You may have seen our January newsletter that included ten steps to get writing your book this year. Incase you missed it, or lost it amongst the January email haze, we’ve posted it here for you on the blog.
Before you read on, make sure to sign up for our newsletter if you haven't already. You don't want to miss out on more useful tips and tricks like these. We also have a new forum on our site to help people like you along the adventure of writing and publishing your books.
So, you want to write a book?
It’s important to set your intention and carve out a path. We suggest following along here, because no matter the genre, this method can work for you.
Step 1: Set Your Intention and Goals for Writing the Book
What genre of book are you going to write? How often are you going to write? What spaces will you choose for your most productive work? When would you like your first draft completed? A children’s book might not need as much writing as a fiction or non-fiction book, so ensure your goals are realistic. Experiment with some spots that work well for you to write in. Each writer is different. Some people find their writing flows better in places with lots of background noise like at a swimming pool or hockey arena, while others require silence.
Step 2: Share Your Goals With Someone You Trust
After you set your intention it is important to share your goals with people you trust. Someone who can encourage you when you need an ear, are feeling doubtful, or who is able to just be there as a check in point and witness your writing progress. Raspberry Press is always an option to help when needed! You can access support by contacting us directly or by posting on our forum to find community support.
Step 3: Schedule Time for Writing
Set a schedule for writing to meet your goals. You might commit to writing three, five, or ten hours a week. The amount is up to you and what works for you to meet your goal. Schedule writing time just like you would an exercise class or other commitment. If something comes up and you cannot make your scheduled time, reschedule a new time for you. Be kind to yourself, as, although you set a timeline and end goal, there is still flexibility because this is your writing project. There might be days where you exceed your scheduled writing time — go with it! Allow the timing to work out the best for you. Having time scheduled makes sure you remember your commitment, but as the project unfolds the schedule will likely change.
Step 4: Layout the Outline of Your Book Idea
You can use sticky notes to write down the major sections of your novel or story, and then break those down into major plot points. For fiction, layout your characters: their main attributes, behaviours, goals. You can place the sticky notes to sequence events of how the characters arrive to the different plot points in the novel. For non-fiction, layout your topics and sequence the topics will be discussed in the book. You can then add the evidence or talking points to each topic.
Sticky notes are adjustable so the elements or sequence of your novel or story can easily be moved around as the story grows. Remember to have your themes visibly posted to ensure these are brought into the book in different parts through characters, plot, examples, or direct statements. Eventually you can break your storyboard into chapters so you will have an idea of what ideas and plots will go into which chapters.
Not everyone is a planner, so if you do not yet know the full scope of the book, start writing and as ideas come up, create a sticky note to give that idea space, and if you want to use the idea, it will be available. You can determine when to add it in, or you can choose to not use it
Step 5: Practice Uncensored Writing
When you write allow what comes up to flow. Do not stop yourself to change spelling or grammar. This is the first draft and it is okay if it is messy. Just keep writing. If you are stuck on an idea, move onto one of the other chapters or ideas in your book and start writing that. Use your story board to help shift your attention to a different place. You will have ample time in the second draft to go back and rearrange your thoughts and correct spelling and grammar.
Step 6: Check In With Your Progress
Do a reality check at the end of each month: where you are now? Where would you like to be with your writing project? Adjust the schedule, the plot, the book length, or the deadline, as you need to meet your goals.
Remember to be gentle with yourself throughout the process. When we set an intention we are in one place, and over time things change. If you want your goal to be realized, yes, you do need to keep working on it. But, how you are working on it — such as the time dedicated, what the full scope of the work is, and when you are writing — can change to meet your current life demands and situations.
If you need more time, extend your deadline. Maybe you will write a book in 18 months instead of a year. Maybe you need a couple weeks off of writing — that is okay! Just remember to schedule a time to pick it up again. If you cannot find space to write uninterrupted, communicate with your family how this is important to you and maybe they can help with ideas to find you that space. If you are frustrated, call a friend for support, encouragement, and for ideas on how to move forward. This book is on your timeline, and it is with grace, understanding, and steps forward that it will get done.
Step 7: Completing the First Draft
When your first draft is completed it is a good idea to go over it again to check the flow, grammar, and spelling. You can also choose to send it to an editor for support. How will you know it is completed? You will have a beginning, middle, and end; it can be very rough but all the main points are there; and your plot and subplots have been resolved.
Step 8: Edit the Second Draft
After you’ve edited the first draft, and made the corrections and modifications, the next step is to have the manuscript sent off for an additional edit to polish the draft. Again, you can self edit, but, as you have been heavily involved in this book, a second set of eyes can be a big support to see what you might have missed.
Step 9: Polished Draft
Once you’ve received and incorporated the second set of edits, you now have a polished draft! You’ve done it! You’ve written a book! Now you can send the manuscript out to (Beta) or (ARC) readers who may provide ideas to tweak some of it or provide book reviews. You can also just move forward with publishing.
Step 10: Send the Book to Publishers or Self Publish
The polished draft of your manuscript is ready to be reviewed by publishers or to be self published. There are benefits to both avenues for publishing. Check out our article “The Steps and Benefits to Self Publishing” to see some of the benefits.
You’ve done it, you’ve written AND are ready to publish your book.
By following these ten steps, we are sure that you will be able to to bring your book from day dream to reality.
If you need a support while you are writing, you’re always welcome to contact us. We’ve also set up a formal support network on our forum where you can reach out to our editors and fellow writers for support, encouragement, and tips during your writing and publishing journey. Check out the forum to introduce yourself, find answers, and be inspired!
Raspberry Press is here to help you publish your book. When you are ready, reach out to us!
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