If you’re a first-time author, an aspiring author, or even a seasoned author looking to brush up on the essentials, this article is for you.
Earlier this week I was chatting with a friend who’s diving headfirst into the exhilarating, exciting, and extremely gratifying world of book writing. It got me thinking…
Writing a book is more than just putting words on paper. (Although that’s important too.) Writing a book is about making an impact and changing people’s lives. But you can’t do that if you don’t know these essential insights that I’m going to share with you today.
Start With These 3 Essentials
Writing and launching a book requires more than just “caring a lot” about the topic. It takes strategy. Here are the three essentials every first-time author must have:
1. A Quality Product
This might sound obvious, but let’s not skip over it: Your book must be great. Greatness doesn’t mean perfection—especially not in the beginning stages—but it does mean creating content that is clear, helpful, and impactful.
Your book shouldn’t be the first thing you create. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but a book is best when it’s the culmination of proven content. Your book will have more power if it’s built on lessons you’ve tested and refined over time. Think of it as the last step in a process—not the first. The conclusion, not the hypothesis.
2. A Solid Plan
Writing a great book is just half the battle. The other half? Getting it into the hands of the people who need it.
This is where so many authors trip up—they think a great book will sell itself. It won’t. The idea of “build it, and they will come” is a myth. You need a plan to reach your audience. At Brand Builders Group, we talk a lot about the book proposal, which is more than a tool for landing a publisher or agent. It’s a roadmap for how you’ll market, promote, and distribute your book.
Ask yourself: Who needs this book? How will you get it to them? And how will you keep telling them about it—again and again—until it lands in their hands?
3. A Platform
The third essential: having a platform. Now don’t freak out—this doesn’t mean you need millions of followers or verified social media accounts. Your platform could be as small as a few hundred engaged and loyal readers, listeners, or followers.
What matters is that your platform exists, it’s active, and it’s aligned with your book’s message. This could be online (social media, podcasts, YouTube) or offline (speaking events, book tours, or even local meetups). The key is to know who your audience is and how you’re going to reach them.
Now You Can Start Writing (Even If It’s Ugly)
There’s a saying I love: There are no good writers, only good editors. The magic happens in the editing phase, but you can’t edit a blank page. So give yourself permission to write it messy, write it ugly, and write it without judgment. Done is better than perfect, especially at this stage.
Once you’ve got a draft, the editing process begins. And this is where you’ll want a small, trusted group of people to provide feedback.
Keep Your Feedback Team Small and Intentional
Here’s a pro tip from my author friend: Don’t waste your editors.
It’s tempting to send your manuscript to as many people as possible, hoping someone will give you insightful feedback. But the reality is, most people won’t read it—or won’t give you the kind of feedback you need. Instead, select three or four trusted individuals who fit into one of these categories:
• They’ve been through the publishing process and know what it takes.
• They’re part of your target audience and understand what your readers need.
These people should want to see you succeed and be willing to give honest (but constructive) feedback. Their input will be far more valuable than a dozen surface-level comments from casual readers.
Find a Mentor to Guide You
Specifically, find someone who’s been through this process before—someone who knows the ins and outs of writing, publishing, and promoting a book. This could be a coach, a mentor, or even a friend who’s a few steps ahead of you. Whether you work with them informally or hire them for their expertise, the investment will save you time, energy, and frustration.
(Psst! By the way, at Brand Builders Group, we specialize in helping people turn their ideas into books that change lives. From crafting your content to building your platform, our team can guide you through every stage of the process. If you’re ready to get serious about your book, scheduling a Free Brand Call with us might just be the best first step you can take.)
Is It Time to Write That Book?
If writing a book has been on your heart, there’s no better time to start than now. Let the world hear your story.
