Almost everyone harbors a secret - or not-so-secret - yearning
to write a book. Ideas range from memoirs to mysteries, from
pamphlets to tomes. Books do not appear out of thin air; they are
the product of much thought, planning, discipline, and effort.
What follows are the 7 essential steps to take you from concept
to completion of your nonfiction book:

1. Planning is the first and most important step. It means asking
yourself all the tough questions about the book, from "Why am I
uniquely qualified to write this book?" to "Is there a real
market for it?" The most effective way to plan is by writing a
book proposal, which has a dual purpose: to help you think
through the book and to provide you with material you will use
later in the process.

2. Writing is the nuts and bolts of producing a book, and it
takes blocks of time. This is where all of your planning pays
off. The chapters are the heart of the book and, of course, take
the most time. They are the reason you are writing - the cake.
All the rest is frosting. Begin with Chapter 1, if each chapter
is going to build on the one before it, or with your favorite
topic, if it doesn't matter what order you write them. The first
chapter you write will help you find your voice, pace, and style.
If you submit your proposal to a publisher, the chapter you
attach must provide a sample of your best writing and of the
caliber of the whole book. In addition to the chapters, you will
also have to write the introduction, preface, table of contents,
and "back matter."

3. Professional Assistance comprises all the people who help make
a book come to life. You may not need all of them, but consider
different kinds of editors, graphic designers, book reviewers,
publicists, agents, and attorneys. If you self-publish, you will
definitely need a graphic designer. If you prefer a conventional
publisher, you will probably need an agent.

4. Production involves the elements needed to turn your
manuscript into a book - your computer and software, design and
format, photos and illustrations, sidebars, endorsements, and
more. These are the nitty gritty details you will learn if you
decide to become your own publisher.

5. Publishing makes your book real, tangible. You have several
options, including self-publishing, print on demand (POD),
electronic, and conventional. There are pros and cons associated
with each option. They include cost, speed of publication,
rights, contracts, and profits. Learning curve, and control.
Publishing is not a one-size-fits-all decision.

6. Promotion is the step many writers skip. It takes work to get
your message into the hands of your target audience. No matter
how your book is published, promotion is your job. You can send
out advance review copies, tour book fairs, make presentations at
bookstores and libraries, launch a Web site, or even hire a
professional publicist.

Learn more about this author, Bobbi Linkemer.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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