They say that everyone has a book inside them. All people have a story in their heads or a subject about which they are hugely passionate and knowledgeable. But taking the plunge to sit down and put words onto paper is a huge undertaking. It can take months or years of hard work to write a complete book, and you may have to make a great many sacrifices along the way. It takes research, practice, and several mistakes and bad ideas before you arrive at the finished product.
And to make things more difficult, most books never get their time in their spotlight. Only 23% of completed manuscripts ever get published, meaning that all your hard work could be for nothing. If you want to create a masterpiece, you’ll need to have patience, commitment, and the desire to succeed.
If you’re still set on becoming a world-famous author, here are five tips for writing a bestselling book.
Make the time
Writing a book is a serious task, and you’ll need to carve out plenty of time for the job. But this can be difficult if you have a full-time career or family commitments. Have a set time each day or each week where you can knuckle down and put words onto paper. Prioritise this time like you would a business meeting or doctor’s appointment. Over time this consistency will pay off and you will see your word count increase with every week that passes.
Find a space
Writing is an activity that requires deep concentration, and you’ll struggle to complete your book when surrounded by distractions. Create a space in your home where you can shut yourself off from the world and focus on your work. This could be a spare bedroom or a private office. If you have the space and the budget, you could even build a writing shed in your garden. Companies like Twin City Sheds can help you get your outdoor room up and running.
Create a plan
You might be tempted to just start typing and see what happens, but this could lead you towards dead ends and unworkable ideas. It’s always advisable to start with a comprehensive plan detailing exactly what your book is about and what you want to achieve. This will guide you as you progress and help you stay on track.
Don’t give up
Most writers never manage to get their work completed or published, and it’s only the most committed ones who succeed. Therefore, no matter what happens, don’t give up. If you get stuck with your plot or receive a rejection letter from a major publisher, don’t let this get you down. Just pick yourself back up and try again.
Get it published
When your book is complete and you’re happy with the finished product, it’s time to start sending it out to the publishing houses. Let some close friends or family read your manuscript first, as they may be able to spot errors or opportunities you may have missed. Each publisher will have unique submission guidelines for authors, so make sure you check these thoroughly before sending, otherwise you risk being ignored.
