If you're wondering how to begin writing a book, start with a clear idea, a simple outline, and a writing habit that fits your schedule.
Key Takeaways
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You don’t need daily writing sessions to start—just a clear plan.
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Validating your idea early prevents wasted time and writer’s block.
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Outlining helps structure your thoughts before you write.
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Tools like Google Docs or Scrivener simplify the process.
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Focus on a first draft, not perfection.
Step 1: Clarify Your Book Idea
Ask yourself:
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What problem am I solving (for nonfiction)?
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What story do I want to tell (for fiction or memoir)?
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Who is this book for?
If you can’t answer those clearly, pause. The biggest mistake beginners make is starting to write before defining the purpose of the book.
Tip: Use the “One Sentence Summary” method:
"This book helps [target reader] achieve [result] through [approach or story]."
Step 2: Validate Your Idea
Before you commit months to writing, test your idea:
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Search Amazon for books with similar titles
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Look at customer reviews—what’s missing?
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Ask your audience (or a writing group) for feedback
This ensures you’re not writing into a void.
Step 3: Choose Your Book Type
You don’t have to write a novel. Choose a format that fits your message and audience:
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Nonfiction (how-to, self-help, business, memoir)
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Fiction (short story, novel, novella)
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Hybrid (narrative nonfiction, parables, journal-style guides)
If you’re a coach, consultant, or expert—nonfiction is often the fastest way to build credibility and market value.
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Step 4: Outline Before You Write
Outlines help you:
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Avoid writer’s block
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Stay focused
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Write faster
Try one of these structures:
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Nonfiction: Introduction → Chapters by Topic → Conclusion
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Memoir: Chronological timeline or life lessons
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Fiction: Three-act structure or scene cards
Don’t overthink it—just bullet out your big ideas.
Step 5: Set a Realistic Writing Routine
You don’t have to write every day.
Try this:
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Choose two consistent writing blocks per week (e.g., Tues/Thurs 7–9 PM)
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Use a word count goal, not time-based (e.g., 500 words per session)
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Track your progress in a spreadsheet or notebook
The key is consistency—not intensity.
Step 6: Use Simple Tools
You don’t need fancy software to begin. Use:
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Google Docs – Easy, free, accessible everywhere
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Scrivener – Great for complex or long-form books
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Atticus – Good for writing + formatting in one
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Voice notes or transcription tools if you prefer to talk first and write later
Choose the tool that feels frictionless—not the one with the most features.
Step 7: Understand Word Count Expectations
Here’s a rough guide:
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Business/How-to: 25,000–45,000 words
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Memoir: 45,000–75,000 words
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Fiction/Novels: 60,000–90,000 words
But here’s the truth: you can start with 10,000–20,000 words and expand. Your first goal should be completing a draft—not hitting a perfect word count.
Step 8: Don’t Edit While You Write
First drafts are supposed to be messy. Don’t worry about grammar, chapter titles, or formatting.
Write first. Edit later. You can clean it up in revision or with help from a professional editor.
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Final Thoughts: How to Begin Writing a Book
The hardest part is starting. But when you clarify your idea, outline it simply, and commit to a routine—even once a week—you will finish.
At Toronto Education Press, we’ve helped dozens of first-time authors turn ideas into professionally published books. Whether you’re writing to build your brand or share your story, we make it easier to begin—and to finish.