How To Write A Book: Simply Start Writing

By James D. Mendez


Want to write a book? You can. You start writing, and you keep going. At around 80,000 words, you've got yourself a book. Now what? You sell the book to a major publisher, hit the bestseller lists, and order your new cherry-red Ferrari.

That's how writing a book and getting published works. But if you try to follow that process - just sit down and start typing - the chances that you'll sell the book are slim. To sell your book you need to know the kind of book you're writing before you start, and also whether there's an audience for that kind of book. It sounds unfair, but in order to sell your book, you have to prove to the publisher that people will want to read it.

If you're looking to write fiction, get the general storyline in your head and just start. No doubt the story will take twists and turns along the way, so don't worry too much at the beginning if you don't know where you're headed - just get at it. Don't worry about perfection. Just keep writing. You will need to do some re-writing no matter how perfect you think your writing is. It doesn't matter if you're a member of Mensa, you and every other writer should count on the need for at least minor revisions. You may not believe this at first, but when you finally complete your manuscript and put it aside for a few weeks, you'll find you've written things that require clarification, or abridging, or re-structuring. Passages of conversation that once seemed natural to you may later feel stilted. But don't worry about this while you're writing. Just keep going.

Everyone has a book inside them, or so the saying goes. But few people get that book out. Often it's because of lack of time. So, how can you get your book written inside a week or two?I was talking to a friend yesterday who complained they couldn't find time to write their book. They had an idea, but could never find the time. They wanted to know how did I manage to get books written so quickly - was there a magic formula I used. So I told him my story and thought I'd share it here.

If you're inspired by Harry Potter, you know you're writing a children's novel. Imagine your book on the shelves, right beside the rows of Harry Potters.This isn't an idle exercise, or a fantasy. You must know what you're writing, so please visit that bookstore. "What is it?" is the first thing an agent will want to know when you contact her to represent your book. It's also the first thing an editor at a publishing house will want to know.So, what are you writing? If you don't know, or aren't sure, think about it and visit a bookstore if you need to. You can write a book and get published if you know what you're writing, and who will want to read it.

How do I know this will work? Because I did it myself. The original version of 101 Ways to Save Money on Healthcare was written in 100 days and on the market another 100 days later. I must have done a reasonably decent job at writing because a major publisher found the book and contracted with me for a re-release. I hope this works equally well for you.




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