Writing A Manuscript

Are you serious about writing your book yet? Let’s be clear, if you haven’t done at least two to three of the five things listed below, you may not be serious enough. But wait! Don’t tune me out yet. You may just be like me and a few others I know. I kept thinking and dreaming about it. But not much happened; I gained no momentum that way. Then I got serious and took a few tiny steps toward writing a manuscript. Before I knew it I kept going and crossed the finish line with a completed book.You can too; if you do what I did. Twelve books later, I want to share a few things that helped get me started.

To write a non-fiction book manuscript that you can be proud of, you need to set aside some time to write, outline your book, write and above all enjoy the journey. Here’s some suggestions that will take it (your manuscript) out of the thinking and dreaming mode and put it in the doing mode:

1. Stop stressing over editing and formatting.
There’s no need to think about editing and formatting in the beginning. The main thing to do at this point is write. Get your words out of your heart and into a computer or onto paper. When you are ready to format your manuscript to look like a book, click here to read about how to format a manuscript.

2. Schedule 45-75 minutes a day to write your book.
I know you do the hard stuff all day long. You have a life, a busy one filled with taking care of family, going to work, caring for aging parents or building a business. So, if you’re serious set up your writing time for five times a wee or just weekends for 45-75 minutes per session. If you need extra help writing a manuscript, consider the 100 Days To A Book http://100daystoabook.com  website.

3. Organize your book using a linear outline or mind mapping software.
Some people really are able to write freehand with only a memorized direction in their head. But for most of us, it helps to have a map or outline to guide us to our destination. And most importantly the outline helps keep us on track in the midst of a busy life. An outline relieves the pressure to try and re-invent the wheel with each chapter. For a non-fiction book, you can use a linear outline method or mind mapping software to help organize your book.

4. Create the wonder pill.
Form a solution to your targeted reader’s most vexing problem. Or make a list of the top ten to twenty most pressing questions and answer them each in great detail. Do this and your book is set to become a popular resource in your field. As you do the work of letting your fans, targeted readers and colleagues know about your helpful book.

5. Enjoy the journey.
I hear my students say quite often, “I need someone to make me write my book.” I say, “No, you don’t!” The truth is that’s wrong thinking. If you’ve been saying that, I encourage you to get to know your WHY. Why do you want to write your book? After finding out your why, relax and enjoy the journey. It’s gets so much easier when you can. Writing a book that you know will help, inspire, teach or entertain your readers can be a fun experience.

Don’t dream and think about writing a manuscript anymore. Now is the time to just do it. Write the non-fiction book you’ve been dreaming about. You can do it, you know. Take my advice above and use the tiny tips to get started writing your manuscript. I used the tips to get startedn writing, completing and eventually publishing my latest twelve books. Get started today in making your book dream come true. From your book writing coach, best wishes for your book’s success!

Are you ready to discover how I wrote and published twelve books and how you can too? Visit the http://100daystoabook.com website for details.