Book Writing Tips

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A wise friend once told me, “If you’ve lived for a while, you too have a story to tell—and a book worth writing.” That simple truth stuck with me and was one of the driving forces behind writing my own book. If you’ve ever thought about sharing your life experiences, knowledge, or imagination with the world, I hope my journey and these tips will inspire you to take that first step.

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Getting Started: Every Life Is a Story

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The idea of writing a book can feel overwhelming at first—especially if you’ve never done it before. But it becomes manageable once you break it down into smaller, achievable steps. Start by thinking of your life (or your story idea) in phases. Most people can organize their story around natural life segments, such as:

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• Early years (childhood and primary/elementary school)

• Teenage years (high school and young adulthood)

• Higher education or vocational training

• Professional career

• Retirement or current pursuits
   

Use these phases to sketch an outline. Each phase can become one or more chapters. As you work through your outline and start writing, the title for your book often reveals itself naturally—don’t worry if you don’t have the perfect title in mind from the beginning.

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Setting Realistic Goals

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A typical full-length book ranges from 60,000 to 100,000 words, which roughly translates to 250 to 400 printed pages. That might sound like a lot, but trust me—once you find your rhythm, it builds up quickly. The key is consistency. Set a writing schedule that works for your lifestyle. Personally, I do my best writing early in the morning before the day begins or late at night when everything is quiet. Find your ideal window and stick to it.

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Tools That Can Help

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There are many tools available to help make the writing process easier and more efficient:

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• Microsoft Word is my primary tool for drafting. It now includes CoPilot, an AI-powered assistant that can help rephrase sentences, suggest grammar corrections, and even help structure paragraphs. It also tracks your word count—an essential feature when aiming for a target.

• Google & Gemini are valuable companions for quick research. Use them to verify historical dates, names, statistics, and quotes. Accuracy is especially important when you’re writing non-fiction or memoirs.

• There are also other writing tools like Scrivener, Grammarly, or even voice-to-text apps if typing is not your strength.
   

Reviewing and Editing

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Once you have a working draft, the next step is editing. This is where many first-time authors get stuck—but don’t skip it. Good editing turns a decent book into a great one. You have a few options:

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• Self-edit using spelling and grammar tools.

• Ask a trusted friend or colleague to review your manuscript.

• Hire a professional editor for more in-depth editing.
   

You can also use AI-assisted editing tools like ProWritingAid, Grammarly Premium, or even ChatGPT for feedback on sentence flow and structure.

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Publishing: Traditional vs. Self-Publishing

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Once you're happy with your manuscript, you’ll need to decide how to publish it. There are two main routes: traditional publishing and self-publishing.

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1. Traditional Publishing

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With this method, you submit your manuscript (or a proposal/sample) to a publishing house or literary agent. If accepted:

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• The publisher will handle editing, formatting, cover design, and distribution.

• It can take 6 months to over a year before your book is released.

• You’ll likely earn money through royalties or a fixed payment.

• Most publishers prefer working with authors they already have relationships with, so new authors may face challenges getting accepted.
   

2. Self-Publishing

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This is the route I chose—and it gives you complete control over your book. The process involves:

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• Formatting your manuscript using specialized software (like Atticus, Reedsy, or Vellum).

• Choosing a layout template for the chapters and pages.

• Performing final edits inside the formatting tool.

• Exporting your book to a PDF or EPUB format, ready for print or digital publication.

• Designing your book cover (front, back, and spine) using graphic design software or hiring a designer.
   

Once all files are ready, you upload them to a self-publishing platform like:

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• Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

• IngramSpark

• Lulu

• Draft2Digital

• Print and sell through your own website store

• Get a proof to ensure the finished printed book meets your expectations
   

You’ll also need to decide how your book will be distributed:

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• Print copies can be made available online and in physical bookstores.

• E-book versions can be sold through platforms like Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and more.
   

A Word of Caution

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If you choose self-publishing, be careful of companies that promise to “publish your book” for a hefty upfront fee. Some of these are scams or offer poor value for money. Always read reviews, check the Better Business Bureau, and do your homework before hiring any service.

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Final Thoughts

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Writing a book is a fulfilling journey. It requires discipline, patience, and a bit of courage—but the reward is worth it. Whether your story is a memoir, a how-to guide, or fiction, someone out there needs to read what you have to say.

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Set your goals, stick to your schedule, and start writing today. Your story matters—and the world is waiting to hear it.