How to write a book – the short honest truth
Every author I know gets asked the same question: How do you write a book?
It’s a simple question, but it causes problems. On the one hand, it’s nice to have people interested in something I do. If I told people I fixed toasters for a living, I doubt I’d get many inquires. People are curious about writing and that’s cool and flattering. Rock on.
But on the other hand, the hand involving people who ask because they have an inkling to do it themselves, is that writing books is a topic so old and so well trod by so many famous people that anyone who asks hoping to discover secret advice is hard to take seriously.
Here’s the short honest truth: 20% of the people who ask me are hoping to hear this – Anyone can write a book. They want permission. The truth is you don’t need any. There is no license required. No test to take. Your book idea is worth writing if you think it is. Writing, as opposed to publishing, requires almost no financial or physical resources. A pen, paper and effort are all that has been required for hundreds of years. If Voltaire, Marquis de Sade and Marina Nemat could write in prison, then you can do it in suburbia, at lunch, at work, or after your kids go to sleep. You will always find excuses if you want them and most people do. Why? Writing is work. No matter how smart you are or how great your idea is, you will have to put in the time and no one else can do it for you.
It helps to kill the magic: a book is just a bunch of writing. Anyone can write a book. It might be bad or be incomprehensible, but so what: it’s still a book and many published authors haven’t done any better.
Nothing is stopping you right now from collecting all of your elementary school book reports, a years worth of emails you wrote, or drunken napkin scribbles, binding them together at Kinkos for $20, slapping a title on the cover, and qualifying as an author. Want to write a good book? Ok, but get in line since most pro authors are still trying to figure that out too.
Writing a good book, compared to a bad one, involves one thing. More work. No one wants to hear this, but if you take two books off any shelf, I’ll bet my pants the author of the better book worked harder than the author of the other one. Call it effort, study, practice, or whatever you like. Sure there are tricks here and there, but really writing is a kind of work. I like this though: it means anyone who puts in enough time can actually write well. Some of our best writing comes from ordinary people from all walks of life.
Getting published. 30% of the time the real thing people are asking is how do you find a publisher. As if there wasn’t a phone book or, say, an Internet-thingy where you can look this stuff up (start with Jane Friedman’s website). Writers-market is literally begging to help writers find publishers. Many publishers, being positive on the whole idea of communication, put information on how to submit material on their website. And so do agents. The grand comedy of this is how few writers follow the instructions. That’s what pisses off all the editors: few writers do their homework.
The sticking point for most people who want to be authors is, again, the work. They want to hear a secret that skips over the work part. Publishers are rightfully picky and they get pitched a zillion books a day. It takes effort to learn the ropes, send out smart queries, and do the research required to both craft the idea for a book, and then to propose it effectively. So while writing is a rejection prone occupation, even for the rock-stars, finding a publisher is not a mystery. In fact the whole game is self-selective: people who aren’t willing to do the work of getting published are unlikely to be capable of the work required to finish a decent manuscript.
But that said – it’s easier today to self-publish than ever. People look down on self-publishing, but I don’t see why. When people buy books it’s not like they care who published them (“Oh, I don’t read Random House books, sorry”): they only care who recommended or reviewed the book. But again, our tragically unpopular companion, work, is required to self-publish so many prefer to keep asking writers how they got published instead of just doing it themselves. You can read what I learned from self-publishing the first time here (although the technology and options have improved since then).
Being famous and wealthy: Now this is the kicker. About 50% of the time the real thing people want to know is how to become a famous millionaire rock-star author person. As if a) I qualified, b) I could explain how it happened, or c) I’d be willing to tell.
First, this assumes writing is a good way to get rich. I’m not sure how this lie started but writing, like most creative pursuits, has always been a less than lucrative lifestyle. Even if a book sells well, the $$$ to hour ratio will be well below your average corporate job, without the health benefits, sick days, nor the months where you can coast by without your boss noticing. These days people write books after they’re famous, not before. A book can help you gain professional credibility, but then it’s more of a marketing project than a writing project, isn’t it?
And if the only books you read are bestsellers, well, you have a myopic view of the publishing world. Over 100k books are published in the US annually, and few sell more than a few thousand copies. What causes books to sell may have little to do with how good a book is, as we’ve all been mystified by the abysmal bestsellers and surprised by amazing books few seem to know about. Either way, to justify the effort you’ll need reasons other than cash.
Discouraged yet? Here is the upside: I love writing books. I love reading books. Books have profound powers and they’ve changed my life so many times. Maybe the bittersweet challenge of chasing words into sentences suits you. If you want to do this you have my support. GO YOU. Sincerely. I am behind you. But thinking about writing isn’t writing. Talking about it isn’t either. Commit to 10 hours of effort (basically a weekend or two). Write an outline or even just a few pages of a chapter. Take a course that focuses on actual writing and getting feedback. If it feels hard but rewarding, keep going. If it doesn’t, well I think you know.
Here are some practical next steps:
- The single best website to learn more about writing and publishing books – Jane Friedman
- How To Start a Book Project – specific advice for tackling a book sized effort.
- Is Your Book Idea Good? I’ll tell you here
- 28 Things No One Tells You About Publishing
- How To Get From An Idea To a Book – a bit harsh, and focused on publishing, but explains the steps and the time you’ll need
- Writing Hacks: Part 1 – Starting – What to do when the page is blank.
- Part 2 of ‘How To Write a Book’ is here, where I answer the best comments.
- Time-lapsed video of a writer writing an essay – amazing and revealing
- Confessions of a Self Published author – here’s what I learned from self publishing my last book.
- Writer’s Market. How to find a publisher for your written work (more good advice here).
- National Novel Writing Month – You must check this out.
- Or leave a comment below. I am, despite the curmudgeonly vibe, happy to answer thoughtful questions.
- Austin Kleon’s book writing flowchart
- Preview image credit
[Light editing: 10/7/2019, 2/4/2021]
I’ve had quite a few book ideas over some time – some better than others – but have never actually started writing and developing any of these ideas until now.
I rarely comment on posts that I read online but thought that this article of yours deserved one since it has helped me greatly. Wanting permission to write a book sounds familiar and I realised I spent a lot of my time telling friends my ideas and waiting for their approval rather than just writing. So thank you.
I’ve only just discovered your blog but I’m glad I have. There are a lot of interesting articles on here and I’m sure to spend some time reading them. No doubt I’ll disagree with some of the things you have to say but then a difference in opinions always makes things more interesting!
So thank you for the truth, and for the inspiration. Good luck with anything else you choose to write!
XO
Hi, I’m curious as to find out if something is worth writing. What is a good resource for finding out if an idea is a good one, over used one or unique… I know my idea isn’t unique but I hope you get what I’m asking.
My idea is a book of my society and how it effected my life. From a misunderstanding in 1st grade that I didn’t accept as an issue untill lately.
I’m hoping to show, without blame, societies effects on individuals and how each interaction truely motivates Karma and an individuals social standings from such a young age.
I think it would be an aha moment for many, but don’t want my delusions of grandure to break the bank in a failed attempt at publishing.
Excellent motivational truth you have written here.
What a wonderful article!! Thanks.
Thanks so much for this post. I have always had a passion for writing; I’ve written several unpublished novels. I’ve never tried to get them published, and I don’t think I ever will. The first was for me, to prove that I could do it. The second was because I had a story to tell. My latest novel has stolen my soul.
I was up late reworking my idea for the ending of my current novel when I thought, “Why the hell am I even doing this?”
I ended up here.
I can say it: I want to be published. It’s embarrassing to admit. Who doesn’t want to publish a novel? I feel like everyone is getting published these days – not with success, yet they’re getting published.
Reading this blog, I came to the conclusion that maybe I haven’t honed my writing like I want to (I’m dependent on Grammar Girl and I love adverbs too much), but when will I feel that I’m finally perfect? Never. I should go on ahead and give it a try. So what if I don’t make a million dollars? I wrote a damned book and it’s going to get published.
Thank you for letting me vent in your comments.
I love writing I always have the hard work it takes to complete it , I feel like my stories are not good enough like people won’t understand them or like it or that I won’t reach the right kind of audience ( shooting for adults) but not weird romance books either what advice should be thrown my way about this have you felt like this at all
im pretty sure u would make some beautiful stories u should go for it
I have always wanted to write abook bu i do not know how to start . i want to write about women in Botswana , some of them are married , some divorced, and others single mothers. What i admire moost about these women is that they are working very hard to feed theier families.They are never noticed either on Tv or the media in general, they are always hidden and most of them they do not have University academic qualifications and some of them have their businesses and they live much better than most people with acdemic qualification . I think one day if they can read about themselves , they will feel very happy and empowered and their famlies and chilren would feel proud. Some of them are on businesses such as property development , transport cleaning etc . Ithinkk they are doing very important jons and they need recognition. Regards
Thanks for the ‘short honest truth’ on how to write a book. Greatly appreciated.
To be honest i agree with you on most of what you have said in your article and i can clearly see that you have passion for writing but i find that how youve written this shorter version can come accross rather rude… and seems more blunt then honest because you left out the rythm and passion and personality that every writer uses to make their manuscripts there own…
i hope im not sounding harsh :)
yours sincerely
R.L.F
Really thought-provoking and insightful article. Thank you for sharing your views. They have definitely given me insight into the nature of(how simple or how complicated – depending on one’s approach) writing books can be.
Hi Scott, thank you for a very insightful article. Having been one of the people who, four years ago, would have asked you all these questions, I did just what you suggested. I wrote a book, and painstakingly edited it to professional standards. Now, being a year on the other end of the publishing process, I can say that you left out the most important part: it is not mostly hard work, it is ALL work. At times, I hated 95% of everything about it, including the story itself. I even shelved it for six months because it embarrassed me. But I came back to it, put in twice the effort and finished it. And in the end, the only thing that I can say kept it going was that I had to get it out of my system and onto paper because the bloody idea just would not leave me be! Do I think I am a good writer? No. Was the idea good? Well, the people involved in the story think so. To me, though, the most significant thing was the realization that writing was very much like anything else in life: the most important requirement is a strong desire to write, and the ability to stick with it until it is properly done.
Oh yeah, and be prepared to write MORE books.
Truthfully, I am glad I don’t have to do this for a living. I’m not even sure I want to write another book. But I have to admit, that old itch is starting to come back again lately. I’m not looking forward to the next four years if things continue on their present course. Neither are my ad-hoc staff of reviewers. You know, those people who volunteer tomread your book? Mine didn’t know what they had signed up for. I’m surprised they let me live.
Loved the article. So true. What holds us back from writing is fear. But also, I think, the esoteric nature of the craft. People think that their idea has to be “fit” into a form that “makes” what they have written into writing. As if just writing wasn’t enough. But your article dispels that misconception by asserting that writing, ANY writing, IS writing. Sound redundant, but it isn’t. It means that a blog is equal to a novel and a note to friend is no different than a short story. Very nice point.
Wow, this is a great article. I really like to write, mostly for the hope of getting my dreams out of my head for other people to gawk at, but am always worried about what people will think of my stories. Then, after reading your article, I thought of all the silly stories out there. Mines bound not to be the worse. :) Thanks, you’re a pretty cool dude, plus, you made me laugh.
Thanks for all the great info I totally agree. A stay at home mom who has now written 4 books that I still love the ideas about but can’t make it all work for an adult audience at this time. Doesn’t mean I will never finish them or get the quirks out, but something isn’t right with all of them until recently. Ive been reading my books a writing for an adult audience for so long along with reading to my 3rd grader all these great young reader books. I’ve got the bug after reading so many I think I want to change to young readers and found an awesome idea that is just flowing finally! It all seems right but new to all this. So when I’m done which will probably take me a years time because I keep changing stuff and considering a trilogy. How do I know it’s safe to put content out there on websites like National Novel Writing Month without my hard work getting stolen?
Actually it just came into my mind, I wanted to write a book. Having no idea how, i rushed to find out through Internet, then here I found this article.
One thing I can say, you encouraged me man. Now, it’s time for me to work it.
Thanks.^^
This is great, I am currently writing a small book that i am hoping to one day get out to the world. Its currently only 20 pages long on a typed paper but I still have oceans of ideas on what i’m doing next in it. It just another dark fantasy themed story but one I think has some originality to it. *I read a lot of books* This article was pretty good and I enjoyed reading it. If you are interested at all or just wanna give me a little moral support i’d appreciate it greatly. My email is stellers151@live.com spam is very unwelcome. This is just in hopes of getting my dreams and imagination out there a bit and i’ll even send you the prologue to read if you want. As long as you don’t steal my ideas :P
Even though your article was a bit discouraging, it still made me feel as if I should write a book. I hate reading and I don’t really even like writing. I mean, I love writing when I’m not forced to, I like writing what’s on my mind. However I want to write a book about my life, my mother in particular. I feel as if I have so much to tell. But to be honest, I have no clue even where to begin. I just wish there was a way to just tell the story and for it to be written for me, I feel like I could put more emotion in it that way. I’m nineteen, I know that’s young but what’s happened to me throughout my life growing up, I feel can be enough to be written as a book.
You Sir, make me laugh. I was just looking at my father in law’s boxes, upon boxes of unread books he had written. It’s a boring book. I read the ends of books first to see if I want to read the whole thing. Do you think I should, because this is how my pea-sized brain works, begin writing my ” tale” from the tail-end? ” Once upon a time” bored me to tears as a child when I could make up something so much better in my mind. My attorneys tell me they have never heard of anything so twisted, as my life the past 4 years, and they always say I am anything , but boring, and I make them laugh until they cry, so I thought I might give this a ” go”. I don’t expect to get rich, just hoping to ” self- therapize” and hopefully get a few laughs, and not get sued. Can you tell me more about your experiences with the legalities involved in writing about others.?maybe it’s as simple as changing names, but I’m guessing I can be sued for just about anything these days, si I’d like to avoid court, if at a possible.
Hello!
Thank you for already answering some questions in your article.
Yes, I have begun a book, right now I’m doing research for a historical novel, which I hope becomes a series.
It is an idea that speaks to our time, and the country we are so freely squandering away, and ignoring the sweat, tears, and sacrifice our ancestors gave so we would have the choices we have today. Too bad our choices includes a lethal dose of apathy!
As for the writing, I want it done yesterday, but just by the small amount of research I’ve done, just the first book could easily take 2-3 years to finish, perhaps more.
My question is….I have no idea….guess I just wanted to say I’m here, and I have a dream.
Thanks
Wonderful article I must say, though perhaps a little depressing. But the humour in your writing is still apparent. May I ask, what would you say the minimum age is of writing a book, a book which can be published etc. not some obscure string of words which a 4 year old could write? When would a publisher actually take you seriously and not dismiss a book because of your age? That’s all I would wish to know. Thank you.
writing doesnt choose an age
Kurt, 100% agree with you!!
I hope publishing a book doesn’t have to do with age, I am kind of young, and working on a book.
Hi,
Would kindly like to say thank you! Once I will accomplish the
Advice given, certainly will get well ahead in writing my book!
It is my own life experience that would rock many ( I hope)!
Again, Thanks and all the best!
Cristian Gramaticu
I guess ill start with how much i enjoy your writhing,the things you say help me to become a stronger and more confident writer and i thank you for that. I’m 15 and i have been writing before i can remember. I have always loved writing and reading its somewhere i can take my self out of the real world and make it my own. I am very hard thinker, which i find to be quit stressful sometimes. But when i write i can empty all those thoughts knowing other people can not see them (unless i want).I thank you for your inspiration to become a better writer.
I did enjoy reading this article and the many other articles that have been published. However, there is one thing that still bothers me. I cannot seem to find a captivating way to grab my future audience in the beginning. I have many friends that say that the beginning is one of the most crucial parts in the story as it gives the reader(s) a way to connect with the protagonist(s) and to allow said reader(s) to say ‘Wow, I can tell I will enjoy this book very much,’
As I have said before, I do not know a way to start this story that will allow me to do what my friends have told me. It’s just this one little bump that, to me, looks like a fraking Mount Everest. Despite this so-called ‘Bump’ I will be able to nuke the rest of the story in a manner that would make J.K. Rowlings head spin.
I guess what I am asking is: How do I make a beginning of a story that will allow me to make my story rocket its way to completion, editing, and popularity among my social groups?
One more question: Is there some sort of structure, other than the story structure that we learned in our fifth grade class, to a successful beginning?
I’m looking forward to your reply, and or, many other intelligent, yet easily understandable, answers to my questions.
-Kayne
P.S. I’m open to any other suggestions people may have in how to start a story.
This is a wonderful essay, and I’m glad I found it. I’m more determined than ever to finish writing out my story and work toward getting it published. My question is this: This story I’m writing is a group effort, one I’m writing with one of my best friends from high school. We’re both working together on this project, half of the characters are mine and half are hers, et cetera. The problem is, we don’t get to see each other very often anymore, and we’re going nowhere fast. In a year and a half of developing ideas and writing pages, we haven’t gotten as much done as I would like. How do I keep our creativity and motivation going, if we can rarely ever see each other?
love it,it the honest truth. you gave me great advice to make a book.Even if i’m 14 years old.I hope to write a seller book one day.
Scott Berkun,
I want to write a book about my life with disabilities(Asperger’s, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and GAD). I’m writing it as something to lift people’s spirits and help them realize that you can accomplish a lot with or without disabilities. My mom will be a major character, because she has helped me so much. The story itself is very uplifting. I have talked online to parents with Autistic children and they all seemed to feel better after talking to me. I have also spoke to someone in person. But I really want my story to be out there for everyone to appreciate and I want to help explain what goes on in the minds of people with my disabilities. I just don’t know where to start! I’ve got many memories to include and I am going to talk to different family members and see if I can get their insight as well. Should I start when I found out about my diagnoses? Should I start with after I overcame everything and include flashbacks? Or what about starting by explaining the disabilities I have? Some people don’t know what Asperger’s is, I’m sure. I just don’t know where to start! If you could please help me figure this out, because I really want to do this. I have a lot to do right now with college and a job, but I think I can take things slow for now and when life is a bit calmer, I can pick up the pace and get serious about it. I really want to do this, because this is something I feel really passionate about. Thank you.
-Katie Parenti
Dear Katie,
I know a boy with Aspergers, If we were not told I would not have known appart from a few behaving problems.We all read a book about it and understood it better nobody teased him or called him names after we read the book. Before? Yes, I’m afraid he did get teased before, because the other children didnt understand. You are in college now yes? What age were you when diagnosed? Because you see I teach this boy and I would like him to know other people have Aspergers.
thank you
Pixie Ryan
Dear Katie,
I know a boy with Aspergers, If we were not told I would not have known appart from a few behaving problems.We all read a book about it and understood it better nobody teased him or called him names after we read the book. Before? Yes, I’m afraid he did get teased before, because the other children didnt understand. You are in college now yes? What age were you when diagnosed? Because you see I teach this boy and I would like him to know other people have Aspergers.
thank you
Pixie Ryan
I think even though you are very busy go ahead and start, even if it is just jotting down notes during class while waiting for the teacher to start class, or while on a 5 min break at work. If you read my post please reply. I have been taking notes at work even while i am in bed I keep a little notebook beside my bed I am afraid I will forget what I thought of if I do not write down my thought at the time it hits me. So even though you do not have time to start the book you can be getting a big head start by doing what I suggested. Now I am not an author yet so this is just my advice, may be good or bad but to me it makes sense.
Please write the book, I have a brother with the same thing and he needs uplifting material to read as he is unsure about it, and a variety of ways in which he can overcome his disability
Please write the book, I have a brother with the same thing and he needs uplifting material to read as he is unsure about it, and a variety of ways in which he can overcome his disability
i am 28 years old young man, who really want to share his ideas with the world. i want to write about my life which turned to a horror show, because of the thin
gs i see everyday. the young who has been taught fauls resect, beliefs, been bullied, whitched and attacked by demons. a young man who was born in a christian family and disapprove they way people were and are conducting the religeon which turn him to been seen like a rebel in a family and other eoles view.
You see, i wanna put MY life on paper, not make up stories. My life can be used to motivate people, because i have most definetly not lived the fairy tale life. Though in reality i just dont know how to start. And no, i dont want to do this for the money, i have an actual job that takes care of my needs.
its is easy to write but not possible atleast for me but the problem is that in which topic i should write some of the top topic now .
Dear Mr. Berkun,
I stumbled on your site while googling for writing advice, and all I can say is thank you! I actually knew most of it already, but it’s quite a comfort to see my opinions about writing confirmed by a professional. Your article is clearly written and helped me to better understand it all.
Even while I did read and follow the publisher’s instructions to send a manuscript, I’ve had nothing but rejections yet. I do know it’s a lottery and I’ve had bad luck (or a bad manuscript), but I can’t help but feel I’m missing something, like a magical word to write on my query letter (besides things like Dear and Sincerely) or something else that only Real Writers know. Reading “really, all you have to do is follow the guidelines” helped me to silence those silly feelings and concentrate on my new manuscript…
Sincerely,
Joke Adam, a wannabe writer
PS. Joke is my real name. I’m not a native English speaker, so please forgive me if I made mistakes in this note.
Found this very inspirational thank you :)
Hey Scott,
Great job with this article, I totally agree. Many people think that they have to learn the secrets before they start writing when the truth is you learn when you start writing. If you never start writing, then you will never experience this truth. Ignorance Paralysis. Just do it. Effort. Passion. Strength of will to continue. Self validation. Thank you.
Hi Scott,
I read your spiel on writing a book while giggling to myself. I find it funny that I’m really considering it. Well, not really funny, but more so long overdue. I started writing a novel when I was 15, and now at 33 I think I owe that kid a chance. It was actually a decent idea that can now be tweaked with more knowledge. My question to you, all laughs aside, is what is the one piece of advice you would give me? About anything you think is relevant even if maybe not life shattering. I don’t expect to write the next Twilight or Hunger games. Writing is my love and my therapy, and I’d love to try and share that. I’ve been called a dreamer and nuts many times, so this is all for me.
I appreciate anything you’d like to share! I don’t need to know how to get rich or publish a book (hello Internet!), but anything you can share will be taken in and used in this pursuit.
Cheers to you!
Meghan
I’m not too shore if I love writing or if I dislike it, but thinking about it somehow makes me swell up and feel passionate. Perhaps it is the thought and lure of the outcome-fame, pride and being lost in a world that I have invented-but still, the thought of sitting down and actually doing the work looms there like a cloud. I know I sound like a bit of a bitch talking so formally even though it is just a post but these are my true emotions towards writing.
Hi there,
I enjoyed your honesty regarding writing. I seem to do my best thinking whilst doing mundane things that require little brain work ie mowing the lawn. Often folk have said to me “Trev you need to write a book you have such imagination”. Today my mind was in overdrive and when I had finished mowing the lawn I said to my wife “I am going to write a book” Of course she smiled and said “that’s nice”. As I said my mind was in overdrive and the thoughts were coming fast and furious, name ,forward content and and and…The strange thing was that I really enjoyed the time spent throwing ideas out there realing them in then throwing them back into the mix again and seeing how my story sounded to myself. Whats the story about? Well…. I haven’t a clue because they are just thoughts of verious times in my life,characters,experiences both humourous and sad. Times which were dangerous and times where one had…well, time! I can trace my family back to 1611 or so so there must be some juicy stuff there, if it was not for a small 8 year old native boy (In colonial Africa) in 1893 who pulled my 6month old grandfather out of a burning shack you would not be reading this now. Perhaps the day my great aunt answered ta knock at the back door of her home in the mountains to be confronted by a a deranged madman with bow and arrow pointed at her chest, ready to let rip. Ah what happened next? That gripped your attention,well the unthinkable happened- he let rip!! But “there be no greater love than a man lay down his life for his fellow man” (in this case women). The native manservant of the house lounched himself in front of her and took the arrow through his chest, dying instantly. The madman fled of course never to be found.
This is how my mind is working at the moment I start off like here with an intention of just adding a thank you to your site and.. off I go. Probably wake up in the morning and want to tell you about the little ancient bushman my family had the privaledge to know about (you see he only “allowed” my great aunt, the one aquainted with Robin Hood, to actually see him) who lived in the mountains around the area we farmed in the 60’s. My grandfather called him an “ancient” because he had zero Western affiliation and wore only a animal skin loin cloth… here I go again please forgive me it has been nice chatting all be it monologue. What do I think? Great article thanks,Trev
Hello, im 15. I’m actually trying to write a horror story,for a class asignment; but i dont quit get the drift of it. I’ve never been required to write anything horrific before, so this is new to me. if you have any advice on how to write one, I would be more than happy to listen. Thx.
Hello, im 15. I’m actually trying to write a horror story,for a class asignment; but i dont quit get the drift of it. I’ve never been required to write anything horrific before, so this is new to me. if you have any advice on how to write one, I would be more than happy to listen. Thx.
I am writing a book at the minuite and wants to know what makes a good book, what makes people want to read the book and what do you like most about a book. (This is a fanstasy book) :) thank you
Hey, I have enjoyed your helpful information here on this site. Thanks for being open and honest about the pros and cons. I have a question or two. LOL. I am a Corrections Officer in a southern state. I have seen many things happen while working for the state prison system. I want to write a book. I want to write it as a fiction based on true events. The reason for doing so I would assume it would not be wise to write the book about the corruption I see and the racial issues I face day to day,( By the way I am not African American) I am a white man and face racial issues all the time. I want to tell my story the truth but not get any trouble for doing so. I hope you get what I am tring to ask. How would I go about this task? I want people to know the truth about southern prisons and what it feels like to work in a southern prison. The good, the bad, and for sure the ugly! One more question. I have never attempted to write a book but I have been writing poems for years and I think some of them are very good not to brag, but how could I go about getting some of my poems in the right hands? How to protect my work ect? Thanks very much. I am sure the more I read what is on this site I will get some answers to my questions but I wanted to ask you direct. Thanks for your time and thanks for giving me some hope and fire to start a book.
WOW…thank you so much for sharing this information. I have been inspired to write a book for some time. And just did not know what way to go. I have been writing for some years now. And I was looking for some guidence on the matter. And I found your blog. I would like to stay in contact via email. can you be my Emor..(email mentor)..lol
Hi Scott,
Thankyou for this helpful info, i am only 12 but i have written many books in the past they were not that good but now i am older im getting better at it and making up more and more books as i go, i do not intend on publishing them until i get better, the books that i have made already are now in the attic in a box, i dont like them so i do not read them. Thankyou for being honest about writing books.
Thanks
Katlyn
I’ve been dreaming of writing a book since I was in the 8th grade. I’m 24 now!! LOL time to get to work.
Hello! I found your articall very intresting, but i have one question do you have to be 18 years old to be able to publish a book?
Im just asking for the fact that i am 13 and i wanted to write a book for a long time and now im putting my hands to work.
Hello,
Enjoyed reading your ‘how to write a book…the short honest truth’! Well I want to write a book about how to be savvy about separation. I’m going thru a separation and of course like most woman out there, thought thru my heart and not my head. Today my ex is giving me a hard time with finances/ child support etc. He is rich and we had joint accounts..but I’m fighting a BIG CROOK. I would like to let the other woman know how/ when/ what/ why of separation.
Need your advise if it is a good or lame idea… !
Thank you,
I feel like a hypocrite because I feel compelled to write a book, yet I don’t read. I want to read. I used to love reading. Now I can’t. I either fall asleep or zone out in a trance-like state. Writing for me is more an active mental thing as a opposed to reading which in my mind passive. It just seems wrong.
Hi,
I am an engineer and I want to write a book more on engineering & technical lines. Pls help. Can I go by the same guodelines because the I feel the the reades being of a different class, I should adopt some other style.
Most of the books which I have read are boring. I dont want people to say the same about my book also.
Pls advise how to proceed,
Regards,
Peter
I am currently considering attempting the publishing endeavor. To me this sounds like a stupid question, but I’m stumped to find an answer nonetheless. If I do go ahead with the whole publishing concept, do I have to buy rights to publish in a font professionally or are there standard fonts that I can use without having to pay a royalty? I am quite the beginner, and apologize for my novice question. However, I would like to avoid the problem of font copyright infringement.
Thanks for your time.
Rob
im writing a book based off some dreams ive had and turning them into a fantasy-adventure/love story. ive no formal literary educationan and this article goes to show i dont need it to write a book. ive spent 6 months on just research alone and im still not done! if you want it done right you have to be dedicated and not just be in it for the money because that may not come. but to have something youve put so much hard work into to be out there for anybody to read i think will be so worth the long hrs!!thanks for an insightful article.
Hi! I’ve had an idea for a book for a few years now it would be a non-fiction. All the emotions are stuck in my mind, because I have lived it. Once I get started I believe it will just flow. Any advice?
Scott Berkun,
I loved this artical, after reading it I thought about why i love to wright and read, I love the whole idea of a book transporting some one into another world and making the reader feel what the character in the book is feeling. They can make you cry and laugh. Im 16 and all I want to do is wright, and if all I can do Is try my hardest to compleat a book I will try untill I susceed.
Hello, my name is Esmaray and I have been writing stories for quite a while but I’ve never gotten to finishing them. Now I’m writing anothor story and I’m actually trying to finish this one. I’ve never gotten a book published and I really, really want to. Any advise?
I found what you had to say very interesting. yes i want to write a book. i have an amazing story that i think i should share with everyone. honestly i do not want the money, or fame i just want people to read it. i am the mother of a 25 year old police officer who was shot last march 21st in manchester nh. and he lived thank god. but the story leading up to the shooting and the story after the shooting is quite the story. what do you think should i try ??
i HAVE HAD SOME TRAGIDES IN MY LIFE THESE PAST FEW YEARS. MY BIGGLOST ONE WAS LOOKING MY BEST FRIEND,SISTER AND CHILD ALL AT ONCE(SHE WAS MY SISITER BUT THE OTHE WEE HOW I FELL.)
io KNOW IF I COULD WRITE MY THOUGHTS DOWN IT COULD BE A SELLER. WE LEAD A VERY INTERESTING LIFE, GROWING UP IN THE 50’S WITH A SONGLE MOM AND 4 DAUGHTER (2 WHOM THEY ASSUME WERE PRIMA DONNAS) aNYWAY i LOST MY ENDY TO STAGE 4 LUNG CANCER I FEEL THIS NEED TO WRITE. MY MOTHER IS AN EXCELLENT WRITER AND OF COURSE SHE WILL SAY YOU CAN DO IT. I JUST DON’T KNOW WHEN OR IF I SHOULD START THAT WOULD GRAB SOMEONES ATTENTION UTHER THAN HER LOOSING HER BATTLE TI CANCER IN 3 MONTHS. THIS PAST WEEK WENDY HAS BEEN IN ALMOST EVERY DRAM OF MINE SO MAYBE SHES TRYING TO TELL ME SOMETHING. ALL i KNOW SHE LIT UP ANY ROOM SHE WALKED INYO WITH HER CONTACGIOUS SMILE AND EVERYONE LOVED HER. ,
Scott Berkun,
I want to share my deepest thoughts and my entire life with this whole world and want to tell each an devery person what can happen with you if you fall in love with someone an and when you lose that person. How can you live you life. This is actually my story and the reason behind to share this story with this world is, I want to encourage that people who are facing this situation and want to overcome with this. Thanks
Honest and informitive. Nice.
Excellent!! maybe it will help me out :-) Thanks.
When writting a Book each time an idea Pops do u think have work your mind do i have tothink of more ideas to Back the first one
My personal opinion about writing a book is just that- To write anything you need not to go on your age,fear of people might not like your story.One needs to have a strong urge to write a book and put all the idea down on the paper that keep runing through the mind when you think of writing.
Personally i liked the information provided here because it its very usefull to a extent.
Thanku!:)
I’m 13 years old, and I’m thinking about having a career to do with writing. I’m writing a novel at present, but I can’t seem to find the right language to use for a climax! Everything seems a little bland. Any tips would be helpful! Oh, and I really like this article, and it helped a lot! :)
Hello. Was very interesting for me this information.
In USA i am short time, come here from Prag – Czech Republic, so english no so perfect, but i try
study and be good in english. I speaking rushe, ukrainian, czech, slovakian.. german and polish.
In my life i was in many european countryes and would like
write about international kitchen…I think, i can…But
this be my first book. So be very thankfull for every information…Thank you very much..Natali
Hello. Was very interesting for me this information.
In USA i am short time, come here from Prag – Czech Republic, so english no so perfect, but i try
study and be good in english. I speaking rushe, ukrainian, czech, slovakian.. german and polish.
In my life i was in many european countryes and would like
write about international kitchen…I think, i can…But
this be my first book. So be very thankfull for every information…Thank you very much..Natali
This is great to know. Thank you. I am in the middle of writing a book. My biggest question is do this all apply to becoming a teenage author. A part of me feels it’s easier another part think it may be harder to be publish and have a decent chance.
Also if adults look over it, do I have to share the credit or how does editing work?
I have finally decided to finish the book I have been working on for the last five years. Right now I mostly have outlines and half chapters written, with a host of notes filling several notebooks. I have been conducting research about locations, careers, scene set-up, and so forth. My question to you is,do I need to obtain prior approval to use store names, building names, and names of movie studios? As you can guess my book has a little to do with movie making. I want to be sure that I do not infringe on anyones patents or rights in my book. Suggestions?
O.K. WOW!!! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE. BOY, YOU REALLY SPOKE TO MY INNER INHIBITION. I FEEL LIKE I AM HOLDING MYSELF BACK FROM PURSUING MY PASSION. READING WHAT YOU WROTE ABOUT HOW EASY IT REALLY IS TO WRITE A BOOK HAS MADE ME FEEL LIKE I CAN TRULY ELIMINATE THE BLOCKED BARRIERS I HAVE HAD UP FOR YEARS. THANKS FOR SETTING ME FREE.
Well I must admit after reading, your article, I,am more determine now then ever to get my thoughts down on paper. It’s. Ironic that you mentioned, briefly that even in jail if the desire is there, not to memtion the time. Why not. I’ve written several spiral note-book that I have stored away which I plan to base my book on. At any rate thank you for sharing yourselves experience with the public myself included.
You’ve totally inspired me. I’ve written a lot of things including Thesis, papers, and peer reviewed published papers but I want to write a fiction story or novel. After reading your BLOG I started in with the idea that’s been brewing in my head and now have about 150 pages. This is better than reading a good book. The story just keeps unfolding in front of me.
One thing I’ve read is that one needs a publishing agent. Where does one find a decent one? I suspect there are a million advertising on the web but since I’m sure I’m writing the next best seller (joking) I want to start with a good one. I do know this is going to be a good story.
Your approach to the subject of writing is very enlightening. I have been writing since I was 8 years old and now I am 29 but still writing.Now I have been writing a book for the past three years and I think this time my writing has greatly improved and this piece can be a best seller ,if only I can get it onto the shelves in bookstores.Now I have an idea of how to go about getting my book published .Thank you
Ok,cool.anybody can write a book.Awsome! But I’m only 14.I wanted to write a book,sence everyone is telling me I have a wild,and,creative imagination.I love how you can make anything happen when you are writing. And no one can tell you what to do.you can write about anything you want.what more can a 14 year old ask for? But is is possible that sence I’m underage that I can write a book and get it published? I’m already working on am working on a book.but what I heard is you have to type it on the computer and print it out not do it on a peice of paper.I don’t have a computer or printer.but is it still possible?
I was wondering what was a good way to increase your vocabulary? I use an app that gives me a new word everyday but it doesn’t really help. Most of the time I forget to look at the thing. When I do I forget the word and its meaning or don’t even bother to use.
So some help would be much appreciated.
I’m 15. After all this discouragement, I still want to write a book–whether it be short or like the dictionary. I’m not doing this for money, I’m doing it to see if I can make it. Is there really a chance that any agent would take me seriously?