Writing a book can feel like climbing Mount Everest – a daunting, seemingly impossible task. But with the right approach, even the most novice writer can create a compelling and informative guide book. This guide, designed specifically for “dummies,” will break down the process into manageable steps, helping you transform your knowledge and experience into a published work.
There’s an undeniable allure to the idea of holding your own book, sharing it with others, and perhaps even seeing it on a bookstore shelf. While the publishing landscape has evolved, with online platforms now dominating book sales, the impact of a well-written book remains significant. Whether it’s a personal dream or a strategic business move, now is an opportune time to embark on your book-writing journey. While traditional publishing remains competitive, self-publishing has matured into a viable and respected alternative. You can independently write and produce your own books, whether in print, digital, or both formats, bypassing traditional gatekeepers. You have the option to manage the entire process independently or enlist the support of a growing network of services and support systems. Crucially, you can directly market your book to your target audience and handle sales yourself.
While books can generate passive income, it’s important to be realistic. Few books actually become profitable. Traditional publishers rely on blockbuster hits to subsidize their overall book output. Furthermore, books don’t sell themselves. Whether traditionally or self-published, authors must actively market their work, which can be a full-time job. Therefore, don’t solely rely on your book for financial gain. Write because it will enhance your career or because it brings you personal satisfaction.
This guide focuses on writing “how-to” books, but many of the principles can be adapted to other genres and large-scale writing projects.
1. Visualize Your Final Product
Start by envisioning the end result. Will it be a self-published ebook or a traditionally published print book? This decision will influence your strategy from the start.
Aspiring to traditional publishing typically requires securing a literary agent and developing a strong proposal that includes a robust author platform. The publisher typically handles editing, design, production, and distribution, and ideally, marketing. As an author, you receive 10-20% of royalties on sales. However, a traditionally published book carries more weight in the business world, especially for consultants.
For self-publishing, ebooks are a good choice. They avoid printing costs and storage issues. You can earn 70% or more on sales and retain copyright. Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing simplifies many production tasks, and other services offer support packages. Alternatively, you can hire freelancers for editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing. Print-on-demand is a popular option for new authors, allowing you to publish an ebook and order small print runs instead of a large initial print order.
Consider the required word count. A traditional hardcover book needs 60,000-80,000 words (250+ pages). The publishing process is slow, taking a year or two. Ebooks can be any length. Some authors generate income by dividing their subject into a series, publishing installments as readers engage with the initial offerings.
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2. Craft Your Elevator Pitch
A book is a complex message, but planning it is similar to planning an email. Lay the foundation by clearly defining your goal. Create a detailed profile of your target audience. Consider what readers will gain from your book. Then, write a concise statement of your intention. For example, the elevator pitch for Business Writing For Dummies is: Business Writing For Dummies will help readers on many different skill levels improve their writing by using professional techniques across media, so they can be more successful in their own field—whether business, government, nonprofit, freelance or consulting.
Also, define your personal motivation for writing the book. It requires significant effort, so maintain a strong motivation. How will the book support your career? Establish your authority? Remind yourself of these benefits!
3. Prioritize Early Marketing Strategies
It’s never too early to consider marketing. For traditional publishers, a comprehensive marketing plan is crucial.
A website is essential for direct sales and promotion. It can be dedicated to the book or integrated into your existing business website with a landing page and homepage promotion.
Assess your current platform: Do you blog? Are you active on social media? Do you conduct workshops or presentations? Consider attending relevant conferences to promote your book. Many tactics require time, so early preparation makes a big difference.
Savvy authors begin building their platform early, even before writing. This may involve increasing blog frequency, focusing on supportive social media platforms, developing speaking engagements, and connecting with bloggers and influencers in your field. Consider joining relevant industry associations.
Experienced authors use existing channels to generate excitement during the writing process, sharing progress with their audience. Some involve their fans by soliciting input or offering advance chapters for feedback.
Plan your book launch early, whether it’s a small gathering or an event at a bookstore or library. Offer to speak about your subject and sell books.
4. Divide the Writing Process
Brainstorm a comprehensive list of all components you intend to cover. This simplifies the task and enables early organization. For example, when writing a book on “Entrepreneurship for Gen Z,” consider what this demographic needs to know based on their experiences. Validate this by consulting with Gen Z individuals and successful Millennial entrepreneurs.
Assess your readers’ current knowledge to determine the appropriate level of detail. Also, consider demographic factors like age, which may influence attention spans and presentation style.
5. Develop a Folder System
Regardless of deadlines, build the material gradually. Create a large file to collect relevant materials, from newspaper clippings to conference handouts. Create a virtual file for related blogs, articles, and websites. Focusing on a topic makes everything relevant, so your file will grow quickly.
Sort materials into subtopics from your master list. Create physical and virtual folders for each subtopic. Store virtual folders in the cloud for access from any device.
This folder strategy results in an organized system and a working chapter outline.
6. Evaluate Practical Considerations
Reassess the time available and adjust ambitions accordingly. Can the scope be reduced to fit the timeframe and format (print or ebook)?
Evaluate your capabilities. Will you need help with design, layout, cover creation, or editing? For self-published ebooks, what specific knowledge is required?
Do you have a platform or can you develop one? This includes a successful blog or a network of influencers for marketing. Determine where you need assistance and the associated costs. A professional editor, or someone with a strong command of language, is essential to identify errors.
Don’t be discouraged by these considerations. Use them to determine the project’s scope and visualize the finished product.
7. Write a Proposal
Whether planning for traditional or digital publication, write a proposal to sharpen your focus. While time-consuming, it ensures efficient investment of time. Research the competition to understand the existing market and how your book will stand out. If similar books exist, identify a narrower niche. For instance, the Gen Z entrepreneur book could focus on creative service businesses or video game startups.
Use facts and statistics to support your case. For example, a Nielsen study showed that a large percentage of Gen Z individuals want to start their own businesses. Research whether this group reads books and include this information in the proposal.
A typical proposal for an agent or publisher is around 25 pages and includes:
- Title and Tagline: Use longer titles that reflect the book’s unique content.
- Nutshell Description: A concise and impactful elevator pitch.
- Audience Description and Need: Identify the target audience, their size, their needs, and how your book differs from existing resources.
- Competition Rundown: Describe six to ten similar books, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses compared to your book.
- Chapter Outline: A paragraph or more describing each chapter’s content.
- Your Credentials: Highlight your qualifications for writing the book and evidence of your ability to deliver.
- Marketing Platform: List useful connections, memberships, activities, followers, reputation, email list, networks, newsletter, and media coverage.
- Sample Chapters: Submit three written chapters, including the first one, so the publisher can assess your writing ability.
8. Draft the Copy
Follow your outline! Start with the introduction to establish the context and tone. The first chapter should explain why you’re writing the book, what readers will gain, and how to use it. A short ebook may only require a page or two. You’ll likely revise this later.
Depending on your preference, proceed chapter by chapter or start with those you feel most prepared for. It’s best to finish a chapter or section before moving on.
Review all collected material for the chapter. Organize it into subtopics and create new folders for each. Use these folders as subject heads and subheads for the chapter, adjusting as needed for flow.
Develop each section piece by piece. If you encounter parts you’re not ready to write, skip them until you feel like researching or analyzing the issue further.
9. Enhance Your Content
Stories, anecdotes, and examples enrich any subject and showcase your experience. How-to books benefit from entertainment value, which improves adult learning and engagement. Case histories and personal stories are also effective.
Consider incorporating “view from the field” features by experts in specific areas, such as financial advisors, investors, or marketers. You can ask contributors to write a short piece (which you edit) or write it yourself based on an interview. This provides a marketing bonus, as contributors can promote the book.
10. Explore Self-Publishing Options
Many consultants and services support authors in self-publishing. Explore them to find what best suits your needs.
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing is the main retailer, publishing and distributing books for Kindle. It dominates the ebook market (75-80%) and simplifies book creation, so don’t overlook it, even if it requires exclusive selling rights. Amazon also runs CreateSpace, which offers print-on-demand services.
Apple Books is Apple’s ebook publisher and retailer, offering wide international distribution. Kobo is a Canadian company with international reach and some US distribution services.
Other platforms include Book Baby, IngramSpark, Lulu and Smashwords, offering production, marketing, and distribution services.
You can also hire freelance help, especially for editing and cover design. Fees vary based on professional credentials. Understand the differences between a developmental editor (content shaping), line editor (language improvement), copy editor (light rewriting and inconsistency correction), and proofreader (spelling and grammar). Determine the level of help you need and request project fees.
Many authors have had positive experiences with Fiverr, which offers creative services at affordable prices.
Conclusion
Writing a guide book, even for dummies, is an achievable goal with a structured approach. By following these steps, you can transform your expertise into a valuable resource for others. Start today, and you’ll be holding your own published book sooner than you think. Take action and start writing your guide book today!
