Pumping Out a Book for Fun and Profit

So you want to write a book, huh?

Think it'll be good for business?

Give you some credibility?

Line your pockets with a little extra dough?

Can't say I blame you. But take it from an old hack - writing a book ain't no walk in the park. It's a long slog through blood, sweat, and whiskey. Still think you have what it takes?

Then listen up, and I'll give you some tips to get through it without losing your marbles.

First thing's first - plan that sucker out

Make an outline with all your big ideas mapped out ahead of time.

It'll stop you from staring blankly at the page for hours, pulling your hair out. Trust me on that one.

Here's what to do first: Start by creating a detailed outline to organize your thoughts and direction. Don't overthink this, just imagine the top five items, or seven, or ten items and write them down. Let it be your rough framework.

The machine gun method

What I mean is to write in short bursts, Rat-tat-tat.

Don't marathon it. Your brain will turn to mush. Write in spurts, then take a break and live life a little before diving back in.

Keeps things interesting.

Here's what to do first: Write in short, intense sessions of 25 minutes instead of trying to write for hours on end. Set a timer, shut off all the stuff that distracts you, and go-go-go.

Talk it out, baby

If typing isn't your jam, dictate your book into one of those fancy speech-to-text gizmos.

It's easier than pecking away at keys like a stenographer on crack. Let the words flow naturally.

Here's what to do first: Use dictation tools like Google Docs voice typing to get your ideas down faster. And don't stop to edit, you'll circle back to that later. Be a chatter box and let it rip.

Input matters...a lot

Show your stuff to some trusted friends or experts to get their take.

They might spot flaws you're too close to see. Don't take criticism personally. It will only make your book better. Use it to your advantage.

Here's what to do first: Seek feedback early and often from knowledgeable sources. I don't mean Aunt Marge or your cubicle mate. Find someone with writing chops who can give you real-life feedback.

Strapped for time?

Farm it out to a ghostwriter.

Focus on your business and let them worry about stringing sentences together.

Here's what to do first: See the link at the bottom of this article? Click it. You're welcome.

Be a blabbermouth

Once your book's ready to go, you gotta get out there and beat the drum.

Promote it relentlessly on social media, blogs, podcasts - whatever you can. Offer discounts and freebies to reel readers in. Shake hands, kiss babies, do whatever it takes to get your book the spotlight.

Here's what to do first: Get on Facebook, get on Twitter, get on LinkedIn, and talk about your masterpiece. Nobody will know about your book unless they know about your book. Devote time and effort to marketing your book across multiple platforms.

The final word

There you have it - some rough-and-tumble tips to pump out a book while keeping your cool.

It'll take some grit and sweat but will be worth it in the end. When that fat royalty check rolls in, you can thank your Uncle Charlie for the advice.

Now get to writing, kid. That book ain't gonna write itself.

Ready to write your book and not sure where to start?

Grab my free, 6-step template on how to write a book for people who don’t have time to write.

Everything you need to get that book out of your head and start writing in less than an hour.