This is a question I get asked often. Typically, it is asked by people who want to write books but don’t know where to start. So, I’ll give you a few helpful tips about how to start writing a book, not that I know all of the methods, but since I’ve written 14 novels while teaching, momming (not a word), and wifing (also, not a word), I think I know a little something-something.

Read ALL the Books:

Okay, so I know this isn’t writing, but it’s prepping. Kind of like what many people should have done in regards to buying toilet paper before the crazy toilet paper fiasco of COVID—19 occured. All jokes aside, if you want to write well, you have to put in your time and read, and not just for enjoyment, either. Read as an author, which is a totally different experience. Think about the genre you’d like to write in (sweet romance, children’s picture books, non-fiction self-help, the list is endless), and look at the bestsellers in this category. Choose a few, or fifty, books from the list and get to reading. Then, ask yourself the questions below, and hopefully your answers will help you begin to formulate what you’d like to write.

• How do these authors structure their books?

• Do they begin with a quote to evoke thought, a flashback, flash forward, dream sequence, or witty anecdote?

• How many chapters are in the book? Pages? Words per page? Words in general? (Each genre of writing has its own word count. Click here to see what I’m talking about.)

• Do the chapters have a rhythm or pattern (anecdote, lesson, application)?

• What kind of voice draws you in (snarky, quirky, authentic, serious, funny, or a mixture of them all)?

Don’t Be Afraid to Write Your Truth:

Too often, people want to write a story, but they don’t have a story to tell, or they’re too scared to tell the story they want to tell. I get it. I’ve been there. For years, I circled the drain and wrote a version of the story I wanted to tell: the story of losing my mom and growing up without her. I didn’t want to hurt the people I loved by telling the story closest to my heart. So, what did I do? I wrote stories anyway. Stories about zombie rabbits and time travel. Then, one day, I thought, I should just write my truth. I don’t have to publish it if I don’t want to, and so I did. After I wrote that story, the proverbial dam broke, and I was able to write in an entirely new genre (sweet romance). So, write what’s closest to your heart. You don’t have to publish it. Just write the dang thing.

Set Aside Time:

So, maybe you have a great story, and you’ve done all the prepping/reading in your genre. Now, it’s time to sit down and write the next bestseller, right? Probably not. You’re probably going to suck a bit, and that’s okay, too. You may not even be able to write an entire page without feeling like a huge pile of dung. That’s okay, too. Really, it is. The most important thing is to set time aside each day to write, even if it’s just a sentence. Write: one word at a time. Let the story shape itself. If you must plot it out, known as a plotter in the writing world, then plot it out. If you want to fly by the seat of your pants, known as an panster in the writing world, then fly by those pretty little pants. If you want a mixture of both, known as a planster, then mix away, friend. Here’s the formula that I’ve used to write every novel:

1. Sit at the computer every day.

2. Turn on said computer.

3. Write the dang words.

4. Repeat often.

Let’s Publish this Sucker:

“I’ve written all of the words, now, I’m ready to be a bestseller.”

This is typically what a lot of new writers think. They have this new little book baby, and they just know everyone in the world will pay millions to read it. MILLIONS! All that stands in the way is getting it published. So, why aren’t the publishers pounding on your door? Hold your horses, J.K. Rowling.

There is a process you will follow. Not everyone’s process is the same, but you have a few decisions to make. Do you want to self publish your book to keep more of the royalties or go a more traditional route? Great, get ready to market like you’ve never marketed before.

“Wait, what do you mean by market?”

I’m so glad you asked, dear reader. Regardless of what route you take (indie publishing, traditional, or a hybrid of the two), you will be expected to sell your book. You will be expected to treat your book like a business because… well… it is a business. In short, before you publish that sucker, you need to do some research. Here’s a great website/podcast to help you with that, especially if you want to go the indie publishing route.

Prep to Submit:

Regardless of what route you take, there is a process before you submit your book.

1. Edit and revise that gem. If you have the funds, hire a professional editor to go through your book. You need to look at your work as an investment, so don’t skimp on this step.

2. Put the work in. Make that gem shine. Don’t get caught up in your ego. Make changes. Make it better.

3. Get some BETA readers. These are readers in the age group you plan to market for your book. I don’t suggest friends, unless they are honest and have no problem telling you what needs to change. I do suggest getting involved in critique groups. There are a lot on FaceBook (Sub It Club is fantastic).

4. If you want to go the traditional or hybrid route, start researching some literary agents you would like to represent you. Draft a query letter (click here for tips on query letters) and make sure to read the guidelines for submission for each agent. There’s this fabulous thing call manuscript wishlist (MSWL), too. I’d check this out before submitting to any agent.

5. Develop a tough skin. You’re going to be told no, sometimes painfully, but please make note of each rejection. If you can get past the pain, these rejections can grow you as a writer. Remember NO means Next Opportunity. Mind blown?

Closing Thoughts:

This was a lot of information. Please know that I plan on giving helpful hints each Wednesday. Learn from my fourteen years of mistakes. If you have any specific questions, leave a comment below, and I’ll answer them next #WordWednesday. TTFN!