventure
- Children’s books
- Business
7. Conduct Thorough Research for Your Book
Research is an integral component of the creative process. Fiction authors may visit settings they wish to incorporate in their books and capture them through photographs or videos. Alternatively, they could utilize Google Maps and a reliable travel guide if constrained by time or budget. Non-fiction authors may interview subject matter experts about their chosen topic. Transcription services like Descript or Rev could save time with interviews.
10. Structure Your Book
Some authors are plotters who prefer to outline and plan extensively in advance, a practice that can save considerable time. On the other hand, some authors prefer to write spontaneously, letting their muse and characters guide their narrative.
11. Craft a Preliminary Draft
The primary role of a first draft is to exist. Overlook the grammar errors, typos, and other mistakes for now. Instead, concentrate on transferring the words from your mind onto the blank page as expeditiously as possible.
12. Acquire Self-Editing Skills
When you have sufficiently distanced yourself from your book draft, read through it in one or two sittings, annotating it with relevant notes. Ascertain the structural modifications needed and modify your piece accordingly.
Condense, clarify and revise your work. Ensure each chapter employs the five senses and contains compelling hooks or narratives to engage the readers.
13. Engage Professional book writing services
Competent Book Writing Services aid in revising, restructuring, and proofreading your book. It is advisable to involve book writing services in the book writing process than anticipated. They will save you time on rewrites and offer valuable insights for your writing journey. You can send them chapters or sections as you complete them to ensure that your work remains on track.
14. Incorporate Beta Readers’ Feedback
Beta readers are a select group who provide feedback on your preliminary drafts. They are your first audience, showing how your readers will react to your book. They can spot inconsistencies, plot holes, and confusing passages you must catch up on.
15. Format Your Book
Correct formatting is essential for any professional-looking book. This includes margins, spacing, font selection, headers, and more. You can do this using a platform like Microsoft Word or hire a professional formatter to help you. In either case, ensure that you follow the standards for your specific genre or the platform where you plan to publish.
16. Design a Captivating Book Cover
People judge a book by its cover, and your cover is often the first impression potential readers will have of it. A professional, visually appealing cover that captures the essence of your book and genre can attract more readers. Hiring a professional cover designer can be a worthwhile investment.
17. Publish Your Book
With the advent of self-publishing, becoming a published author is now within reach of many more writers. Platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Barnes & Noble’s Nook Press allow authors to publish their books relatively easily. Traditional publishing is another route, but securing a publishing contract can take time and effort.
18. Market Your Book
The final step is marketing your book. This could include building an author platform on social media, launching a website, writing a blog, sending press releases, organizing book signings, or running paid advertising campaigns. The goal is to increase your visibility, engage with your audience, and sell more books.
