Olaide WaheedWriting an entire book is not easy, especially if it is your first time. It is no easier for writers who are known for their best-sellers. The process of writing an eye-catching book cannot be rushed. It requires a lot of work, dedication, and discipline.
If you think you have a brilliant idea to write a book about but are getting cold feet, do not worry, it’s normal. Although the whole ordeal can be overwhelming and even exhausting at some point, with routine, ambition, and taking one step at a time, writing a book can become an achievable goal.
If you are starting the journey of writing a book successfully, here are ten essential tips to make your journey easier.
1. Find a Place without Distractions
Distraction kills creativity. These three words matter the most when writing a book successfully. To focus on your writing procedure and fight distractions, you must allocate a dedicated space to write your book.
If you write your book in a loud place, you may find yourself distracted very often. It is suggested that you dedicate a separate room for your writing process. So whenever you enter your writing space, your mind will start its creative process automatically.
2. Create an Outline
Writing a book cannot be rushed. There is a lot of time taking steps that are involved in writing. One of the most important steps in writing a book is creating an online one. They can be a road map created to see your book’s direction after your brainstorming sessions.
While outlining, ensure you do not exhaust yourself in reaching for perfection. The outline is only there to help you see where you, your characters, and your story are headed. Cut some slack, and remind yourself that reaching for perfection hinders your creativity.
3. Choose an Appropriate Cover
In a society preaching to us to look beyond appearances, unfortunately, in the case of a book, appearances matter more than you think. You have to think ahead and start thinking about your masterpiece’s appearance.
To begin with, you can search for UK book cover designers and explore your options. A good designer can help you ensure that your book cover reflects your thoughts and ideas in the best way possible. And they will also be eye-catching for your readers.
4. Stick to a Routine
When you start writing a book, it’s not about the number of words but the routine and consistency you follow throughout your book-writing journey. Make a routine, mark your calendar and make sure that you stick to it for the desired outcomes.
If you face problems in sticking to a routine or finding motivation, it is suggested that you make a friend or a family member your accountability partner. The benefits of having an accountability partner are unlimited, and you can ask for their help in staying on track.
5. Set a Daily Word Count
While setting your daily word count, always remember that no target is too low. Writing is not a race or a competition; it’s about being dedicated and consistent. Even if you set a limit of 250-350 words every day, stick to it, and you are good to go.
It is important that the goal you set is achievable and does not cause burnout. Smaller goals are more practical, and with every goal surpassed, you will have a sense of achievement. This practice will keep your morale high and your thought process clear.
6. Revise and Edit
With consistent writing, it’s time to make revisions with an objective eye after you have completed your first draft. Most of the writing is about revising, and it is suggested that you mentally prepare yourself for many revisions.
Do not hold from giving yourself a ruthless and honest opinion. After applying those revisions, you must take a break before doing this practice all over again. Try to find any common descriptions, inconsistencies in character stories, and loopholes.
7. Be Easy on Yourself
Revision cannot be an easy process. Criticising your work can be an exhausting practice, and doing it again and again can drain you. It would be best if you didn’t go too harsh on yourself. Remember that writing a book is about your growth and development.
While revising, keep reminding yourself that you are learning something new with every mistake. You do not have to rush to wind up and send the book out for printing. Take valid breaks, and give yourself a well-deserved appreciation for your hard work.
8. Take Your Time with the Title
The most important thing readers will see after your book cover is your book’s title. To get the readers interested in what is written inside the book, you have to lure them in by what is written outside. However, you do not have to start thinking about the title immediately.
The best way to define your book’s name is to seek inspiration from your characters. The best part about coming up with a good book title is that you can change it whenever you want. You can always reconsider if you come up with a more innovative title later in time.
9. Fight the Writer’s Block
Writer’s block is a dilemma that even the most established writers face. If you have a day where you cannot think straight or write effectively, do not give in to it. Write whatever comes to your mind, even if it is not your best paragraph.
Writing through your writer’s block can help you force your blocks and distractions into submission. Switch off your phone and kill all the distractions. To fight writer’s block, you can go for a walk, visit the café or spend time with your loved ones.
10. Hire an Editor’s Services
Every writer needs a professional editor by their side who can help them through their writing process and guide them through their mistakes. An editor can also help you pick out the unnecessary repetition to ensure that the readers are engaged throughout the book.
You must have several sessions with your editor to make the best of your book. The editors can also help you correct your ways of writing in relevance to the standard rules. Most importantly, do not hold back from mentioning something to your editor if you are uncomfortable with something.