The First 10 Steps to Writing Your Book (Part 1)

When people start thinking about writing a book, one of the biggest questions I hear is: “What are the actual steps involved?”

That’s exactly what I’m breaking down in this two-part series. These are the 20 most important steps that take you from idea to a published book in your hands — and in this article, we’ll walk through the first 10.

These cover the writing phase, and touch on some of the early publishing decisions you’ll need to make. Let’s get into it.

Step 1: Define Your Why

Before you write a single word, get clear on why you’re writing this book.

Many people say “it’s a bucket list thing” — but go deeper. Is it because you want to help others? Build your brand? Leave a legacy? Generate leads? Create something you’re proud of?

Your why shapes the purpose of your book. For example, I wrote Publish to Impact because I love helping others bring their books to life. That’s my internal reason. Externally, my book also serves as a lead generator for my business.

Tip: Think about both your internal motivations (impact, passion, legacy) and external ones (growth, sales, reach). Write them down — this becomes your foundation.

Step 2: Decide on Your Publishing Path

Will you self-publish, traditionally publish, or go hybrid?

Each has pros and cons. I won’t go too deep here (check out Episode 4 of the podcast for that), but what matters most is aligning your publishing decision with your goals, timeline, and creative control.

If you want full control and faster turnaround, self-publishing might be your best route. If you want someone else to handle the logistics and potentially reach bookstores, traditional might be for you.

Step 3: Validate Your Genre and Book Idea

Now it’s time to confirm your book idea has legs.

Start by answering:

• Who are you writing to?

• What problem are you solving?

• What expertise or transformation can you share?

• What topic are you excited to talk about for years to come?

You want to make sure your genre, audience, and idea align. Your book should do at least one of the following:

1. Solve a problem

2. Empower the reader

3. Make them feel good and ready to take action

4. Entertain or inspire

Validate your idea by asking:

• Have I helped clients with this before?

• Do I teach this in my programs or courses?

• Is there a clear before/after transformation I can guide readers through?

Step 4: Choose a Book Structure

Most nonfiction books follow one of two structures:

1. Chronological (Narrative)

Think memoir or story-based nonfiction. Events unfold in time order, taking the reader on a personal journey.

2. Conceptual (Topic-Based)

Common in “how-to” or business books. You break your knowledge into frameworks, systems, or ideas.

Both are valid. Look at some of your favourite books. Are they more story-driven or instructional? Let that guide you.

In Publish to Impact, I use a conceptual design — structured to help readers take action. In Evolve Your Skills, I still used concepts, but told more personal stories. Your approach is up to you.

Step 5: Outline and Mind Map Your Book

Now you’ve got your idea and structure, it’s time to map out your chapters.

Start by:

• Brainstorming everything you want to say

• Sorting those ideas into categories

• Arranging them in a logical flow

Use paper if you can. There’s something powerful about seeing your thoughts take shape away from a screen.

If you want extra help on this, check out Episode 9 of the podcast: How to Map and Outline Your Book Idea.

Step 6: Draft Your Introduction and Conclusion

Yes — before you write the full manuscript.

Why? Because it helps you think through the transformation you want your reader to go on.

The introduction is where your reader starts. The conclusion is where you want them to finish — what mindset shift or result should they have?

Even though you’ll likely rewrite both later, this gives you clarity on the journey you’re about to guide them through.

Step 7: Write Your Manuscript

This is the part most people fear — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Here’s how I recommend approaching it:

• Write 1 hour per day, 5–7 days per week

• Aim for 1,000 words per session

• Stay consistent — don’t overdo it, and don’t ghost your manuscript for a week at a time

By showing up consistently and following your outline, you can complete a solid first draft in 6 to 8 weeks.

Remember: your earlier steps (purpose, idea, structure, outline) make this process smoother.

Step 8: Self-Edit Your Manuscript

Once your draft is done, do not send it straight to an editor.

First, self-edit it using two passes:

1. Verbal Edit

Read it out loud. This helps you spot awkward sentences, grammar issues, or anything that doesn’t flow.

2. Eye-Scan Edit

Reread the manuscript as if you were a reader. Look for spelling, formatting issues, and flow.

This is about getting familiar with your own content so you’re better prepared to collaborate with an editor.

Step 9: Hire a Professional Editor

This is non-negotiable if you want your book to be taken seriously.

A professional editor:

• Refines your writing

• Fixes technical issues

• Makes sure your message is clear

• Polishes your voice

You can find editors on platforms like Reedsy or Upwork, or work with someone referred to you. In my Idea to Asset program, I provide access to an editor — because it’s that important.

Tip: Ask for samples. Choose someone who understands nonfiction and your genre.

Step 10: Create Lead Magnets and Resources

If you’re using your book to grow your business, this is crucial.

Include:

A Soft Lead Magnet (at the beginning)

• Offers free value to the reader

• Builds trust

• Captures their email

• Example: In Publish to Impact, I offer a free resource library via QR code or link

A Hard Lead Magnet (at the end)

• Invites the reader into your world

• Promotes your course, service, or program

• Example: I introduce Idea to Asset at the end of my book for readers who want to work with me

Also include other resources like:

• Acknowledgements

• References

• Bonus templates or checklists

• A dedication (optional)

Preparing these assets now ensures your book is ready for formatting and publishing later.

Quick Recap – Steps 1 to 10

Here’s a quick recap of the first 10 steps to write and prepare your book for publishing:

1. Define Your Why

2. Choose Your Publishing Path

3. Validate Your Genre and Idea

4. Choose a Structure

5. Outline and Mind Map

6. Draft Your Intro and Conclusion

7. Write the Manuscript

8. Self-Edit the Draft

9. Hire a Professional Editor

10. Create Lead Magnets and Resources

What’s Next?

These 10 steps cover the writing phase and the start of the publishing journey.

In Part 2, we’ll dive into the rest of the publishing process — from formatting and uploading your manuscript to launching, marketing, and getting your book into the hands of readers.

If this breakdown helped, I’d love to hear from you. Let me know what step you’re on, or send me your biggest question.

And if you’d like a free copy of Publish to Impact, grab it in the show notes.

Until next time — keep writing, keep creating, and I’ll see you in Part 2.