Where to start writing your book

Writing a book isn’t easy.

Whether it's fiction or non-fiction, writing and publishing your own book takes time and effort. There are many things you need to think about.

Very often, it’s the getting started part that’s the hardest.

Taking on such a big undertaking needs planning. But where do you start?

Here are 5 ways to get started.

Step 1: Who are you writing for?

Books that sell better are written for a specific audience.

Figure out who you are writing for and write your book specifically for them.

It'll give you focus and clarity.

Step 2: What’s your message?

Your book needs to have a reason to exist or it will fade into obscurity.

What does it do?

If it's a non-fiction book, what problem does it help with?

Use your unique skills and expertise to bring something new to the market.

Step 3: Why would people read it?

Like any other product or service that comes to market, your book has to provide something to potential readers, whether that's entertainment or information.

Ask yourself what does it add to the marketplace?

Step 4: How can I structure my book?

The detail is in the planning.

How can you present your message?

Make it logical, with a clear start, middle, and end.

Step 5: Write the final chapter first

Writing the final chapter first allows you to effectively write your outline for the entire book.

Your summary provides you with a framework in which to work.

Bonus tip

Then write your first draft - and yes - it'll be awful.

But that's where you start sculpting and reshaping your book into a polished, finished product.

Your first draft is supposed to be terrible.