Thought About Writing a Book?
Not Sure Where to Start?
by J. A. Huguley, Author of Diamonds Dollars & Roses
Below I go over everything from writing your first draft, to more advanced topics like royalties and sales from book distributions.
If you have questions beyond what I answer here, please reach out to me.
Consultations are always FREE
The first step is getting your ideas on paper!
Getting your ideas on written out can be the easiest part, or the most difficult depending on how you approach it. Just like learning to drive a car, the easiest part “should be” simply getting in the driver’s seat. So, let’s get you in the writers-seat and get those ideas laid out!
Getting your ideas on written out can be the easiest part, or the most difficult depending on how you approach it. Just like learning to drive a car, the easiest part “should be” simply getting in the driver’s seat. So, let’s get you in the writers-seat and get those ideas laid out!
Don’t stress over the format, or if you are using proper grammar and spelling, your Editor will handle all of that for you. YES, your Editor! Every writer no matter how experienced must have an Editor. Without an Editor, you will be committing literary recklessness. The job of an Editor is to ensure the material you write has a good flow and is enjoyable to read. I can help with that.
Decide where to save your main document.
Will you be using a laptop, a tablet, a spiral notepad, or a smartphone? - Yes, people have written entire manuscripts on smartphones! Once you decide where your manuscript is going to live, think about how it will get backed-up. There is nothing worse than putting work into a writing project, only to have it mistakenly deleted, or lost. The easiest way to back up your work is to email yourself the latest draft at the end of each significant writing session. You can also backup on to a thumb drive or use one of the popular cloud services to secure a backup copy. But whatever method you choose, back up your work!
Make time to write every day.
Choose a specific time that you will dedicate to writing regularly. Whether it be first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or in the evening before bed, stay consistent. If you are having trouble staying focused, I also offer Writing Coach services. As your Writing Coach, I can check in with you and help ensure that you stay on track. This can be accomplished over email, text, or telephone. Sometimes writers just need someone to walk with them through the journey of writing their book. I have coached others to successfully publishing their work and can do the same with you!
Eliminate needless distractions.
While you are creating your literary treasure, do it justice by staying focused. Turn off the television, close social media sites, find a place of peace so that your ideas can flow. Like most things that need full-attention to produce a great outcome, writing is especially important that you get in a zone.
Pour out your heart & soul! Don’t hold back!
Wow, that thought can be scary for many people. But remember, only you are looking at your writing in the beginning. There will be time to remove things later, but don’t censor yourself now. Your best work is produced when you lay it all on the line and give it your all! - I will repeat, there will be multiple chances to remove things later. But right now, we just need to get the first full draft completed. Contact me today and I will help you do this!
Don’t get hung up on grammar, or spelling!
I cannot stress this enough! Leave this to your Editor. Too many people get embarrassed or reluctant to write because they feel they lack so-called "proper English” writing skills. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, most famous writers have mediocre English skills. What you see in books is the final product after both editing and proofreading is applied.
Refer to yourself as a writer!
If you start jogging, you become a jogger. If you start painting, you become a painter. So now that you are writing, you are now a writer. Refer to yourself as a writer because that is what you are!
If you start jogging, you become a jogger. If you start painting, you become a painter. So now that you are writing, you are now a writer. Refer to yourself as a writer because that is what you are!
Now start writing and write often.
Before you know it, you will have thousands of words written down. Even on those days when you think you don’t have time or the ideas are not flowing, open your document anyway. You will be surprised to find that simply revisiting your work will often prompt ideas.
How much should you write?
That depends on what type of material you are writing.
- A self-help or how-to book with photos is between 8,000 – 25,000 words.
- A typical memoir should be between 20,000 - 60,000 words.
- A fictional novella should be between 18,000 - 25,000 words.
- A fictional novel should be between 30,000 - 100,000 words.
- Alice Walker’s, “The Color Purple” is 69,310 words.
- Arthur C. Clarke's, “2001: A Space Odyssey” is 58,290 words.
Note: You can see your total word count at the bottom of the page in Microsoft Word.
How much does it cost to have an Editor review my book?
It should always be FREE to have an Editor look over your book. It should also be free to give you a quote. If someone wants to charge to review your writing, it's a scam, run and don’t look back! Contact me today to have your manuscript reviewed for FREE.
How much does editing cost?
Editing prices will depend on the length of your manuscript and how much work is needed. There is no single formula for quoting editing because every writer is different. Think of editing cost like hiring a gardener to mow your lawn. The task must be completed, and when it’s finished you know it was worth the small price you paid.
How long does it take to get published?
First-time authors generally utilize a book publishing company. There is also the option of self-publishing. I work closely with publishing companies and I have self-published several books. I can help you decide which method is best when the time comes.
Some established authors will choose to pitch their manuscripts to a literary agent. However, out of the over 1-million books distributed each year in the U.S., 70% of those books are published without the use of an agent. Literary agents don't typically take on first-time authors that don't have an established following of readers. Therefore, most authors will publish their first book themselves to build a reputation before pitching to an agent. Book publishing is like the music industry. You must establish yourself before getting signed to a contract with an agent. I can help you get established. I can also help you write a query letter and pitch to a literary agent if that's the direction you decide to take. I have a list of agents that are currently accepting submissions in a variety of different genres. Contact me today, and I can go into more details.
When should I start thinking about a book cover?
You can think about book cover ideas from the beginning, but don’t lock yourself in to any one idea. There are certain book cover themes and color combinations that attract readers more than others. I have spent years studying graphic design and marketing. I can help you choose the right cover design when the time comes.
You can think about book cover ideas from the beginning, but don’t lock yourself in to any one idea. There are certain book cover themes and color combinations that attract readers more than others. I have spent years studying graphic design and marketing. I can help you choose the right cover design when the time comes.
How many books will I sell & how much money will I earn?
The number of books you sell depends on you - books don’t sell themselves. First time authors must believe in their own book for it to be successful. If you don’t believe in it, nobody else will!
I can help you with promotion and marketing tools before and after your book is published. The amount of money you make from royalties depends on the method of publishing you choose. Contact me today and I will go into greater detail.
The number of books you sell depends on you - books don’t sell themselves. First time authors must believe in their own book for it to be successful. If you don’t believe in it, nobody else will!
I can help you with promotion and marketing tools before and after your book is published. The amount of money you make from royalties depends on the method of publishing you choose. Contact me today and I will go into greater detail.
So, let’s get you started!
Even if you just have an idea,
I can help get you going.
Don’t put it off another day!
Journalist for the NW Facts Newspaper,
the Auburn Examiner, and other publications