How to Turn Your Idea Into a Book

         So, you have an idea for a book. And it’s a good idea; whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, it excites you and you feel like it would interest other people, too. The only problem…is that you don’t know how to write the actual book – you only have the idea for one. Here are a few simple tips on how to turn your idea into a book.

Write it Down

         First, write down any and every detail that comes to mind when thinking about your idea, no matter how miniscule the detail may be. Write as much as you can, and try to get in a good summary of your actual idea as well. No matter how much you get snagged on a certain part, keep writing – even if it starts to sound like nonsense.

Outline

         Now that you’ve drawn out the bare details, outline a vague map of how you want your book to be. It could be as simple as “Part one: explain how interesting bird feeding is. Part two: explain different techniques for bird feeding.” Or it could be as complex as writing out step-by-step instructions for each page of your book, until you’re completely out of ideas.

Continue to Outline

         You’ve drawn out a small outline, even if it was a complex one – now elaborate. Draw out all the details you’d put for a certain part of your book. What’s absolutely everything you’d like your reader to know about the certain subject you’re writing about? Are there any people you need to mention where you got certain information from? Is there a relevant place or other subject that you could write about that would tie in with your main subject? Take all of these things and more into consideration while writing out the more detailed outline.

Rough Draft

         Now it’s time to write the real thing. Don’t feel panicked or pressured, though; it’s only a rough draft, meaning you have plenty of room for error. Following the outline you placed, write down the story for your book, making sure to include as much detail as possible. If you’re not very good at the actual writing part, you might consider giving someone your outline and paying them to ghostwrite your future novel for you.

Revise and Edit

         Like all good novelists do, it’s time to edit out all the unnecessary pieces, add in some missing flair, and ultimately make your story as best as it can be. This is the stage where you need to check your spelling and grammar, especially if you didn’t before. Once everything’s in order and there are hundreds of little “editing” squiggles across your pages, it’s time to write the final copy.

Final Draft

         This is the easiest part of the entire novel-writing adventure – the final draft! Just write or type out your rough draft with the new revisions in place. If you want, you can perform the rough draft stage once more so that you have two rough drafts and one final one.

Publish

         Now that you’ve written an excellent, thoroughly revised and wonderfully detailed book about whatever, it’s time to go out and find a publisher who’s willing to read your book and actually put it up for sale. Remember, it can take years before this step is completed – but never get discouraged. After all, everyone who’s ever been successful has been turned away at some point. For an inspirational example, look at JK Rowling, the author of the incredibly popular series Harry Potter. She was turned away by her first publishing company, and was told that her novel would never sell or become popular. It’s now a multi-billion dollar series, full of lifelong fans who always want more. It just goes to show what never giving up really does for you.