If you’ve always wanted to be an author, you’re not alone! One recent study indicated that 80% of the population wants to write a book, but only 2% will ever actually do so! Why do so many aspiring writers fail to write their book? Most people don’t have the time or the know-how, and many simply don’t know where to begin.

Fortunately, there are numerous options available to would-be authors who want to publish their own book. You can hire a ghostwriter or work with a book-writing coach to help you get your book done. You can join a writing group, work with an accountability partner, or even enlist the help of a co-author.

If you choose to write your book on your own, here are some additional tips and tactics for finally getting your book written:

1. Begin with the end in mind.

Before you write a word, you’ve got to determine why you’re writing a book in the first place. Where will your book fit into your overall business model? Will you use your book as a lead-generator, to establish your expert status, or to promote your business? Decide what you want from your book so it can be written with your goals in mind!

2. Your title is (almost) everything.

The vast majority of book buyers purchase a book on the title alone! The importance of your book’s title cannot be overstated. Your title is crucial to the success of your book, so choose something memorable and compelling. In this case, you can judge a book by it’s cover!

3. Develop your outline.

If the thought of writing an entire book intimidates you, think of your book as several smaller articles (chapters) and chunk it down. Start by developing your outline or table of contents. Build and expand from there. You may find that you’ve already got existing materials that can be repurposed for your book. Have you done teleseminars or courses that can be converted to book content? Use what you’ve already got and you may be amazed at how quickly it comes together.

4. Get into your writing groove.

Some days the words just flow, other times you may hit a brick wall. The trick is to keep on writing. Just try to get the words down. You can always revise and edit later. Set daily or weekly writing goals. Try committing to writing one hour per day or shoot for 3,000 words per week. It’s easier to re-write than to write – so bang out that first draft quickly and edit later.

5. You’re done! Now what?

You’ve finally finished your manuscript. Now the real fun begins! How will you market, promote and distribute your book? Do you need an agent? Should you self-publish? While the publishing process could easily be a book in itself, here are a few options to consider:

Self-Publish vs. Traditional Publishing

If it’s your first book, it may be more realistic – and a lot faster – to self-publish. The Internet has opened up an enormous range of self-publishing opportunities and resources.

Agent vs. Solo

If you’re self-publishing, you really don’t need an agent. However, if you decide to pursue a mid-sized to large publisher, you will definitely want to enlist the help of a literary agent.

Finally, don’t confuse so-called “vanity” publishers with large publishing houses. Find a reputable self-publishing who has the ability to get your book distributed both online to Amazon.com and to the major retailers like Barnes & Noble.

Lou Bortone is an award-winning writer and video producer with over 20 years experience in marketing, branding and promotion. As an online video expert, Lou helps entrepreneurs create video for the web at www.TheOnlineVideoGuy.com. In addition, Lou works as a freelance writer and professional ghostwriter, with a ghostwriting site at www.GhostwriteForYou.com and a blog at www.GhostwriteGuru.com.

• 2 Comments

  

Comments

Writing is my passion. My goal is publish book in English - my second language. It's challenging for me so those tips are very helpful. Thank you.

Krystyna

http://krysofeurope.blogtoolkit.com

 Posted by: Krystyna at July 8, 2008 5:50 PM

Writing is my passion. My goal is publish book in English - my second language. It's challenging for me so those tips are very helpful. Thank you.

Krystyna

 Posted by: Krystyna at August 21, 2008 4:49 AM

 Add your own comments

Name:

Email Address:

URL:
Remember Me? YesNo

Comments: (you may use HTML tags for style)

What next?

 Digg it

 Save This Page

 Subscribe to GetEntrepreneurial.com

 Leave a comment

Next Article: Art Of Persuasion: How Do You Get People To Say Yes To You »

Previous Article: Delegation vs. Abdication »

Lou Bortone is a GE Network Expert. View Lou Bortone's profile or read more articles from Lou Bortone. Learn more about the GE Experts Network.

Have an expert opinion on issues entrepreneurs and small business owners face everyday? Join the GetEntrepreneurial.com Experts Network and share your expertise with the community!

The new GE Experts Network is inviting seasoned entrepreneurs and small business owners to come on board and contribute small business advice to our community of aspiring entrepreneurs. If you have an effective way of generating sales or you know how to use social networking to connect with your customers, join us in providing wider entrepreneurial content that would benefit small business owners worldwide.

Click Here to Learn More >>

Related Articles

 Calendar Marketing » Calgoo In-Calendar Marketing is a new, permission-based marketing platform to promote time-sensitive products and services to your customers. This new marketing concept enables...

 uWink Interactive Restaurant » Springwise: At the prototype uWink restaurant in Woodland Hills, California, customers use tabletop touch-screen terminals with a proprietary user interface to self-order...

 Happy Socks » TrendCentral: This Swedish hosiery company, Happy Socks, makes us want to never wear plain black socks again. Offering a literal rainbow of...

 Planet Phone Design » Hallyu Tech: LG Japan hosted a Mobile Design Contest and with the winners announced the phones were put on display at a Tokyo...

Need more brand new promising business ideas and innovations around the world you wish you'd thought of? Visit CoolBusinessIdeas.com now!

Ever wanted to be the CEO of your very own Starbucks or Amazon.com? Fire your boss and be your own boss? Now you can, with BIZNESS! - the free biweekly business newsletter about new business ideas, opportunities and innovations from around the world. More than just new business trends, BIZNESS! helps the aspiring entrepreneur (you!) with small business advice, business tips, and entrepreneur resources and opportunities.

   Subscribe for free now!    

---