How to Turn Your Idea Into a Book
By Jim Morris ยท Updated
An idea becomes a book when you can say who it's for, what it promises them, and what order to tell it in. Once those three are clear, the writing gets a lot easier. Book writing and publishing starts with a clear idea and a reader you want to reach.
Find your concept before book writing and publishing
Try to say the book in one sentence. If it takes a paragraph, you probably have two books, or none yet. Keep cutting until it fits.
Pick one reader
Not "everyone." A specific person with a specific problem. Writing to them keeps you from wandering.
Make a promise
What will that reader know, feel, or be able to do when they finish? Every chapter should earn a place by moving them toward it.
Outline before you write
List the chapters. Under each, jot the main point and the story that proves it. It's much cheaper to fix structure now than after 40,000 words.
Get the knowledge out of your head
This is where most people stall. Talking is often faster than typing: record yourself answering questions for each chapter, then write from the transcript. It's how we work with our authors.
Write, then edit in layers
Write a rough draft all the way through before you polish. Then edit big to small: structure first, then sentences, then grammar, then typos.
Publish
Cover, interior formatting, ISBN, distribution, and a launch plan. You can do it yourself or use a publishing partner.
Straight answers
How do I know my idea is good enough?
If you can name the reader and the promise, and you have stories to back it up, it's usually good enough to start.
About Human Touch Publishing
A lot of our books start as a rough idea on a first call, and we help shape it into something readers can hold. Human Touch Publishing is a book writing and publishing company in Nashville, and we work with experts all over the country. Real writers and editors help you take your book from idea through writing, editing, design, publishing and launch, and you keep all your rights and royalties. If you want to talk through your book, book a call with Jim.