How to write a book – the short honest truth

Every author I know gets asked the same question: How do you write a book?

It’s a simple question, but it causes unexpected problems. On the one hand, it’s nice to have people interested in something I do. If I told people I fixed toasters for a living, I doubt I’d get many inquires. People are curious about writing and that’s cool and flattering. Rock on.

But on the other hand, the hand involving people who ask because they have an inkling to do it themselves, is that writing books is a topic so old and so well trod by so many famous people that anyone who asks me, with the serious intent of discovering secret advice from my small brain and limited writing experience, is hard to take seriously.

Here’s the short honest truth: 20% of the people who ask me are hoping to hear this – Anyone can write a book. They want permission. The truth is you don’t need any. There is no license required. No test to take. Writing, as opposed to publishing, requires almost no financial or physical resources. A pen, paper and effort are all that has been required for hundreds of years. If Voltaire and Marquis de Sade could write in prison, then you can do it in suburbia, at lunch at work, or after your kids go to sleep.

If you want to write, kill the magic: a book is just a bunch of writing. Anyone can write a book. It might suck or be incomprehensible, but so what: it’s still a book. Nothing is stopping you right now from collecting all of your elementary school book reports, or drunken napkin scribbles, binding them together at kinkos for $20, slapping a title on the cover, and qualifying as an author. Want to write a good book? Ok, but get in line since most pro authors are still trying to figure that out too.

Writing a good book, compared to a bad one, involves one thing. Work. No one wants to hear this, but if you take two books off any shelf, I’ll bet my pants the author of the better book worked harder than the author of the other one. Call it effort, study, practice, whatever. Sure there are tricks here and there, but really writing is a kind of work.

Getting published. 30% of the time the real thing people are asking is how do you find a publisher. As if there wasn’t a phone book or, say, an Internet-thingy where you can look this stuff up. Writers-market is literally begging to help writers find publishers. Many publishers, being positive on the whole idea of communication, put information on how to submit material on their website. And so do agents. The grand comedy of this is how few writers follow the instructions. That’s what pisses off all the editors: few writers do their homework.

The sticking point for most wanna-be published authors is, again, the work. They want to hear some secret that skips over the hard parts. Publishers are rightfully picky and they get pitched a zillion books a day. It takes effort to learn the ropes, send out smart queries, and do the research required to both craft the idea for a book, and then to propose it effectively. So while writing is a rejection prone occupation, even for the rock-stars, finding a publisher is not a mystery. In fact the whole game is self-selective: people who aren’t willing to do the leg-work of getting published are unlikely to be capable of the leg-work required to finish a decent manuscript.

But that said – it’s easier today to self-publish than ever. Really. But again, this requires work, so many prefer to keep asking writers how they got published instead of just doing it themselves.

Being famous and wealthy: Now this is the kicker. About 50% of the time the real thing people want to know is how to become a famous millionaire rock-star author dude. As if a) I qualified, b) I could explain how it happened, or c) I’d be willing to tell.

First, this assumes writing is a good way to get rich. Not sure how this one started but writing, like most creative pursuits, has always been a less than lucrative lifestyle. Even if a book sells well, the $$$$ to hour ratio will be well below your average corporate job, without the health benefits, sick days, nor the months where you can coast by without your boss noticing. These days people write books after they’re famous, not before. And if the only books you read are bestsellers, well, you have a myopic view of the publishing world. Over 100k books are published in the US annually, and few sell more than a few thousand copies, and what causes books to sell may have little to do with how good a book is. Either way, to justify the effort you’ll need reasons other than cash.

Discouraged yet? Good. Here is the upside: I love writing books. I love reading books. I love the entire notion that people can make things up in their mind and then make them real on a page, for the pleasure or utility of someone else. That’s just awesome. If you like writing, if you enjoy the bittersweetness of chasing words into sentences, then you might love writing books too, despite, or even because of, everything I said above. If so, get to work – now :)

If you were hoping for more practical advice:

Writing hacks: part 1 – starting – What to do when the page is blank.
Time-lapsed video of a writer writing an essay – amazing and revealing
How to start a book project – specific advice for tackling a book sized effort.
Is your book idea good? I’ll tell you here.
Thinking like your editor: getting non-fiction published, Susan Rabiner.
The forest for the trees: an editor’s advice to writers, Betsy Lerner.
Writer’s market. Where and how to sell what you write.
National novel writing month – You must check this out.
Or leave a comment below. I am, despite the curmudgeonly vibe, happy to answer thoughtful questions.

UPDATE: Part 2 of ‘how to write a book’ is here, where I answer the best comments.

If you liked this post, you'll love Mindfire: Big Ideas for Curious Minds, a new best-of collection of Berkun's famous essays and posts from 2000-2011.

Buy now on Amazon.com $8.69 (print / kindle), Barnes & Noble, & iBookstore.

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Most popular related posts:

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697 Comments » | Posted Wednesday, August 15th, 2007 at 6:04 pm in On writing

697 thoughts on “How to write a book – the short honest truth”

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Lily T. - March 6, 2012 at 7:56 pm #
Thanks for the ‘short honest truth’ on how to write a book. Greatly appreciated.

SK - February 21, 2012 at 12:32 pm #
What a wonderful article!! Thanks.

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Grace - January 24, 2012 at 7:53 am #
True! Anyone can just write a book even without a license for doing so. You are also right about doing the hard work in making up with a great book. I came across a video about how to become a better writer. It’s from Marie Forleo and she has great advises about those things. http://marieforleo.com/2011/03/erotic-fiction-writer/

Nancy - January 18, 2012 at 11:21 pm #
I appreciated “how-to-write-a-book-the-short-honest-truth”.

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dawn helmen - January 4, 2012 at 5:07 pm #
Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts with me, I have been contiplating writting for a while and this is the year that i will do, so thanks.

Kevin Chambers - December 23, 2011 at 8:02 pm #
Hey Scott, I was think of trying to write a book about how to start life over at 50…..What do you think about the
topic?

Samantha - December 18, 2011 at 2:44 am #
I liked your rhetoric (made me laugh). Thanks for the awesome article.

Brian Hannon - December 14, 2011 at 4:48 am #
Brilliant, one of the first and possibly the most honest declarations i have read in a long time. So im delighted that its that hard, nothing worth doing ever came easy. Thanks for the advice and keep on twisting the knife. the “were not worthy rabble” i want a quick easy buck, will give up and save us all from reading somthing that will cause equal pain and nausea. I have a world of ideas from a world of mad and exciting experience, however i was looking for ideas on how to structure and lay out the story, possibly include never before seen photos. and including relevent and non relevent tangents that require a return to the story with some kind of relevence. ok i will look for more info my problem. and again Brilliant. Love it!!!!

Donald McLeod - December 9, 2011 at 10:05 pm #
Short and Sweet ,, Like this THANK;s SCOTT ) .. Off I go ..

finan - December 8, 2011 at 4:51 am #
this things are realy good for someone who has ideas of writing but did not have the guts

Marina Garcia - December 6, 2011 at 2:48 pm #
A healthy advice always implies it will be sugar-free. I love it. I love you.

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Isaac M. - December 6, 2011 at 8:00 am #
Dude, you Rock!!! I really enjoyed this article nd it answered the essential questions I have about writing a book.
It’s no rocket science, you wann a good book ther’s work to be done.
There are no short cuts to this business.
Thanks for your sincerity and frankness man.

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abdallah ziraba - December 3, 2011 at 6:08 am #
This was very inspiring article because i feel like getting a pen right away and put something on paper. Thank you so much.I think i can now start.

Raj Sharma - December 1, 2011 at 12:40 am #
a hilarious piece of writing, Mr.Scott,you are doing a lot of work and enjoying it for I think you must be living under the shadows of the ghosts of Wodehouse or Cervantes

Hannah - November 29, 2011 at 12:38 pm #
This is so true and It didnt make me feel down at all – i dont wanna write a book for the money or the fame! I just love to write! XoX

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kamilah - November 28, 2011 at 10:58 am #
Hello, Mr. Scott Berkun. I like your intelligence. When I was in 5th grade, it was one of my ambition to write a book, actually I started the writing, but I need more information to chose a title and more information about writing a biography and story.n

thanks,
kamilah

Delilah - November 24, 2011 at 9:00 am #
Although this put a bit of a damper on my mood, it’s completely true. Thanks for the advice that I will surely take! :)

Tea - November 22, 2011 at 7:18 pm #
I need help writing my book any suggestions? And how can you get it published? Thank you

Marek Lutz - November 22, 2011 at 3:41 am #
Thanks Scott, this is exactly what I’ve been searching for ;)

Scott Berkun - November 21, 2011 at 2:32 pm #
Test. Ignore me. Move along.

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Matt Thomas - November 4, 2011 at 3:51 pm #
Nothing you said put me of the idea of wanting to get published in any way. Not that that’s what you had intended. however, a friend of mine has been published and i’ve asked him the ‘how do you do it’ type questions in the hope that something he says will nudge the penny and it’ll drop.

My question is do i really need a solid grasp of syntax an all its oddities? No seems to be the general responce. Everyone keeps coming back at me and telling me ‘that’s what an editor is for.’ Well, if i were an editor and someone dropped a poorly writen but otherwise interesting piece on my desk, i’d e inclined to tell him/her to smarten it up and bring it back when they’ve finished. Ok, that is more than likely extreamly short sighted but as a wanna-be writer i feel it’s my job to knowmy craft and even if i don’t need to know everything, i feel i do.

Really it’s down to feeling confident. If i do my writing flows and i get excited and my imagination does loop the loops inside my head. But i find due to my pretty poor schooling and being dyslexic i find it hard to learn in a regular way and this makes me easily spooked. Spooked in as much as i doubt the syntax and thus i’m not commiting all of my attention on what i’m trying to write.

Matt..UK.

adam - November 4, 2011 at 10:22 am #
hello Mr. Scott

I’m 13 and writing a book called, The Kings Of Spearhead, a teenage thriller…
I have 4500 words, and 22 pages…

any ideas?

Scott Berkun - November 4, 2011 at 12:56 pm #
Adam: Yes. Keep writing.

Kelly Ballentine - October 30, 2011 at 7:08 pm #
Hi Scott,
I am not,nor do I desire to be,a writer. I do ,however,feel that I have a very intereting story to tell. I was hoping you could tell me how to go about finding an author to write my story. Any pointers you could give me would be greatly appreciated.Thanks,Kelly.

K Bright - October 21, 2011 at 8:06 am #
Mr. Berkun: I have decided that I really do need to write a book about my CAREGIVING EXPERIENCES that I have had in the last 7 yrs.I was a CAREGIVER to both of my parents til they passed on.My Mother more recent on Nov 19,2010 she died in my arms. But that is not what I really needed to share.It’s other things on how this country is not prepared for what is coming ahead for our elderly as well as ourselves.How we were abused as a family.People find it to be unbelievable what My Family& I have endured at the hands of the medical professionals in this country.It would wake up alot of folks thats for sure.I know that I have enough to tell to write a book on it. Alot of people have said that to me.I need to. I want to. I have got to get it out the pain that I have suffered as a CAREGIVER/DAUGHTER .Could you please assist meon this matter?? If you could I would be most grateful & THANK YOU in advance! I will be anxiously awaitng your reply.K.B.

Gerard Pereira - October 15, 2011 at 8:23 pm #
What an irony. Im not using a pen or pencil or a typwriter or paper. But Im sure writing! Is what Im now commenting to you an already published piece of writing? And whose work does it become? Is it worth the “hard work”?! Cheers n thanks for your gr8 tips. Surely helps.

neil800 - October 13, 2011 at 7:21 am #
the best thing about writing a book is that there is no competion, no deadlines. but you have to know whether you are hardwired for writing a book. i feel that the above mentioned things are written for motivation but is far from truth. the genre is the most important thing here. if you write something you have been through or something based on what you have some knowledge about writing could be easier. atleast you know what to write about. but, what about a book on fiction. writing, as mentioned rightly by scott might just require a pencil and paper but it’s like you have to create your world and connect the dots. don’t forget, you also have to work somewhere to earn your living. even if you have thought of the characters you have to live them, rather get lost in them. it is definitely not as easy as mentioned by scott, nor is it about mastering English of grammar. if everyone were able to create their own world imagine what the world would have been. i feel that its much more harder than being a doctor or doing research in science. its like you decide that you want to write a song, can you? you might have listened to a thousand songs but still can you manage to write one? i have read books by mario puzo, jeffery archer, agastha christie, kiran desai. the depth of their thinking is astounding and impossible for a common man to be somewhere near them.

craig - October 12, 2011 at 1:42 pm #
i have thoughts about writing a book that has been written before
but i want to put my own twist on it
it is based on a legend in fables but has actual occurances in facts
what do i need to do as far as rights to write about this
it will be fiction based on some facts that happened in a town back in the 1300′s
do i need permission from anyone’s book from before?
thank-you
sincerely craig

Hansford Cornett - October 11, 2011 at 5:16 pm #
I do not currently have a web site however I hope to in the near future.

My book would be about life inside 28 years with the IRS. The political crap that goes on daily by management an my 3 year as Vice President of a local union chapter.

I was thinking Inside the IRS the first 14 years. Inside the IRS the last 14 years

Although all events are true the way I remember them I would love to name names but have heard that is very dangerous especially in this type book.

Do you think this book has a chance of getting published and what direction should I move in to test the waters for interest.

Thanks for any assistantce you can provide.

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anonymus - October 10, 2011 at 3:58 pm #
pessimist

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Matthew - October 6, 2011 at 4:28 pm #
Dear Mr. Scott Berkun,
I’m a kid and I’m trying to write a book. I am thinking it should be about a dog who is the leader of a group of dogs in a city [haven't decided yet]. I am asking if my idea is any good, I might email you my first chapter when I’m done for review. Peace and see you later’
Matthew aspiring author.

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kimberly - October 1, 2011 at 8:37 pm #
I have talked for years about writing a book and now have the time on my hands to do so. I have just started one. I research about the aspects in between writing. And yes it is most definitely WORK! Just wanted to say thank you for the plain truth. Regardless of the outcome, I have read books all my life and written plenty of poetry and will continue to do so.

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Akshita Gandhi - September 19, 2011 at 11:24 am #
hey,

I am a 11 year kid who lives in India in Mumbai I want to know all about a book from how to write a book to how to publish. I know i’m too small but it’s my passion. Can you please advice me?

osmani - September 18, 2011 at 10:03 pm #
dear sir/madam
i have a very good true story about 4 people who has made thier way to europe by fleeing from the old afghan regime. the story is based on four people i am included when they started their journey from afghanistan by land trucks foot mountains boats and alot of hungry days to reach safety in europ. two to them at the time were 14 years old.
i want to write a book on this story. it took us three and half months to come to safety.

can you please give me some advice where to start.

i would be thankful to you

AngryGuy - September 18, 2011 at 4:07 am #
Dude!
In several paragraphs you’ve taken away every reason I’ve ever had to not write something! Just how am to go about feeling bad about not putting words on paper (hard drive in my case)if you’ve taken away all the reasons not to write them? Jeeze, thanks buddy…

Ps. Awesome stuff you have here, thanks for putting the time into it for us.

Gavin - March 16, 2012 at 6:19 am #
As a publisher we are always looking for non fiction books to publish. Either into physical books or to ebook. Feel free to email me gavin.elliott@dbpublishing.co.uk

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Malin - September 11, 2011 at 8:35 am #
Loved this! Straight forward and not patting on egos. Thumbs up and it made me sit down and start on what’s been in my head for ages.

Marc - September 10, 2011 at 3:33 am #
Just another testimony:
I’ve been playing with the idea of writing a book (thriller actually) for years, because I like the idea of playing with words on paper about the things I experience in my work and private life while travling with people, as well as all other of life’s facettes. Some of the intrigues and coincidences of funny and sad occasions in life seem to be missing someone to document it in its glorious state – that being said, youtube is rarely adequate :)

Reading this ‘how-to’ really put me off stalling by filling my time with other hobbies and pushed me towards writing. I’m on a good 30 pages now and not sure if other people will like reading it as much as I enjoy writing it, but at least it’s a start of something I enjoy doing more than I anticipated! So *BIG* thanks to Scott for putting this ‘how-to’ out there :)

sheilam mills - September 7, 2011 at 3:31 am #
Thank you for your input for those who are looking for advice. Really you point out the obvious, if you want to write and be published you will find a way advice or without advice.

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Piese Auto - August 13, 2011 at 8:11 am #
Great article, maybe some day i’ll write a book

Ben - August 11, 2011 at 2:19 pm #
I started writing a book a while ago and had great ideas for it but after writing a couple of paragraphs i put it to one side and forgot about it, after reading this i have started to carry on with the book! thanks!

Porcsha Smoody - August 8, 2011 at 3:49 pm #
I completely agree with you! I’ve been writing since I was in 4th grade, it was my therapy to cope with my parents divorce. Seven years ago I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a painful illness that often makes it not only difficult to sit for an extended period of time but, difficult to think. My cognition is half of what it once was and I find myself taking longer to get my point across. Sometimes forgetting my place in mid sentence or remembering another term for a certain word or just simple grammar. When I tell someone that I’m writing a book they ask the chapter I’m on and I feel awful because, I started writing this sequel book about 4 years ago. Writing fantasy chapter books like Harry Potter seems REALLY hard to do and I wonder how long does it take for a person like me how is a perfectionist write 3 separate chapter books then merging those concepts into a final? If you could answer that one question or anyone it would be appreciated.

Random - September 16, 2011 at 4:22 pm #
Again, it comes down to the work. When you come to the text you come as a guest and the text is dispersed and deferred having multiple meanings and meaning something different everytime you read it so you might finish in a short amount of time or spend years trying to finish, it will end when you have exhausted all possible outcomes pragmatically.

Skyler Bourque - July 24, 2011 at 7:25 pm #
Sorry..made a few typos. At least i won’t be a jerk about a mistake. We’re only human ;)

Cassandra Clifford - July 18, 2011 at 9:41 am #
What if the book is based on a “True Story” can you leave out the specifics until you meet a publisher that feels you have something that will fly?

Ashleigh Houghton - June 24, 2011 at 1:23 pm #
I have been seriously considering writing a book over the past few months and reading this article put the icing on the cake for me. Thanks for the honesty and all of the resources!

Catherine - June 18, 2011 at 10:45 am #
Hi,

Want to write and decided to look for some guidance on the net. Yours was the first page that popped up. I liked it. I also liked the fact that you replied the anonymous comment about the typo… It was then I realised you were a guy. How strange that I assumed a female had written this. I don’t usually make that mistake.

Anyway. Thank you. I’m going to attempt writing, although I don’t know where to begin. I’ll just write and see if anything worthwhile appears on the page.

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Debby Mayne - June 15, 2011 at 1:06 pm #
Good stuff, Scott. In the future when people ask me how to write a book, I think I’ll just send them here. You say it all so well and with such humor.

Chelle - June 13, 2011 at 7:06 pm #
I love your advice. It is nice to get some blunt truth sometimes. I will definitely take this advice and put it to good use. I thank you very much for this useful incite.

Nkeng T - June 6, 2011 at 1:26 am #
Hi there,

I just read your article on “How to write a book” and it seems interesting. I am a total novice insofar as book writing is concern. However I intend write a “one of its kind book”.

Secondly, I live in a region where the reading culture is less than poor. This does not only demotivate me but also make me feel my trial will be a mere waste of time.

Could you please throw a clue on how I should take a step?

Thanks

Emilee - June 4, 2011 at 4:05 am #
Wow. Scott you are well versed. I wont even begin to act like a sophisticated writer because I am not. But damn. Your website is badass I must say. It speaks the truth. People are way to lazy. Whatever, this isn’t about debate or discussion. This is about writting. And you did a damn well good job in simply stating it. Laying out the obvious. And you, Scott Berkun just inspired the hell out of me. I would love to talk in more detail about your books and thoughts of life. Isn’t that the foundations of writing? I am a 21 year old female that went to school, joined a sorority, became a massage therapist, then moved to a new state trying to find excitement. I have always wanted an exciting story to tell. And for what? People around us, life around us creates the fiction or non-fiction in our minds that we want to tell. The stories just waiting to be told. Like you said, all it takes is the WORK, I can search all I want for some secret into becoming a best seller, to finding that story worth telling, but it all starts with me and realizing my potential of what I have to tell. Thank you so much for your insight! Very much appreciated. I feel very ready to write. And to research. And to go with that passion of writing! Because that’s what it is all about? All great compositions start with that, a person willing to write-it-down. ;)

Sincerely,
Emilee

Trevor Dunne - September 21, 2011 at 3:33 pm #
You just inspired me Emilee. So people have it and some don’t. You, have it.

Sarah1486 - November 2, 2011 at 6:14 pm #
Hey emilee I’m sarah and I have to say if you want to write a bestseller write a biography! your life is about the most inspiring thing scince EVER! you’ve inspired me to follow my dream as a writer, and hey- I’m 10 years old! Just so you know, even though I don’t know you, I’m supportive! if I can do it you can, so follow your dreams and kick some badass publishers socks off! Hell ya!

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me - May 26, 2011 at 9:11 am #
Wow, for someone who is trying to be helpful, you have a nasty attitude. If you want to give encouragement give it, but leave the unnecessary comments off…” As if there wasn’t a phone book or, say, an Internet-thingy where you can look this stuff up”. Of course, they can “look it up” but if they are coming to YOU, take that as a compliments Apparently they would prefer to hear what YOU have to say first over some randomly posted information on the net. You may have some good tips, but your delivery is not good, too arrogant and dismissive.

Alaysia - November 28, 2011 at 6:23 pm #
your mean!

Careless - December 28, 2011 at 9:34 am #
you wouldhave to have a sense of humor to understand why he said it like that . . scrooge .

huahin - May 25, 2011 at 5:03 pm #
Loved your introduction! Congrats!
My question is: I have a post-secondary diploma from a 2-year Tourism program and am currently in a corporate job. I do have great ideas for books and I thought I might try to write one. Do you honestly think I can pull that off with no formal education / experience? thanks,

WannabeWriter - May 21, 2011 at 3:36 pm #
@ Unpublished but better than you
you obviously can’t read. If you go back up and read that line it says “If Voltaire and Marquis de Sade could write in prison, then you can do it in suburbia.” I’m sorry but you need to go back to third grade and learn how to read.It obviously says then. not than.

GClark - October 24, 2011 at 8:11 pm #
Hum, I’m a programmer and I “ain’t” never seen an

If (expression)
Than (stuff)
Else (other stuff) Construct.

I would rather be a silly programmer, than a cocky spout. Unfortunately, if I remain a programmer, then I will never find time to write my book; unless I try both at the same time.

jojo - December 27, 2011 at 6:44 am #
Duuuuhhhh I dont think you’re a programmer, its

“If”

“Then”

“Else”

dumb dumb, then not than

Concerned - January 26, 2012 at 9:35 pm #
@jojo,
I think you need to read @GClark’s comment again. You may have missed something.

Kera Elizabeth - May 20, 2011 at 11:33 pm #
Hello, Mr. Scott Berkun. I Have just found you and think I am in love with your Enthusiasm and Intelligence. I have always wanted to write and actually had a book published in my local library when I was in 3rd grade, LOL, Seriously. The Tips and information you give are invaluable. I wish i could poke around in your brain for a day. I write Every chance I get, but it is mostly notes as I am a Criminal Justice Major. I have about 4 books I started, but never went back to and would love to listen and read more of your material to possibly get the kahunas to continue. I have taken the notes i can on the websites available and my next step is to watch information you have on your site, but would love to hear back even if there is a little vulgarity in your voice because maybe that is what I need.I truly believe that I crossed your path for a reason and any help that you can provide would be amazing. I am obsessed with grammar, spelling and just simply common sense and I think with a little help or even an Incredibly busy mentor to Email or call with feed back could make me an even more amazing writer or a writer to start. I am not in it for the fortune, fame or money, but simply to allow others for a moment to be in another world. Thank you so much for being you. You are Truly gifted and Blessed to have the skills you have. I know you are busy and I am babbling, but I have never been in the situation to actually speak to a man with such Great Integrity and Intelligence. I truly Appreciate you and all that you do. I would appreciate any tips or feedback you can give and hey if you are ever in New York it would be simply Amazing to share over a cup of coffee my work and your wisdom. your new biggest and most Appreciative fan, Kera Elizabeth.