Summary

The webpage provides guidance on beginning the book-writing process by emphasizing the importance of creating an outline and treating it as the first draft, which simplifies the writing process.

Abstract

Writing a book can be daunting, but according to the webpage, it doesn't have to be. The text suggests that one of the biggest hurdles for first-time authors is overthinking the process. Instead, authors are encouraged to start writing from any part of their book if they have a detailed outline. This outline serves as a roadmap for the book, allowing the writer to flesh out ideas in any order. The author of the webpage, J. Schwartz, shares their expertise as a book coach and writer, advocating for a step-by-step approach to writing. The article also promotes Schwartz's latest book, which aims to assist nonfiction authors through the writing, publishing, and marketing process.

Opinions

Writing a book should be approached as a series of smaller tasks rather than one large step.
Having a comprehensive outline is crucial; it can be considered the first draft and makes the writing process less intimidating.
The first draft doesn't have to be perfect; the focus should be on getting words on the page that can later be revised.
An outline helps in organizing thoughts, changing the structure, and ensuring all necessary information is included.
The author emphasizes personal experience in writing and coaching others, suggesting a practical understanding of the writing process.
Schwartz's book is recommended as a valuable resource for authors, offering straightforward advice without unnecessary complexity.
The author's passion for books is evident, as they confess to being a "book nerd" who enjoys reading for fun in addition to professional editing and writing.

Where To Start When Writing a Book

Maybe not where you think.

The idea of “I am going to write a book” feels huge.

And overwhelming and hard.

And sure, it can be…if you let it.

One of the biggest mistakes first-time authors make is overthinking, overanalyzing, and just not getting started.

It’s easy to look at writing a book as one whole BIG step instead of as a series of smaller tasks and to-dos.

But here’s the fun part: You don’t have to start at the introduction or even at the beginning if you don’t want to.

If you have a comprehensive and complete outline, then you already know the order everything will be in for the entire book.

So, you can pick a topic or section which feels inspiring at that moment and just start writing.

If you spend so much time agonizing over that opening line that you never actually write it, what have you accomplished?

Just put words down on the page.

You can change it, edit, revise later. You can fix or change or delete anything.

But there has to be words to change.

It’s easier to fix bad writing than to start from a blank page every time.

I know that sounds silly, simple, maybe even stupid — but it’s true. You can always edit your work but there must first be work to edit.

You can do one, two, or seven drafts and change as much as you need to until it’s exactly what you want it to be.

You have to start somewhere!

Start with an outline

Create a solid outline and roadmap for your book. You’ll always know how to get there if you know exactly the path you plan to take.

Use your outline as the place to change the order, add topics, decide the structure, and identify if you’re missing important information or have some information that doesn’t really fit with the rest.

Treat your outline as the first draft of your book.

Then it won’t feel as hard to start writing — because hey, the first draft is done, now it’s just about fleshing it out!

How do I know?

Well, because I’ve written books. More than that, I’ve helped a bunch of OTHER people write books, from really refining their concept to breaking down the writing process to putting the manuscript in order, publishing, and even using their books as marketing tools for their businesses.

I love books.

I admit it, I’m a huge book nerd. Book nerds unite!

I’ve written 3 of my own books, did book coaching for dozens of authors to help them start and finish their books, and even ghostwritten a few books!

I edit book manuscripts as a big part of my business….and I also still read books for fun!

See? Book nerd.

And I just wrote my third book. It’s freaking awesome and I’m super excited. It’s coming out Tuesday, November 26th because I might be an idiot and want to release it right before the holidays.

It’s an easy read and a great reference to walk ANY author through the writing process, and it is geared specifically toward nonfiction authors (though part two has some really awesome information on the editing process, publishing, and marketing which will help fiction authors, too!).

You don’t have to read it, I won’t make you.

But I am extremely proud of it and if you do read it, I know for a FACT it will be useful and give you straightforward no-BS knowledge to break down the writing process and learn step-by-step how to get that book out of your head and out into the world.

Become a Medium member for only $5 per month and get access to ALL of my posts!

Check out my book Concept to Conclusion: How to Write a Book and learn how to conceptualize, outline, write, publish, and market a nonfiction book. Or check out my newest release, an anxiety journal: But…what if? A Journal For Anxious People.

[If you sign up for Medium using my link, I receive a portion of the membership fee as commission.]

Where To Start When Writing a Book

Maybe not where you think.

Start with an outline

How do I know?

How To Create An Outline for Your Book

Trust me, you DO need one.

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