How to Write a Book

1. Show, Don’t Tell

This is the single most important thing writers get wrong. The hardest part of any book is to take the reader on a journey with you.

Telling: “Kevin was upset. Really upset.”

Showing: “Kevin’s face was red and his breath shallow, and I noticed one of his hands had balled itself into a fist. His eyes, caged and sharp, sought mine.”

Even non-fiction books must show the reader your insights, not just tell them to the reader. Books that merely tell are like the textbooks of old — dry, dead things that don’t stoke the imagination, fire the heart, or speak to one’s passion. This is the single greatest mistake new writers make.

2. Know what you’re writing

If you can't summarize your book and get your friend excited about it in 30 seconds or less, your idea needs further development before turning it into a finished book.

3. Change your routine

Writing a book takes time. A lot of it. You will need to rearrange your life so that you’ll have devoted time to work. I’ve written books inside the luxury of having nothing else to do, and I've written them on nights and weekends while working full-time for someone else. No matter what your life circumstances, a book won’t get written unless you make it a priority.  

4. Create word count goals

Begin with a modest word count, but adjust it as necessary based on the writing progress. Failing to meet goals repeatedly can be demotivating, so set achievable targets and be supportive of yourself. A sense of achievement and progression is crucial for success.

5. Don’t edit

Editing can wait. My initial attempt at writing a novel, which started in the mid-90s, took me five years to complete but it turned out to be a bad book. The reason was I focused on editing instead of adding new, quality content, so the book was like an overworked piece of clay that never found it’s way to an organized middle and end.

6. Write a shorter book

50,000 - 70,000 words is a good goal for a first-time book. Something modest and attainable is the best way to begin (and end) your first book. 

7. Be careful with feedback

Writing in isolation is unwise — but getting feedback can also be challenging. Friends may be overly positive and lack honest feedback. One person may dislike your book while others may love it. Thus, it's essential to be selective with who you share your early drafts. Consider seeking feedback from friends initially, then reach out to acquaintances or even strangers once the book is completed. However, choose carefully!

8. Commit to the journey (not the goal)

Completing a book will have a transformative effect on your life because you will need to evolve to do it. The change can be minor for some, such as developing new mental discipline and focusing skills. But for others, it can involve confronting and integrating personal aspects that stood in the way of your book’s completion — shadow parts of yourself. I suggest embracing the writing journey fully, including the lifestyle changes, challenges, and triumphs, and relishing the experience of creation. Enjoy the journey, because the finish line is short, and passes quickly.

9. Write in order

An inability to write in a linear fashion is a red flag indicating that your ideas aren’t cohesive. This is a common problem - simply writing every day or producing a substantial amount of content is not enough. The material must be compelling and unified, with a clear structure including a beginning, middle, and end.

10. Know you will get stuck

You will get stuck. This is where most would-be authors give up usually after months or even years of fighting gallantly. This is why many many people start books but very few finish them. Writing a book is some seriously vulnerable shit — your ideas, your life, your personality are about to go out into the world to be judged. There are ways around this feeling of exposure, but know this is part of the process for most of us.