How to Write a Book as a First-Time Author: 7 Essential Tips to Start from Scratch

“Am I good enough to write this?” That was one of the questions on my mind when I stated writing my first book.

I had the idea. I wanted to write the book. But I also had doubts, fears and a lot of uncertainty. Was the idea good enough? Would anyone read it? Could I actually finish it?

After writing my own books and working with a good number of authors over the years, I’ve learned something very personal; self-doubt is normal, but it doesn’t have to stop you from finishing your book.

Most first-time authors don’t need to know everything before they start. They need a simple process they can follow and the willingness to keep going when the excitement of starting wears off.

If you’re wondering how to write a book as a first-time author, these are seven of the lessons that have helped me and the authors we’ve worked with.

Start with a Clear Idea and a Specific Reader

Before you start writing chapter one for your first book, get clear about the book you want to write.

You don’t need to have every detail figured out, but you write your first chapter, be sure you can answer the following questions:

• What is this book about?
• Who am I writing it for?
• What do I want the reader to get from it?
• Why am I the person to write this book?

For fiction, this might mean getting clear about your story, characters, conflict and the kind of reader you’re writing for.

For nonfiction, it could mean identifying the problem you’re helping readers solve, the knowledge you’re sharing or the transformation you want to create.

I made the mistake of not having enough clarity about my audience when I wrote my first book. Looking back, I would have saved myself some time if I had asked these questions earlier.

Knowing your reader doesn’t mean you have to write what you think will sell. Write about something you genuinely care about, but understand the person that’s going to spend time reading it. That understanding will influence your structure, language, examples and even the way you position the book.

Plan and Structure Your Book Before You Start Writing

One of the most useful tips for first-time authors is also one of the simplest: give your book some structure before you start filling up the pages.

You don’t need a complicated outline. In fact, I don’t believe every writer needs to plan every sentence or scene before they begin. But you need enough of a roadmap to know where you’re going.

For a nonfiction book, your basic structure might look like: Main idea – chapters – key points for each chapter – examples/stories – conclusion.

For fiction, while writing your first book, you can start with a structure like: Premise – characters – major events/conflict – turning points – ending.

Your plan should not be a limitation. If you discover a better direction halfway through the book, change it. The purpose of planning is simply to prevent you from staring at a blank page wondering what comes next.

A good writing plan should give your creativity direction, not put it in a cage.

Set a Writing Routine You Can Actually Maintain

Writing a book as a first time author can feel overwhelming when you look at the entire manuscript at once. Instead of thinking, “I have to write a whole book,” give yourself a smaller target.

This chunks down the work and you don’t end up feeling overwhelmed.

To write a book as a first-time author and not feel overwhelmed, set up a writing schedule like:

• Write 500 words a day.
• Write for 30–60 minutes each morning.
• Complete one section each week.
• Write one chapter at a time.

There is no magic number. The best writing goal is one you can realistically maintain alongside your work, family and other responsibilities.

I once read about an author who committed to writing a chapter a day. I found the idea fascinating, but that doesn’t mean you have to use the same approach. Your schedule, genre and writing style may require something completely different. Still, that is a good place to start, if it works for you.

Whether you’re self publishing online or elsewhere, the important thing is to create a routine that gets you back to the manuscript consistently.

Small, consistent progress will take you much further than waiting for the perfect day when you suddenly have several uninterrupted hours to write.

Finish Your First Draft Before You Start Editing

Finish your first draft before doing any serious editing. Editing while writing can interrupt your momentum or even amplify self-doubt. You don’t want that.

Leave place holders when you’re stuck and keep moving. And come back to it when you’re done with your first draft.

This is one lesson I learned the hard way. I once worked on a book for years before it reached the final stages. One of the major reasons it took so long was because I kept editing while I was still writing.

At some point, I got stuck. The book itself started to change from the idea I originally had for it.

I’ve watched the same thing happen to other authors we’ve worked with. When you’re writing your first draft, your job is not to make every paragraph perfect. Your first draft’s job is to exist.

If you stop every few paragraphs to rewrite a sentence, question an idea or criticize what you’ve written, you can easily lose your momentum. So, you have to keep it moving till you’re done with the draft

If you reach a section you’re not sure about, leave yourself a note and continue. If you don’t know exactly how to write a particular scene or section yet, leave and come back to it.

Remember you can revise a bad draft but you cannot revise a book you abandoned halfway through.

Once the manuscript is complete, you can return to it with fresh eyes and start the real work of revision and editing.

Read Like a Writer, Not Just a Reader

If you want to become a better writer, read. Read widely. That is one of the most powerful advices that will be helpful for anyone who wants to write a book as a first-time author.

But don’t only read for enjoyment. Learn to read like a writer.

When you read books in your preferred genre, pay attention to things such as:

• How does the author begin?
• How are chapters structured?
• How quickly does the story or argument move?
• How are characters introduced?
• How does the author create tension or curiosity?
• What kind of language and tone does the author use?
• How does the book end?

If you’re writing fiction, read fiction. If you’re writing nonfiction, study good nonfiction. Read books by authors you admire, but also read books that are currently doing well with the kind of audience you want to reach.

Also, don’t copy them. Study them. This helps you understand what is working. And when you understand how other writers create a particular effect, you can make better decisions about your own work.

To make this more practical, pick one book you admire in your genre. Read one chapter with a notebook beside you. Write down how the author opens the chapter, develops the idea or scene, creates momentum and ends it. Then ask yourself what you can learn from the structure, not what you can copy.

It is important you do not write a book in complete isolation from the books already being written in your genre or industry. Read widely, take notes and develop your own understanding of what works.

Revise Your Manuscript with Fresh Eyes

Finishing the first draft is a major milestone, but it is not the finish line. After you’ve completed your draft, give yourself some distance from it if you can. Then come back and read it with a different mindset.

Here is how to revise your manuscript for a better result: Look for the bigger problems first. For example, find out:

• Does the book make sense?
• Is the structure working?
• Are there sections that need more explanation?
• Are there chapters that don’t contribute much?
• For fiction, are the characters, conflict and pacing working?
• For nonfiction, is the information clear, useful and logically arranged?

Only after dealing with the bigger issues should you become overly concerned about individual sentences and grammar. This is important to note as someone that plans to write a book as a first time author.

Also, when possible, get another perspective. Something like a beta reader, writing group or professional editor can notice things you may no longer see because you’ve been staring at the manuscript for months.

Don’t be afraid of feedback either. Yes some feedback may not come as expected but remember the goal isn’t for someone to tell you that everything is perfect but to make the book better.

Your first draft gets the book out of your head. Revision helps you turn it into the book you intended to write.

Know What Comes After Writing your Draft

For a first-time author, finishing the manuscript can feel like the ultimate goal. Yes, it is a big deal. Celebrate it.

But there is still work to do before readers can experience the finished book.

As a self-published author publishing a book for the first time, you have to think about:

• Professional editing and proofreading
• Book formatting
• Cover design
• ISBN and publishing requirements
• Choosing between traditional and self-publishing
• Distribution
• Marketing and promotion

You don’t need to solve all of these problems while you’re still writing chapter three. In fact, trying to do everything at once can become another form of distraction.

For most authors we consult for, our approach is always; write the book first. Then move through the publishing process one stage at a time.

And don’t be shy about telling people about your work when the time comes. Because it matters.

I’ve seen first-time authors hesitate to promote their books because they don’t feel good enough to call themselves writers. But if you have written and published a book, you are an author. And you don’t need anyone’s permission to own that.

The Victor Winners First Book Checklist

The Victor Winners First Book Checklist is a list we use for our first time authors. Before you call your first book finished, run through this checklist:

• I know what my book is about.
• I know who I’m writing it for.
• I used/I am using a workable structure or outline.
• I have a realistic writing routine.
• I am making consistent progress.
• I have completed my first draft.
• I resisted the temptation to perfect every sentence while drafting.
• I’ve stepped away from the manuscript and returned with fresh eyes.
• I’ve revised the bigger problems before worrying about small details.
• I’ve received useful feedback where possible.
• I’ve completed the necessary editing and proofreading.
• I know what my next step toward publishing will be.

You don’t have to tick every box on your first day. The point is to keep moving until you can. And just use it as a guide throughout the writing process.

Final Words

Writing your first book can be hard, messy and uncomfortable. You will probably doubt yourself at some point. You may question the idea, lose motivation or wonder whether anybody will care about what you’re writing.

I know because I’ve been there. And after working with many authors, I’ve seen that these struggles are not unusual.

Your first book may not be your best book. And that’s okay. Allow yourself to learn through the process. Give yourself permission to write a messy first draft. Read. Keep showing up. Get feedback. Improve but do not t abandon the draft simply because it isn’t perfect yet.

You don’t have to do it alone either. Writing and author support groups can help you stay accountable, learn from other writers and keep going when the process gets difficult. And you can help professional help with writing and publishing your first book. Reach out here.

Now it’s over to you: what has been your biggest struggle with writing your first book? Drop your comments below.