Ok, I am finally going to write a book. I have a publisher arranged and I am raring to go.
I obviously suck at writing so like most things in life I have developed a system to complete this task. I wanted to get a little feedback from other writers and share what I’ve tried so far…
Step #1 I bought & read every book I could find on the subject at hand
Step #2 I have interviewed 6 experts in the field
Step #3 I have created a clever hook and title
Step #4 I wrote a sub-title explains the biggest benefit for the reader to buy and read book
Step #5 I created 20 blue index cards with chapter names
Step #6 I have created 20 cards with sub-headlines for each thought in each chapter
Step #7 I have written a one sentence reminder of what I want to say on the back of each card
Step #8 I have written a closing page
Step #9 I threw away 5 whole chapters and 5 thought cards from each chapter
Step #10 I have written the table of contents as burning questions
My plan is to pull out one of the cared at a time and write for no more than 10 minutes. That’s 38 hours of actual writing time. I should be able to complete my book in less than 30 days at this pace working on it part time
Questions:
One: Experienced writers, am I crazy? Will this work?
Two: What would you write about if you wrote a book?
Three: Do you want me to post about my progress
P.S. If anyone is interested in helping me with this project please contact me here or DM me on Twitter
Thanks for commenting, I NEED your input, lease help
![[Post to Twitter]](http://perrybelchersuccess.com/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter.png "How To Write a Book Fast?"){kind=icon}
Tweet This! ![[Post to Delicious]](http://perrybelchersuccess.com/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-delicious.png "How To Write a Book Fast?"){kind=icon}
Delicious This! ![[Post to Digg]](http://perrybelchersuccess.com/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-digg.png "How To Write a Book Fast?"){kind=icon}
Digg This! ![[Post to Ping.fm]](http://perrybelchersuccess.com/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-ping.png "How To Write a Book Fast?"){kind=icon}
Ping This! ![[Post to StumbleUpon]](http://perrybelchersuccess.com/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-su.png "How To Write a Book Fast?"){kind=icon}
Stumble This!
{ 127 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
Perry,
We wrote our 85 super lead generation techniques (part of our BizPak) in a weekend! Does that count?
It's a great value. The first technique is worth the price of the entire BizPak. Thanks
Sharon, FingerBiz.Com
Hey! I'm an actual writer. In fact, I earn my living as a medical writer and I've ghostwritten five books (and I'm under contract for one more). My own book on pacemakers (Pacemaker Owner's Manual) just came out on Amazon. I just say this because this is the kind of stuff I do all day long (well, I mainly write articles and brochures but I've several books).
Perry, your list is surprisingly close to what we do. There are a couple of tweaks:
1. When doing background research, expand your net beyond just books. Go online. For medical stuff, by far the best information is in journals. As a general rule of thumb, the more timely information appears in the periodical press (journals, magazines) and online and the older information is in books.
2. I write the Table of Contents much earlier, maybe at step 2 or 3. In fact, my book contracts are based on the Table of Contents.
3. To me, the title can go down lower on the list but if it helps you "frame" the book, then you need it. You need some kind of image or idea or vision to give you the frame of the book so you know what fits in and what you have to leave out.
4. Leaving stuff out is VITAL. Writing is about "killing your darlings." You have to be ruthless and include only what belongs in the book (even if you wrote some extraneous material that's just wonderful).
5. I do my "cards" on the computer. I take the Table of Contents and then fill in the key points below. I tend to throw everything in–points I want to make, controversies, questions I still have, etc. I sort of use the Table of Contents as a bunch of buckets for my various observations.
6. When you actually start writing, write like you talk. That's because you can go back later and polish it up. The hardest thing is to get the ideas on paper.
7. As you write, you will hear a tiny voice reminding you that you may have messed up the punctuation or that you misspelled a word or that a participle is dangling. This is what I call you "inner English teacher." Kill her. She will stop you from writing. Your first draft can have all the misspelled words, faulty grammar, and poor punctuation you want.
8. Do go back at least once, top to bottom, and edit. This is when you look up some words or get help with your punctuation.
9. Even if you do the above step, hire a proofreader or editor. You can find people who do this kind of work at a very reasonable fee and they can help you look good.
The key to writing a book is that it's relentless. You can't do it in one sitting. You have to keep coming back. That means you have to retain your focus and your drive.
I disagree that you have to be passionate about a subject to write about it. In fact, I think when it comes to non-fiction, too much passion can cloud your objectivity. Writing–when done for money–is a job and should be approached systematically and professionally. It's kind of like being a plumber. Plumbers don't have to passionate about unclogging your drain but they do have to know what they're doing, have the right tools, and be willing to do the job.
I think a lot of people have romantic notions about writing. I've earned my living as a writer for over 20 years and although I love what I do–I think most people would be surprised how ordinary writing really is.
Hey Perry– I love writing– but here's a quick and easy way to go about it if you don't like to write– go get a digital voice recorder (hand held) and one by one, look at the cards you already wrote out and get a few ideas about what you want to say. Write your ideas out on a long sheet with bullet points. Hang the page for each card (chapter, idea, etc) on the wall where you can see it. Hold your recorder and start to talk about your topic– include the bullet points and elaborate on each. This way, you have a conversational tone– which is always more fun to read, esp with your personality, it will be great. Separate the pages into different recodrings (for different chapters) …then have someone transcribe all. When you have the transcripttions, just rearrange, cut and paste, put the thoughts into the order you want them to be in for easy reading. Hope that helps.
As for me — a few topics but only one done as of yet … Love your stuff : )
Laurie
twitter: lauriewajda
facebook: laurie.wajda
Perry,
You have some great stuff. This is a bit more on the short side of what you would normally otherwise charge for, however I think its great fodder for, a, …uh book, lol. It seems that mind mapping what you're doing is definitely helpful to keep you on track and stave off any writers block. I look forward to what you produce.
Good luck.
Hey Perry,
First off, being from Kentucky I know you rock!
I am not going to tell you how you should do it but you should take on the topic of Accounting. Yeah, that otta sell like hotcakes. Having spent much time studying for the CPA exam, I know first hand that CPA review needs something with your kind of style to freshen things up.
Hey Perry if you want to write a book you need to go here http://www.getpublishedwithjohn.com I did'nt think that i could write a book, but i had my first chapter done in one hour with Jeremy Browns course its awesome. All of the steps that you have written above he has in his course in a step by step process, and he does a live writting session with his students onces a week and writes a chapte out with you on the webinar. It does'nt get any better than that. check it out. John W Brown Author "How I Made It After The War"
Congratulations. Not only on getting this far writing the book but also on selling it.
Writing a book is 1) a joy, 2) a pain, 3) A good business decision, 4) a real time waster if done wrong.
You've made a good start at clarifying what your reader will want from your book. (In IM terms picking a niche and the sub-niche or questions).
The method you've chosen is a pretty typical technique. Personally, I consider it a high risk technique and not really a system (more an ad-hoc preliminary). Those who are selling this system will disagree.
This is a mix of speed-writing and outlining. Speed writing is really better suited to journalists, copywriters and article writers (i.e. short, sweet and get it out the door). Outlining is a technique for people who don't know any better. (Long story short – it tries to get to the end without the steps between and forgets about how the mind works.).
Having said all that your experience may vary. After all discipline is the key to success. If you have sufficient discipline you will succeed despite the system. And writing is ultimately a personal event — you have to do what works for you.
So is there a better way? You've heard one of the suggestions in prior comments (Mind Maps). However, I'd suggest going one step beyond and trying a structured mind map. By using a structured mind map, you'll draw the information out in a focused (but still random) manner and end up with a structure that supports a quality book.
As to the actual physical writing …. try a couple of techniques. You'll soon learn what works for you. Personally, I need 4 hour chunks. Some people need 1 hour chunks. Some people work in 10 minute bursts. I know at least one pro who works in 16-20 hour chunks for a week and then dies for a week. Don't get hung up on this … different strokes for different folks. And how you feel may mean you change your style from time to time.
If you want a expansion on what I've said go to http://www.LearningCreators.com . There is a free course available on a system which uses the way the brain works to help you get to the end. There's also a book and the usual coaching.
If you send me an email I'll give you a complementary copy of the book.
Glen Ford
http://www.LearningCreators.com
http://apps.LearningCreators.com/blog
IN WRIting you need to put the focusgroup of readers in mind. their interest not withstanding.
I'd like to send you a dm on twitter but you have to follow me, I'm following you now. I have a couple suggestions and would like to help.
Hey Perry,
Thank you, for stimulating this topic of conversation.
Whether, articles, content or business books… writing continues to play an escalating role in one's ability to build traffic, credibility and sales.
In regards to a formula for writing a business book, I' suggest the following additional steps:
1. Define your intentions for the book relative to your reader and it's place in your product/service
offering… and, map it's integration into your marketing plan.
2. Create both ties to your website and a compelling "call to action" that when acted upon, the reader
accelerates their consumption and/or purchasing of your products/services.
E.g. If the intention of the book is to build a greater following; you may want to include a link and
"special access code" for download-ables at your site, like templates that will help them leverage the
information in your book… or, a newsletter to keep them up-to-date on changes in or implications of
your content as the marketplace evolves. Done properly, both ways help you capture new subscribers.
As for your call to action… it may be asking them to sign up for additional training on your topic… and,
you include a link and discounted coupon code. You get the picture
Moving thru the process with these in mind will allow the writer to weave these triggers into the body of the book, making the readers "next step" a natural extension of the dialog with the author… adding continuity to the relationship.
I, also, highly recommend Michael Levin… a ghostwriter for some major internet gurus, who's names you'd recognize in your email every week. He teaches the process he has used as a best selling author, ghostwriter, movie script writer and faculty member at both UCLA & NYU.
I don't recall the best url for him… but, feel free to contact me at my address below… and, I'll email it to you when I'm back at my own computer. Or, ping me on Facebook… careful, I have son by the same name in grad school at USC
Best to all,
John Lustyan
jlustyan@boostmyprofits.com
I have written 10 non-fiction books on business, promotional and creative writing and on the business of freelance writing. I outlined and wrote each one in under 60 days. Notice "outlined" and "wrote". They are two separate processes. With that in mind, this is key:
> Step #5 I created 20 blue index cards with chapter names
> Step #6 I have created 20 cards with sub-headlines for each thought in each chapter
Now write sub-points for each sub-heading. Make your outline as detailed as possible – sub-points, sub-sub-points, sub-sub-sub-points. Only then do you write, from point to point to point. Don't worry about typos and grammar on your first draft. You are going to edit the book any way, once you complete it. In fact, complete the book, edit it twice, then proofread it (or have your publisher higher a proofreader to dot the i's and cross the t's. You might find my blog post on this of interest:
- http://paullima.com/blog/?p=539
Dude, Great idea – I don't mean writing a book (that's cool too), I mean putting this up.
My take is that you are a natural communicator, both with tone, word choice and body language. People listen to you AND watch you. I did this and it worked amazingly – Made a progressive cue card set that kept my thoughts in line. I sat my ass in a place where I knew all my prospective readers would want to see me in and I let it rip. I recorded myself on video doing what I do, saying what I say. Then I sent it to a transcriber. I had 8 hours of my video transcribed for a hundred and twenty bucks and it came out perfect. From there I spent a few hours going through my content, making thought corrections and adding content I may have overlooked – cleaned it up! But here the kicker, my passion for the topic completely come through because it was my "speak" and I did the whole book in less than 24 hours – over 150 pages and the material kicks ass (at least I think so.) I added photo grabs from the video (to preframe them for the video companion, which BTW includes content not in the book) – as well as images pertaining to the content…It's an information book so I used some cool shots to get my readers lathered. That's it man. With all the video you have you could probably rock more books than the Hardy Boys in no time at all.
I know all the authors above are going to tell me to **** *** with that idea – but it worked hugely well for my customers and I've got the paper to show it.
That's what worked for me anyhow, and worked well. Good luck and looking forward to it.
Adam Mitchell
Perry,
A couple of people have suggested you record the book. This is what I did. I bought a digital recorder and just talked the chapters out. I used a Sony recorder because it works with Dragon Naturally SPeaking which can translate the recording to text.
By talking it out I was able to knock the book out in two evenings.
Next I edited the text and fleshed it out. Now I have my book, How To Work ON Your Business not IN Your Business. From there I took the book and created a video training course.
Last, if you have not signed paperwork yet with your publisher I would check out Bill Glazer's new book publishing model. It is leap years ahead of any other option in terms of help from the publisher and the royalties you get from the book. The biggest benefit is that you retain the rights to the book.
You need to get yourself a copy of "The Fastest Way to Write Your Book". You can get it from http://www.ideas4writers.co.uk. Absolutely brilliant. Stuffed with ideas for writing nonfiction books and novels super fast. You end up with the same book that you would have written if you'd spent a year or more on it – so the quality is there – but you can do it in a fraction of the time. Both the books I wrote (in about 3 weeks each) got published, and now I'm on my third. The guy's a genius.
Writing a book, especially non-fiction, is not about self-expression. It is about building a relationship with and serving your reader! Having friends read and review it can be helpful. You do need feedback from readers, their questions & needs for clarifications. However, your friends will be rather more laudatory than any general readership. You absolutely need a professional editor. Too much of the stuff published today misses the readership mark simply because it lacks a pro to help the writer express their notions most effectively. Logic, organization, style, clarity, conciseness, and more are the editor's job – along with spelling and grammar. Suggest you contact communiskil@gmail.com – they are the pros I use for sound, solid prose.
Hey Perry,
I write poetry and short stories and how-to books and find that if I think I'm stuck, I just do one paragraph and then walk away from it for a bit. I usually takes me around 6 hours to write 1200 words (the average size for a small story). Also, do not, whatever else you do, be your own editor! You need someone who is totally objective and, as the author, you're going to be biased.
Perry,
Who do you use to print your books?
Deadlines add stress? Well, yes. After the first blush of enthusiasm wears off, the effort starts to look like work. — and it is. You will likely need something to keep driving you steadily toward the end. Simple, but not unreasonable deadlines can help keep you moving on all the days you feel like sleeping in.
Set specific reasonable goals ion each deadline. Don't let yourself be diverted by every great but random thought that comes by, including any non-trivial editing. Jot down notes for later. Plan your work and work your plan. The deadlines will help keep you focused and on track. Otherwise you'll gradually find your book slipping further and more out of reach.
Thank you for this information.
hi,
I am willing to help you in writing a book.
I am a content writer.
I can write excellently.
contact me immediately.
bye
TaxGuru
There so many comments, so here is my suggestions (notwithstanding that someone may well have given you this answer:
Don't write! Speak!
Get Dragon naturally speaking 10. Take your first topic, bullet point sand all. Think about what you would SAY. Then SAY it. speak it into the Dragon until you have said what you want to say. It'll come out the other end as word processed text, Then you can edit it, knock it into shape, or get a professional editor to do it for you.
Once you know what you want to say about a topic, you can get the book done in a month. As far as topics go, start off with something deeply based in your own experience. Having listened to quite a few of your videos online, in my view, there is a lot you can draw on.
Best of luck.
Max
You already wrote it. Every statement that you made you wrote in in the sense of already being accomplished. So, regardless if it's on paper yet or not, the universe is quickly working to bring you the answers. Great job Perry.
Ashley
Magnetic Marketing Solutions
Hi Perry,
As a professional author's coach, I can tell you that you are on the right track. However, you are a busy person, and it does not have to take you 30 days to write your first draft. Remember, what you will have finished in the 30 days is just the first draft. There will be many re-writes and revisions.
Why not get the first draft done ever faster so that you can spend the time working on the editing and re-writes? I have a system that helps aspiring authors write their first draft in 6 hours or less. It really does work. In fact, with the work you have already done, we could probably do yours in 3 hours.
Please contact me. I would like to help you with this. For more info and testimonials, please visit my website at http://www.VIPAuthorCoach.com or http://www.WriteYourBookin6Hours.com.
Perry, actually I also wanted to complete writing my book "Desideratum" but sometimes I wish I can just turn it into a storyboard for film, so kinda leave it hanging.. I admire you for your courage- keep it up- do it if you feel like doing it! Don't let the fire ebb down…
Check out a guy called Nick Dawes. He wrote a book called Quick Cash Writing and he has all the answers. He is a very successful author and you can find some of his stuff on Amazon.
I got this course about 4 years ago and I have written 11 books so far and some of them are actually earning me money!
What you're doing sounds great. I've just read a book about how to write a book in 30 days, so you're not crazy at all. It will work.
I am using an awesome software for writing my book, it's called scrivener (only for Mac). You should check it out, if you're not completely satsified with the software you're currently using.
I am really looking forward to read about your progress.
- jens
Great plan Perry! This should work. The ten-minute writing rule is not something I've heard before, so I'm very intrigued. Keep us posted, absolutely. Have fun!
Perry,
I love this idea. It would be very helpful to really have this info laid out in detail. If you need help I would love to help!
Cynthia Goranson
Perry,
First, I am thrilled that you are taking on a new project. I have always wanted to write and know I have at least 3 books in me. I may take your formula and get started myself.
As to helping you, I would be happy to proofread for grammatical and spelling errors. I am a stickler for that kind of thing and have been known to go off on a professional writer for using 'there' instead of 'their' or 'then' instead of 'than'.
Just let me know if you would like my help. Love the stuff you do. Can't wait to see what you have in store next!
Winnetta
Are you crazy, Perry? – NO. Will it work? Only if YOU work the plan and your plan is very do-able. As someone mentioned earlier, I would suggest you plan on more than 10 minutes of writing at a time – perhaps 30 minutes. Also, I concur with the recommendation of dictating it (first run) and then get the transcript and work with that, for editing.
Sounds like a plan! I had a similar strategy when writing my first book.
Go get 'em! As Dr. R. Schuller says: "Beginning is half done!"
Pat M.
Sounds like a great strategy from pumping out content. It may not produce a noble prize but it sounds like it will produce some cash, which is the actual goal here. It also gets your started cranking, read the War of Art if you haven't already, great for writers and entrepreneurs (I'm no writer but I can crank out at least 20 pages per day if needed, I use a very similar method, usually no index cards, I just outline basically the same info you talked about and brain vomit regarding the topics.)
Hey Perry, please DO post your progress! Very interesting….I've written a few myself "under the gun so to speak, not an easy task. I'll be keeping an eye on your blog
-Erich
Hi Perry,
Thanks for sharing your steps in writing a book. I believe that passion about a subject matter that we are very familiar with would add great flavor and style in terms of making the book sound real, practical and meets the reader's expectations and application in their daily lives.
I have written 3 full length books and hundreds of articles, and I *always* use Mind Maps for brainstorming, organizing the material, and putting in the summary paragraph of each section, and then fleshing it out. When I export to a document it is basically ready for final editing and fine tuning. Using this method allows me to see visually how all the parts fit together, and when i want to reorder things or play around with different concepts, I can do it easily, right on the screen. Very powerful. Very flexible.
I use NovaMind http://www.novamind.com because they have the best overall product, are much more responsive and helpful than other companies, and let me make visually stunning Mind Maps very easily.
All the best with your writing.
You need a good story to start each chapter
You need good stories to illustrate each point.
You need interesting ways to connect each section.
Simple stuff will work, complicated won't.
Mahesh Grossman, author, Write a Book Without Lifting a Finger
http://www.AuthorsMBAblog.com
http://www.GetAnAgentNow.com
Love the organisation strategy, that will certainly help me in my writing! Although I've thought about using mind maps too – just another way to skin the cat.
I think Tracey's advice to get a proof reader is valid – I suck at proof reading me own stuff.
Best of luck I look forward to the updates.
Best
Steve Cockrane
Question: Did you not have to write a formal book proposal for this publisher? If not, that's too bad because although it's a pain in the butt, the book is easier to write after that. Among other things the proposal includes main premise, comparison to other similar books on the market (your competition), chapter titles and 2-paragraph summary for each chapter, and two sample chapters completely written. After I've done the book proposal, the actual writing is something like coloring in the picture in the coloring book. The proposal draws the picture. The writing colors it in. The chapter progression and chapter summaries go a long way in helping chart the course for your book. Get a good book on writing non-fiction book proposals.
My suggestions are simple: Write as you speak. Speak from the heart. Be honest. Write quickly as thoughts come to mind, Don't use words that end in 'ing' if you can avoid it. Rephrase the sentence if you have to. Finish the manuscript and then….Start to edit.
I know of no faster way to write a book, an article, or a note on a post it sticker.
Good Luck and Enjoy!
Perry, one thing to remember is that it's important to get the info from your brain onto the paper, no matter how "rough" it is. We tend to edit ourselves when we write and that stifles our brains. Get it out, worry about proofing, prettying, and editing later. It took me a while to learn that (former teacher so had some serious programming to erase), but my writing is now faster and better than it was before.
Hope that helps.
That'll work! My guess is that with all the work you've already put into it the book is already written!
What will stop you from getting it completed in 30 days?
If I were to write a book it would be about how to lighten up on your way to success.
And YES! Share the process and post your progress!!!
–Mary K
¸..· ´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ -:¦:-
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´* Light
EXPECT MIRACLES!
Whew! Perry for a minute there I thought I was going to run out of excuses for not writing my own stuff but as usual you came through! Now I can justify my inactivity for at least as long as you are on this because I can say I am checking out your process.
So, will it work? Who knows!
Either way take your time!
I'm currently finishing the final manuscript edits for my 11th book "When Will My Life Not Suck"? The other 10 (all non-fiction) are still in print with traditional publishers as will WWMLNS. Stop kidding yourself. Writing a book, at least a good one, is pregancy, labor, and delivery. It's not gonna pop out like a Pez from the dispenser. Rush it and you'll regret it, maybe not from a sales standpoint, but from your own evaluation of its quality AFTER it's published because you'll think of a hundred things you'd change if you could. A book has to simmer and marinate. Book writing is writing and revision, writing and revision and more revision. Renowned novelist James Michner once said, "I'm not a great writer; I'm a great re-writer."
Perry, I've heard it said that writing is easy….re-writing is hard! Your plan is brilliant because it helps you accomplish the most important thing–the first draft. Then, you can follow the advice of some other commentators to improve the follow-up drafts until you are ready to publish. Way to go and much success on this project!
I love this idea! I can totally imagine this working for me. Thank you!
I like the clean and modern open uncluttered LOOK. Try now and then to put in something New you have noticed and learned from, it helps to draw attention to our thinking more about it.
It seems we read so much that we never really see the things that are there: EXAMPLE-Teach a little lesson no matter how simple it is to you, It might set up a following to a group that can build on the subject
by returning for each new one.
Also ask that group for a to ask A simple Short Question that you MIGHT glean from and answer in a QUESTION-Answer's Section-Later .
CHECK OUT LINK BELOW FOR SOME IDEAS FOR YOUR OWN LAUNCH E-Book Building!! Manly
eBooksWriterLITE_e.exe
Perry I also wanted to write a book like you but it seems an enormous task. I suggest post this to elance and let someone write for you.
Another suggestion, why not let your readers help you write the book, each chapter post it on your blog and let your readers talk about it that would be a great idea. Surely someone will lend a hand…
Congratulations on doing your first book. My advice, see how the great ones do it (Ziglar, Trump, Kiyosaki). I am sure you can't go wrong if you follow New York Times best sellers, right???LOL I anxiously await, ready to find out more of who you are, and what you stand for, and how you help others. Write what you know and feel, let the editors do the rest.
Dude, I have to be honest. I hate writing
My suggestion is to dictate your thoughts and have someone else put them into print.
Did you read Annie Lamont's "Bird by Bird"?
I haven't yet…turn me on
Hey Perry,
Sounds like you’re on course. I teach people how to write and publish their book. you’re doing a lot of what I teach. A few keys to remember:
1. know exactly who you are writing to… imagine writing to that one perfect client.
2. Organize, organize, organize. The more organized your “points” are, the easier the rest of the process is.
3. Try a keep your cost per book as low as possible with ordering a very low minimum. (ex. I can get my book printed for $2.22 each with NO minimum order) This means you can maximize profits, or afford to give them away as a “fancy business card.”
Love your stuff!
BTW My last book was written, published, and listed on amazon in only 3-weeks.
← Previous Comments
{ 1 trackback }