Writing is just the start of the book process
When a new author writes their first book, they are passionate and excited about getting their thoughts out and on paper (an old reference, I know!). When they are finished, they think it is time to edit and publish their work. However, they have actually just started the book development process and a few more steps are needed before their work is ready for the world.
A book is about telling a story and communicating ideas. But when you think about it, it is a contrived form of communication. One could argue that the best way to communicate ideas is having someone next to you for a long period of time, listening to your ideas and engaging in conversation. It's not very practical, though, if you want to communicate with large numbers of people at once. So the book form was born.
But a book is not like your thoughts. It is very linear and so far, one dimensional, so your thoughts need to conform to that medium. What you have written may need a transformation before it is ready. For example, you may have written like you think, which could be in a non-linear, stream-of-consciousness way that may perfectly express what you are trying to say. But that may not translate into the linear book form, where the reader is generally moving from start to finish, sitting still, and may have no previous knowledge of you and the way you think.
I recommend that all authors take what they have written, take a step back, and follow this process:
1. Write down the major themes in your book. These may take the form of lessons you want the reader to absorb.
2. Think about and write down your main purpose for writing your book. What do you want people to get out of it? What main idea do you want them to walk away with?
3. Now look at your themes list and your Table of Contents. Does the current order of the presentation of your themes support your story unfolding for the reader in a way that will allow them to share your understanding? If so, you are in good shape.
4. If not, you may need to change the order of your presentation. Think about how you can craft the best journey for the reader. Maybe you need to put an historical reference closer to the start so that what follows makes more sense. Spend as much time as you need to in this important phase of writing.
Some authors can do this themselves while others turn to someone like me to help them out. Some of my clients have written an extensive work that needs this kind of analysis. Together, we take a step back and I guide them through this process. Doing this will help insure that your reader will get what you are offering and receive your themes. You may also get some great ideas about what you have written that could result in a better, clearer way to communicate.
Too many new authors want to rush to publishing, but creating a good book cannot be rushed. You need to give yourself time to let your thoughts settle, grow, and expand. Take a week off from your book development and come back to it fresh. Take the time to think about your reader's journey. And get in touch with me any time if you want some help.
Regards,
Jackie Alan Giuliano, Ph.D.
Ghostwriter | Seattle, WA
(206) 755-9272
