In the previous two posts of this blog series, we shared Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the book writing process, to provide a map for the internal and the external journey of writing a book.
When you’ve made the transition from hero to mentor and have seen your idea positively impact a variety of people in your target market, you may be ready for Phase 3: Writing Your Manuscript.
Phase 3: Writing Your Manuscript: Count the Cost and Do the Work
What does this writing phase look like?
So many people come to us with the spoken or unspoken question: Should I write a book? We actually do not believe writing a book is the right choice for everyone. It’s a very particular way of sharing an idea or story, and sometimes it’s truly best for you, your audience, and the idea itself if it’s shared in other ways besides a book.
So, should you write a book? If your idea has activated you and others in your target audience you’ve shared it with who don’t know you personally, if you have a multi-step process or inspirational story that would translate well into a long-form book, if you want to expand your reach beyond what you can do in person, and if you want to write a book, writing a book may be a fruitful investment for you.
What tools, support, and/or actions are most helpful?
- Do your research and count the cost before writing a book-length manuscript. Decide how to publish and create your marketing plan. Talk to your author friends to get recommendations and find out what worked for them – and secure the level of publishing and marketing support that’s right for you.
- Do your research on the different levels of editing – or ask your editor what levels you need before publishing.
- If you’ve counted the cost and are ready to proceed, it’s time to do the work. Create a book outline based on your proven core content. Use your outline as a list of writing assignments. Schedule consistent, non-negotiable writing time.
- Ask your author friends to recommend a professional writing coach or book editor they trust, and ask the coach or editor to review your outline before you begin writing – and to review your manuscript when you’re done.
- Consider meeting with an accountability partner or writing group to keep you accountable to completing your draft.
How do I know I’m ready to transition to the next phase?
- You have a completed manuscript draft you feel great about, reviewed by a professional editor and beta readers from your target audience, that is ready for final copyediting and publishing!
Questions for reflection:
- Are you in Phase 3?
- If so, what tool, resource, or action will you use to support yourself and take the next step forward?
If you’d like additional support or feedback about your writing journey, I’d love to connect. Email me at amanda@split-seed.com, or schedule a free consult at https://calendly.com/splitseedmedia/firstconsult.