Writing Your First Book

Are you a writer who has only written web content or a writer who has only written as a hobby?  If you are, you may still have the dream of writing your own book, a book that will get published.  Although most individuals who research publishing a book have already written a book, you may have yet to accomplish this important task.  The good news, however, is that it may work in your favor.

If you have yet to write a book, there are a number of important steps that you will first want to take.  These steps, a few of which are highlighted below, may help to improve your chances of you writing a book that will get published.

One of the first things that you will want to do, when looking to write a book that will get published, is to choose a genre.  This involves first deciding who you want to write for.  Do you want to write for children, young adults, or adults?  Next, decide what you want to write about.  Do you want to educate your readers or give them a captivating story that they just can’t put down?  As for the topic or storyline that you choose, be sure to choose something that interests you.  A writer who is passionate about what they write is more likely to see success.

Once you have an idea of what type of book you want to write, as well as an idea on your theme, take the time to examine publishing companies.  This is easy to do with the Writer’s Market books and other similar printed resources.  Most clearly outline what types of books publishers are looking for.  For example, a publisher that is accepting manuscripts for science fiction novels may give you specific tips and ideas, as well as things to avoid.  

Writing a book with a theme that interest you, as well as a theme that is in demand by publishers is one of the best ways to get your book published.

As for writing your book, it is important to start out with a plot.  If you are writing a non-fiction book, such as a how-to guide, be sure to create an outline for you to follow.  Fiction authors, however, should first outline a plot.  Unfortunately, many authors, especially new writers, just start writing.  Of course, it is important to get your thoughts on paper or on your computer, but a clear and solid plot is an important component of writing a book that will get published.  Books that are just a collection of words are likely to not get published.

Once your book has been written, it is important that you do the proper amount of proofreading and editing.  Many professionals vary on the number of times that a book should be proofread, but you should read through yours no less than three times.  In addition to doing your own editing, you may benefit from the professional knowledge and expertise of an editor.  Many have reasonable fees.

As previously recommended, it is a wise idea to first see what many publishers are looking for. Also, as previously stated, you can do this by using the internet or printed resource guides, like the Writer’s Market.  If you highlighted or recorded the information that you read, you may already have a list of publishers to submit your book to.  Once your book has been proofread and edited, you are now ready to send your book to publishing companies, along with a professional cover letter.  Good luck.

