Need Help with Writing a Book? Start Here

15 Dec, 2020 Book Writing

Have you always dreamed about writing a book, but the work ahead always seemed insurmountable? Don’t worry, as this is a common problem for all – from new authors to professional writers. Even the most famous and experienced writers in the world, like bestselling authors Stephen King or J.K Rowling, have notoriously struggled with their first, (or even 50th), book. And feeling “stuck” and unsure of the path ahead is a challenge that every writer encounters at some point. But the good news is that you can indeed get help with writing a book, and it won’t break the bank!

There are software tools that take care of the little details so you can focus on the big picture. Or you can hire outside professionals that can lend a critical and expert eye. The point is, you never have to go it alone when learning how to write a book!

So before you sit down and start writing, take a moment to review the many resources below at your disposal if you find that you need help along the way. With so many options that extend from the online or social media realm to your own goals and ambitions, you may find that writing is a lot easier when you remember that help is always just around the corner.

 

Help with Writing a Book Today

Finding outside tools and resources

One of the wonderful aspects about our modern era is that the online world has made it easier than ever to find actual tools and software products that help make the writing process feasible. Do a Google search for “writer tools,” and chances are that you’ll receive thousands of results. These will range from spelling and grammar editors to book and formatting templates for your final manuscript.

With that being said, there are a few key tools you will likely need throughout the writing process to help you move forward.

Here are a just a few examples of what you’ll need to have on hand for writing and publishing a book.

 

Writing platforms

Long gone are the days when writers hunched over a typewriter, clacking the day away. In our modern times, you’ll need an easy-to-use word processing and document creation software to put your words on the page.

Microsoft Word is generally the most recognized and popular writing platform software, but there are countless options available, and many of them are completely free for users. Check out the suite of Google Drive tools, (which includes a word processor software), for options that are always within your budget.

 

Editing tools

A number of word processing and document creation softwares have built-in spelling and grammar checks to identify any minor errors as you start to create your book.

But keep in mind that there are also additional and supplemental tools available as well that can help ensure your finished book is as polished as possible.

Grammarly, which reviews all of your writing for errors – even in emails or blog posts – is a good example of a free software tool that can tackle the spelling and grammar details while you focus on creating an impactful and resonating story from start to finish.

Another helpful tool, in the form of an app, is called Hemingway, which gives insight into the reading level of your writing, and even color codes for grammar.

 

Templates and outlines

One of the hardest parts about initially starting a book is determining just how your story will progress.

  • Where will your book begin, and where will it end?
  • What are the major plot points and obstacles, and when do they initially appear in your story?
  • How long should you spend on writing about a certain event or turning point, and how does that connect with the rest of your overlying development?

These are all tricky questions to answer, and you might not have a concrete outline initially to help guide the way.

But there is plenty of help for new authors in this respect as well!

Peruse the internet, and you’ll find thousands of different book outline templates that will help you fill in the blanks, for fiction books or for a nonfiction book category. Utilize these as an initial mapping guide, and you’ll have a great starting point and a little help in determining just how your story should progress, page by page, or chapter by chapter.

 

Books and guides

While the internet is filled with tools that can tackle writing, editing, and even drafting the outline of your story, don’t discount the number of resources that can be held in your hands!

There are thousands of how-to books about writing that can come in handy, as well as resource guides that list all the many different publishing houses in the world, and their guidelines for new submissions.

Having a couple of these physical books on your office shelves as a reference can be helpful as well, and can ensure that any resources or assistance you need is close at hand.

 

Discovering One-on-One Help with Writing a Book

So far, you have found the software and physical tools or resources you’ll need to get writing.

But what about personal assistance?

Who can you turn to if you need a little insight for a specific part of your story, or more in-depth help writing your book from cover to cover?

As a new author, you are covered in this arena as well, and once again you’ll find that there are endless options via a quick internet search.

If you aren’t sure just what type of one-on-one assistance you’ll require, (or what type of help is available for you), consider the following options.

 

Hiring a ghostwriter

If you have a great story but struggle with finding just the right words, a ghostwriter can help you share your story with the world while performing the heavy lifting.

Essentially, a ghostwriter will take your words, thoughts, and ideas, and will transpose them to the page for you, through interviews, a rough draft of your book, or other methods that allow your ghostwriter to flesh out all the details.

The cost of hiring a ghostwriter varies by experience level and the amount of work involved, but there are countless freelance professional ghostwriters available that can be found by job posting and networking websites like Indeed.com or Upwork.com.

Do a little research and conduct an initial interview, and you’ll be able to find a ghostwriter that perfectly fits with your genre, and your storytelling style.

 

Enlisting a writing or editing coach

A writing and / or editing coach can serve a number of purposes in one helpful and experienced role. They can even help you decide what you should write about, and how to get the words in your head on to paper, by helping craft the story you have been wanting to share.

A book coach can help you tackle plot or writing obstacles, can offer suggestions to make your story even better, and can be your cheerleader and your guide for every step of the writing process – from starting an outline to submitting your final book to publishers after you have finished writing and editing it.

As such, enlisting the help of a book or writing coach is a great idea if you’re ready to write, but you’ll want to always have help available along the way.

 

Freelancers for specific obstacles

You may find during the writing process that you only need assistance with specific aspects of your book, such as professional copyediting, formatting, or preparing your manuscript for publishers.

This is where a specific freelancer can come in handy.

Generally inexpensive and easy to recruit, freelance artists, editors, and other professionals can lend a hand when it comes to the more time-consuming or detail-oriented aspects of publishing a book, such as cover design or page formatting.

Freelancers who work on a specific project or job are especially helpful if you plan to self-publish your story, and want to make it attractive and eye-catching to get more people wanting to read your book.

 

Other Inspirations to Help with Writing a Book

Support from others

Keep in mind that you don’t have to turn to paid professionals, software tools, or your own resolve to get help when writing a book – you likely have a lot of resources that are wonderfully close to home!

From friends and loved ones who know your story and can offer personalized critiques, to local or online writing groups where you can find support from other writers just like you, your inner and outer circle of friends can be a huge asset when it comes to staying motivated.

So before you start diving into your writing, find a few friends, colleagues, or like-minded writers who can offer you emotional or literal support along the way.

If you don’t have these folks handy, do a quick search for online writing groups to find endless options and a wave of potential new friends. You can also join the Book Bound experience to meet other new and aspiring authors from near and far, plus get continued support!

By having people you respect, trust, and can turn to in times of writer’s block, you’ll have a safety net readily available whenever you need a boost or a little assistance.

 

However, before you start to reach out to others, keep the following tips in mind to be your own best asset and best cheerleader from the first page to the final draft:

 

Self-motivation techniques

Hold yourself accountable

The reason why more than 90% of new writers start a book but never finish is simply because they lose their motivation and the time to write. But you have the internal resources to keep going and to tackle any obstacles, no matter what the challenges of everyday life may throw your way!

One of the best ways to do this is to ensure that you hold yourself accountable for your progress. Set a daily, weekly, or even monthly goal that fits in with your schedule, and which will outline just how much you will write in any given amount of time.

For example, you can hold yourself responsible for producing 5,000 words per week, or to write for 20 minutes every day. The exact parameters of your goal are not as important as the fact that you stick to them throughout the writing process. It is always easier to write when the material is “fresh” in your mind, and when writing because a regular habit, you’ll have a much better time reaching that final page.

Another way to ensure that you write your story and finish it is to eliminate any chaos or disorder in the location in which you choose to write. Creativity might seem like a messy endeavor, but to finish your story within a certain amount of time, you want a clear goal AND a clear space to work.

 

Eliminate self-doubt

Another roadblock that many new writers face is the always-lurking feeling of self-doubt.

What if:

  • my story isn’t good enough…
  • no one wants to publish it or read it…
  • I can’t finish my book…

Eliminate these negative thoughts from your mind and replace them with self-assurance. You CAN write a book, you have a story that deserves to be shared, and you DO have the motivation and the mindset to keep going!

If you feel this is too much at once, you can always just get those words on to paper, not organized in any way. Starting with a journal-style of prototype will at least be starting something. As more words come out, so will more inspiration.

The point is- you need to believe in yourself and your abilities to be successful, and it starts with a positive outlook about the project ahead. Put the following on a sticky note to see as a goal each day: Write your story, finish your book, and become a published author!

For even more inspiration – check out 5 ways to motivate yourself to write and how successful people motivate themselves.

 

Embrace your role as a writer!

Stop thinking that you want to be a writer, or that you wish you could be a writer. You are sharing your story, you have a goal, and you have a story for the book in your head that is about to be poured onto actual pages.

Simply put, you ARE a writer, and WILL become a published author! Remember, anyone can write a book, including you!

Going hand-in-hand with eliminating self-doubt, embracing your new role and title as a writer and soon-to-be author will help you stay positive and focused on the work at hand.

 

So, if you Need Help with Writing a Book…

Writing may be a solitary act that’s best done in a quiet location with few distractions, but the writing process itself is actually a grand group effort that requires help in a myriad of forms.

You’ll need to have confidence and the software tools to physically start writing, of course, but as a new writer, you’ll also benefit from additional assistance such as copyediting, reviewing, critiquing, and just a little encouragement that your story matters, and you need to keep moving forward.

So above all else, never be afraid to ask for help when you need it! By collecting an arsenal of resources, (and actually being ready to use them), you can create a wonderful book that you’ll be proud of for years and years to come.

 

Have a Story to Share? Don’t Wait! Learn How to Write a Book Right at Home!

You know you have a story that deserves to be shared to inspire, influence, and resonate with your readers.

It’s easier than ever to tackle publishing your book like a pro with the insight readily available through Book Bound Online.

Take a huge step forward in creating a book that will inspire people for years to come, and sign up for Book Bound Online today. This program will give you the essential information to transform your ability to write and publish your book. Find out how Book Bound Online is your best right-at-home resource for sharing your story with the world.

 

Would You Rather Learn How to Write a Book in Two Days?

The Book Bound experience is back, virtually!, so join us online January 21-22 of 2021 – you could even register a loved one as a holiday gift!

Register here instead of going at your own pace, and that way you can get started on your book even quicker! Let your published book bring you new success in 2021!

Image Attribution

Summary
Article Name
Need Help with Writing a Book? Start Here
Description
Need help with writing a book? There are endless options for assistance! Here’s a look at the resources that are readily available and at your fingertips.
Author

Subscribe Now to get the latest insights on Productivity, Publishing and Passion

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
×