Written by DeShaun Williams, CEO & Chief Writing Coach
DeShaun Williams is the Founder & Chief Writing Coach at Write Your Way, LLC, specializing in empowering authors through writing coaching and book publishing. He is also a multi-bestselling author.
Writing a book can feel like a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can transform your idea into a completed manuscript. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire writing process, from brainstorming your concept to refining your final draft. Whether you're a first-time author or a seasoned writer, these tips will help you stay organized and motivated throughout your journey.
Understanding your “why”: The foundation of your book
Before you even begin outlining or typing the first sentence, the most crucial step is to understand why you’re writing this book. Having a clear purpose will keep you motivated through the highs and lows of the writing process and help you stay focused on your overall vision. Is your goal to share personal experiences, provide educational value, or entertain with a fictional world you’ve created? Defining your “why” early on will help you stay grounded as you navigate the complexities of book writing.
Key questions to ask yourself include
What is the primary message or theme I want my book to convey?
Who is my ideal reader?
What impact do I want my book to have on those who read it?
Answering these questions will not only provide clarity but also help you tailor your book to the right audience. Whether your book is meant to inspire, educate, or entertain, understanding the core reason behind it will drive your writing forward.
Starting with an outline: Creating your roadmap
Once you’ve honed in on your purpose, it’s time to get organized. The idea of writing a book can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into smaller, manageable steps can make the process much smoother. One of the most effective tools for this is creating an outline. Think of your outline as a roadmap for your book. It will give you a clear vision of the journey ahead, helping you avoid getting lost or distracted along the way.
How to create an effective outline
Start with your big idea: Begin by writing down the central theme or concept of your book. What is the overarching point you want to communicate to your readers?
Break it down into chapters: Once you have your main idea, break it into smaller parts, and these will become your chapters or sections. Each chapter should focus on a specific aspect of your main theme or story.
Create a logical flow: Organize your chapters in a sequence that makes sense. The flow should feel natural, guiding the reader from one idea or plot point to the next. If you’re writing fiction, think about how each scene builds on the last. For non-fiction, consider how each chapter teaches or informs the reader in a progressive way.
Outlining may seem like extra work upfront, but it will save you time and frustration later. It ensures that you have a clear direction to follow, preventing you from wandering off track or getting overwhelmed by the scope of the project.
Setting achievable goals: Building momentum
One of the most common reasons people give up on writing a book is the feeling of being overwhelmed by the sheer size of the project. Writing tens of thousands of words can feel insurmountable, especially when you’re juggling other responsibilities like work or family. That’s why it’s important to set small, realistic goals that allow you to make consistent progress without feeling discouraged.
Examples of effective writing goals
Word count targets: Instead of trying to write an entire chapter in one sitting, set a daily word count target, perhaps 500 or 1,000 words per day. These small milestones add up quickly and make the process more manageable.
Time-based goals: If a word count feels intimidating, consider setting aside a specific amount of time each day for writing. Whether it’s 30 minutes or an hour, consistency is key.
Chapter deadlines: Set a deadline for when you’d like to finish each chapter. This keeps you accountable and provides a sense of accomplishment with each chapter you complete.
Tracking your progress will not only keep you on task but will also give you a sense of satisfaction as you see how far you’ve come. Writing a book is a long journey, but each small goal brings you closer to the finish line.
Writing the first draft: Embracing imperfection
One of the biggest hurdles for new writers is the pursuit of perfection. Many first-time authors spend too much time rewriting the same sentence or paragraph, trying to get it just right before moving on. This can lead to a frustrating cycle of over-editing, which ultimately slows down progress and drains motivation.
The reality is your first draft is not supposed to be perfect. It’s simply about getting your ideas on the page. The true beauty of writing comes in the revision process. So, when you’re writing your first draft, give yourself permission to write imperfectly. Focus on completing the draft, knowing that you can always go back and make improvements later.
Revising your manuscript: Improving structure and flow
Once you’ve completed your first draft, take a short break before diving into revisions. This pause allows you to return to your manuscript with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot areas that need improvement. When revising, start by looking at the big picture—this includes the overall structure, pacing, and clarity of your content.
Key questions to ask during revisions
Does each chapter flow logically into the next? Are there smooth transitions between sections, or do they feel disjointed?
Are your characters (if writing fiction) well-developed? Do they have clear motivations, and are they evolving throughout the story?
Does your non-fiction book build knowledge effectively? Are the ideas and lessons presented in a way that will make sense to your readers?
After you’ve tackled the big picture, move on to refining individual sentences and paragraphs. This is where you focus on tightening your prose, fixing grammar issues, and making sure everything reads smoothly.
Finding the right editor: Elevating your manuscript
Once you’ve revised your manuscript, the next step is to find a professional editor. No matter how good a writer you are, a second set of eyes is essential. An editor will catch errors you’ve missed, help improve clarity, and suggest structural changes to strengthen your book. Editors are invaluable for ensuring that your manuscript is polished and ready for publication.
How to find the right editor
Ask for recommendations: Reach out to fellow writers, writing groups, or online communities to get referrals for trusted editors.
Search online platforms: Websites like Reedsy or Upwork are great for finding freelance editors with experience in your genre.
Clarify your needs: Determine what type of editing you require. Do you need a developmental editor to help with story structure and content, or a copyeditor to focus on grammar, spelling, and style?
A good editor is a partner in the writing process, but it’s important to maintain your own voice. Ensure that any changes made during editing stay true to your original message and style.
Deciding how to publish: Traditional vs. self-publishing
After editing, the next big decision is how to publish your book. There are two main routes: traditional publishing and self-publishing. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and challenges, so it’s essential to choose the one that best aligns with your goals.
Traditional publishing
This involves submitting your manuscript to literary agents or directly to publishing houses. If accepted, the publisher will handle many aspects of the publishing process, including design, marketing, and distribution. However, this route can be competitive and often involves a long wait for acceptance.
Self-publishing
If you prefer more control over the process, self-publishing may be the better option. You handle everything from cover design to distribution, which allows for greater creative freedom. Platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark make self-publishing accessible, but it requires more upfront effort in terms of marketing and promotion.
Book design and formatting: Making your book professional
If you choose to self-publish, one of the most important aspects of your book is its design and formatting. A well-designed cover can make a significant difference in attracting readers, and the interior layout must be clean and professional. Hiring a professional designer to create an eye-catching cover is a worthwhile investment, and many freelance designers offer affordable rates for authors.
Marketing your book: Sharing it with the world
Writing your book is only half the battle. Now, you need to market it. Start building anticipation early by sharing your writing journey on social media, creating a newsletter, or reaching out to bloggers and influencers in your niche. Plan a book launch, whether in-person or virtual and create a marketing strategy to reach your target audience.
Call to action
Writing a book may seem overwhelming, but it’s a challenge worth taking on. By following these steps and staying committed to your vision, you’ll be able to turn your idea into a finished manuscript ready to share with the world. If you’re looking for guidance or support throughout your writing journey, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to make your dream of becoming an author a reality!
Read more from DeShaun Williams
DeShaun Williams, CEO & Chief Writing Coach
DeShaun Williams is the Founder & Chief Writing Coach at Write Your Way, LLC, dedicated to helping aspiring authors achieve their publishing goals through personalized coaching and guidance. Inspired by the wisdom of his late grandfather, DeShaun founded his business to empower writers to take control of their creative journeys. He is also the author of From the Valley to the Summit, where he shares insights on overcoming obstacles and reaching new heights. DeShaun’s passion is helping others realize their potential and bring their stories to life.
