Have you ever dreamed of holding a book in your hands with your name on the cover?
Maybe you’ve had an idea in your head for months (or even years), but you’re not sure where to start. The good news? Every bestselling author once started exactly where you are right now — with nothing but an idea and the courage to write.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of becoming an author from scratch — even if you have no experience, no connections, and no clue where to start.
1. Decide Why You Want to Write a Book
Before you start typing, ask yourself:
- Do you want to share a personal story?
- Do you want to educate people?
- Do you want to inspire, entertain, or change lives?
Your “why” will keep you motivated when writing feels tough (and it will, trust me). A clear purpose will also guide the type of book you choose to write — whether it’s fiction, nonfiction, self-help, biography, poetry, or something else.
2. Choose Your Topic or Story Idea
If you’re writing fiction, think about:
- Who is your main character?
- What’s the central conflict or journey?
- Where does your story take place?
If you’re writing nonfiction, ask:
- What knowledge or experience do I have that can help others?
- What problem can I help solve for readers?
Tip: Write down 10–15 ideas and pick the one that excites you the most. Your enthusiasm will carry you through the writing process.
3. Create a Writing Plan
Many first-time authors fail because they don’t have a plan.
Here’s how to make one:
- Set a word count goal (e.g., 40,000–60,000 words for a full-length book).
- Decide your daily or weekly writing target (500–1,000 words/day is great for beginners).
- Pick a deadline — but make it realistic.
Remember: Writing a book is like building a house — one brick (word) at a time.
4. Write Your First Draft Without Editing
Your first draft will not be perfect — and that’s okay.
- Focus on getting your ideas out.
- Don’t stop to fix grammar or spelling while writing.
- Think of it as telling the story to a friend.
Pro tip: Use writing tools like Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or Scrivener to keep everything organized.
5. Edit and Revise Your Work
This is where your messy first draft becomes a real book.
Steps to follow:
- Self-edit for structure, clarity, and flow.
- Grammar check using tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid.
- Beta readers — share your draft with trusted people for honest feedback.
- Hire a professional editor if possible — they’ll help polish your manuscript.
6. Choose Your Publishing Path
You have two main options:
Traditional Publishing
- You submit your manuscript to agents or publishers.
- They handle editing, cover design, printing, and distribution.
- Harder to break into, but great for wide reach and credibility.
Self-Publishing
- You publish your book yourself using platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, or Draft2Digital.
- You keep more control and royalties.
- Faster and easier to start.
7. Design a Great Book Cover
People really do judge a book by its cover.
If you’re self-publishing, hire a designer or use tools like Canva or Fiverr to create a professional-looking cover that matches your genre.
8. Format Your Book for Publishing
- For print: Format for paperback or hardcover sizes.
- For ebook: Format for Kindle, EPUB, and other digital formats.
- Tools like Reedsy, Atticus, or Vellum can make this easier.
9. Launch and Market Your Book
Even the best book won’t sell if people don’t know it exists.
- Build your author brand (website, blog, social media).
- Share behind-the-scenes writing updates.
- Organize a book launch event (online or offline).
- Get reviews from early readers.
10. Keep Writing
The secret to long-term success as an author? Don’t stop after one book.
- Keep engaging with your readers.
- Write your next book.
- Learn from each project and improve.
Final Words
Becoming an author from scratch is not about waiting for the “perfect” moment or feeling “ready.” It’s about starting where you are, writing one word at a time, and believing your story matters.
The world is full of people who wish they could write a book. The only difference between them and an author… is that an author writes it.
So, open that blank page today — your future self will thank you.