Getting Started with Writing Your Book
Writing a book is one of the most rewarding creative endeavors anyone can undertake. However, it can also be overwhelming if you don’t have a clear plan. Whether you’re a first-time author or someone who’s looking to finally complete that manuscript sitting on your shelf, creating a comprehensive writing plan is crucial.
That’s where platforms like Make My Plan come into play. Make My Plan is a powerful planning tool designed to help writers develop structured, goal-oriented roadmaps tailored to their individual needs. In this post, we’ll walk through a step-by-step guide to make your personalized plan for writing a book—from idea conception to publishing.
Step 1: Define Your Purpose and Genre
Know Why You’re Writing
The first step is to be crystal clear about your “why”. Are you writing to inspire, entertain, educate, or establish authority in your field? Understanding your motivation will inform your tone, content, and publishing route.
- Inspirational: Memoirs, spiritual guides, personal development books.
- Educational: Textbooks, how-to guides, industry-specific resources.
- Entertaining: Fiction books, poetry, novels.
- Professional Growth: White papers, career advice books, business insights.
Select the Right Genre
Choosing the genre determines your target audience, the structure of your book, and the language you’ll use. Here’s a table outlining common genres and what they typically include:
| Genre | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Fiction | Includes novels, short stories, and fantasy | Harry Potter, The Alchemist |
| Non-fiction | Factual books with real people or events | Atomic Habits, Sapiens |
| Memoir/Autobiography | Based on personal experiences | Becoming by Michelle Obama |
| Self-help | Focused on personal development | The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People |
Step 2: Brainstorm and Outline Your Idea
Mind Mapping Techniques
Before jumping into chapters, take time to brainstorm your story idea or book concept. Tools like mind mapping can help you visually organize your thoughts. Jot down themes, main characters (if fictional), or key chapters (for non-fiction).
- Use a notebook or digital tools like MindMeister or Coggle
- Break down big ideas into smaller concepts
- Highlight questions you’d like to answer in the book
Create a Flexible Outline
Creating a detailed yet flexible outline will guide your writing process without making you feel restricted.
- Define your book’s main objective
- Identify 5–15 major topics or chapters
- Break each chapter into 2–4 subtopics
- List what research or data each chapter needs
To assist you in organizing this outline and turn it into a scalable plan, use the template creation tools available at Make My Plan.
Step 3: Set Realistic Writing Goals
Determine a Timeline
Determine how long you’ll need to write your book. This depends on several factors such as word count goal, daily writing commitment, and life responsibilities.
| Book Type | Word Count Goal | Estimated Time (Writing 500 words/day) |
|---|---|---|
| Short Guide | 15,000 words | 1 month |
| Non-fiction Book | 40,000–60,000 words | 3–4 months |
| Novel | 80,000–100,000 words | 6+ months |
Schedule Your Writing Time
Create a writing schedule and stick to it. Whether you write every morning or during your lunch break, consistency matters. Use automated calendar reminders or productivity apps like Trello, Notion, or even better – embed your goals directly on Make My Plan where you can set daily tasks and accountability checks.
Step 4: Do the Research and Prepare Your Background Work
Gather Facts and Data
Reliable research is essential for non-fiction, technical writing, or even well-grounded fiction. Organize your sources on tools such as Evernote, Zotero or integrate them into your plan dashboard available on Make My Plan.
- Bookmark online resources
- Interview experts or include case studies if needed
- Create a bibliography for future reference
Use Visual Aids and References
If your book involves diagrams, charts, or photography, it’s better to start compiling them early. These can be planned as separate milestones using your Make My Plan timeline.
Step 5: Start Writing (and Keep Writing!)
Write First, Edit Later
Don’t let perfectionism stop your progress. Your first draft is supposed to be rough. Focus on consistency and reaching your writing goals each week.
Use Writing Tools
Take advantage of grammar tools like Grammarly or Hemingway App. More importantly, build your writing into your weekly planner using Make My Plan’s writing templates.
Step 6: Revise and Get Feedback
Self-Editing First
Once your manuscript is complete, give yourself at least a week away from it. Then, return with fresh eyes for a round of self-editing.
Professional Editing
Once you’ve done your part, hand your work over to a professional. Editors can be found via freelance platforms, or through trusted advisors like Praneet Brar who connects writers with proofreaders and book consultants tailored to your genre.
Step 7: Plan for Publishing
Traditional vs. Self-publishing
Your publishing path should align with your goals.
- Traditional: Hire a literary agent, submit proposals, and potentially land a deal with a publisher. Better for mass exposure.
- Self-publishing: Full control over content and profit. Faster turnaround. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) make this easier than ever.
Marketing Your Book
Start early. Build an author website, start a newsletter, and grow your social media presence. You may also consider digital marketing services at Praneet Brar’s contact page to help map out your promotional strategy effectively.
Step 8: Turn Your Plan into Action
Now that you’ve outlined your book idea, writing schedule, editing process, and publishing goals, you need an actionable tool to keep everything moving. Head over to Make My Plan and start building your customized book writing roadmap.
- Track your writing goals daily
- Monitor progress chapter-by-chapter
- Get accountability reminders and milestone alerts
Final Thoughts
Writing a book doesn’t happen overnight, but with a step-by-step plan, you can simplify the overwhelming task and stay focused. Use smart tools, surround yourself with the right mentors, and most importantly—just keep writing.
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