How I Write a Book

Every week, at least once a week, I’m asked how I write books. I do not claim to be an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but because I’ve written several of them, it’s a natural question. After 39 books, I’m definitely still learning but I’ve picked up a few insights on “best practices” and what to avoid, which helps accelerate the process.

For instance, it’s now clear to me that the writing part is only a third of the journey. Another third is the process of creating the product, from design, to editing, to layout; all the elements that differentiate it from the other half a million books released each year. Finally, another third is the marketing piece, which has expanded today as the publishing industry is morphing daily.

We live in a day of entrepreneurs, where gatekeepers are evaporating. Musicians don’t need a record label to publish their music, performers don’t need an agent to get noticed, and authors don’t need a traditional book publisher to release a book. They do, however, need a platform in which to market.

As an author, I walk through specific stages in the writing process. Let me offer my first five.

1?? STAGE ONE:

Stage one, for example, takes place as I spend time answering the question: what problem am I trying to solve? I believe every speech, blog or book ought to address a real dilemma people face and will find relevant, even if they didn’t think of it first. So, I must determine two items: who I want to write to, and what pain point I want to resolve. I must put my finger on it for my readers. This usually informs how I start and end the book.

2?? STAGE TWO:

Stage two involves dividing micro ideas from macro ideas. I speak over fifty times a year. While I want all my speeches to be relevant and helpful, I work to recognize when an idea emerges as superior to others. Micro ideas are what I share in talks. Macro ideas are the ones that move from a speech to a book. They’re bigger than a speech, a podcast, or an article. They have the capacity to go deeper and wider. (Note—ideas are often articles first, then become books).

3?? STAGE THREE:

Stage three involves getting all my initial inspiration on paper, usually a Google doc, where I don’t worry if it all makes sense. At this stage, I’m scribbling thoughts randomly to see if a flow surfaces. I spot what ideas are “twins,” and which are “cousins” and which ones don’t belong in the family. This stage lasts for months and leads to a hypothesis. I force myself not to rush.

4?? STAGE FOUR:

Stage four is about putting ideas in some order, and perhaps even chapters may start to become clear. Like a baseball manager puts a batting order together before a game, this is a sort of batting order where I reflect on what content is best to bat leadoff, which should bat cleanup, and which should bring up the rear as a closer. It’s still in a proverbial pencil form.

5?? STAGE FIVE:

In stage five, I begin to gather data, including stories, stats, and strategies that I will file where they best fit into the table of contents. Each chapter becomes a file making my research fit into a clear spot. Sometimes information can fit into multiple spots, so I will file it multiple times. Eventually, I must sort this content out to decide what fits where and what I must leave out.

I then move into my remaining stages, but at this point, I have a question for you.

Do You Need Help Writing?a?Book?

My friend and fellow author, Sangram Vajre, and I plan to host a three-day experience where we will equip first-time authors to create an excellent book. We call it, A Book in A Weekend.

This getaway will take place at the Ritz Carlton in Lake Oconee, just outside of Atlanta. Here is what we dreamed up to make it unforgettable:

• We will meet January 26-28, 2024, at the Ritz.
• Participants will hear from best-selling authors John C. Maxwell, Andy Stanley, Valorie Burton, Don Yaeger, Colleen Rouse, and others who’ll share insights into book writing.
• We will also include publishers, editors, and agents who will share how to write a book proposal and present an idea to a publisher to get your best chance to succeed.
• On the final day, each participant will present their book idea to a “Book Shark Tank.” At least one aspiring author will get a book deal! Finally, we will offer support for the rest of the year, meeting virtually every month, for accountability, direction and exposure to ghost writers, editors and others who can help.
• This weekend and the year-long experience is available for one all-inclusive price.

This is a special investment we’re making, hoping a handful of aspiring authors will do the same.

If this sounds good to you, check out: ABookInAWeekend.com.