Want to Write a Book? Write Online First

Writing online will teach you how to write a book readers want

@hannatv Depositphotos

“So who are you to think you can write a book?”

It’s a good question. But the only person who dared to ask this was me. 

And, partly to defy her, I wrote one. 

Even though, until then, I hadn’t published anything but emails. 

I didn’t think much about whether I was ready to write a book. 

And I hadn't thought about other options, like writing online.

Many people dream of writing a book

So I took a course, some coaching, and planted myself in front of the library computer (my internet at home was hopeless).

For three solid months.

It was beyond intense. (And the subject of another post).

Finally, I decided the book was done and uploaded my manuscript to Kindle Direct Publishing. 

Then saw a book with my name show up on Amazon as a Kindle and a paperback offer.

I was gobsmacked. Relieved. 

There’s nothing like it.

I was excited to see what would happen next.

Which turned out to be purchases, reviews, and emails from friends.

Congratulating me. 

And most also said they’d always wanted to write a book but never got around to it. 

Or had a half-baked attempt lying in their bottom desk drawer. Unlikely to ever be read or seen.

I sensed disappointment and longing all around me. 

Stories, languishing.

And I wondered whether there was a better path than mine for all these aspiring authors.

But writing a book isn’t easy

Because a book is not an easy project.

Even if it’s only a 120-page ebook like mine.

The first time, you’ll have to climb a mountainous learning curve. 

And draw on many skills. 

Which a non-author (yes) had warned me about more than 30 years earlier.

He told me that writing a book takes more than writing skills. It asks for:

• intelligence

• daring

• creativity

• organisation

• persistence 

• time management

• patience

I’d have to agree. 

But the writing is only the beginning of getting a book out.

Between writing and publishing, you’ll need to master even more new skills!

And you could get stuck before your book ever arrives on a Kindle.

For example, when you get to these phases: 

• reviewing

• editing

• proofreading

• applying beta readers’ feedback

• formatting

• cover design

• ISBN

• uploading 

• distribution

• launch

• marketing

This list screams that you need a team!

I found a great team to help with my book. I also spent untold hours learning skills to save money.

And I don’t regret busting myself to get my book out.

It was a finish line I’d wanted to cross.

But if I were starting out now, I’d do it all differently.

The writing online bootcamp

With 20/20 hindsight, I realised a smarter way to begin my author journey would have been to write online.

To build up some author’s skills.

And to let my readers save me endless hours of guesswork.

Because, now I write online, I see how readers give instant feedback.

Especially when they don’t show up.

Online, you practice better writing.

You learn to spot:

• Clichés

• AI text

• Overused language

And find out that the competition is fierce.

So you up your game.

And learn much faster what works for you and your readers.

So, if:

• You love to write. 

• You feel like you have something to say. 

• It’s not completely formed in your mind. 

• You’re eager to start. 

• You’re ready to meet your readers.

• You’re ready to put your book on the backburner for now.

Then you’re the ideal candidate for writing online bootcamp. 

Because you get to test the waters. See where you get traction. See how much you even like this regular writing gig. 

It’s a writing apprenticeship.

And you start by writing as little as a sentence. Or a paragraph.

And the good news for anyone with imposter syndrome blues, is that, a lot of the time, especially in the beginning, no one’s watching. 

And your words can speed past most critics.

Way less pressure. 

More fun. 

Easier.

But not wasted time. 

It’s training for writing your book.

Your book emerges over time

You learn what you have to say and who wants to read your work. 

You surprise yourself. Your readers surprise you. 

What you thought would resonate falls flat. 

Then a post gets huge attention, and you learn why. And you do more of that.

It’s step-by-step. 

And also a spiral into who you truly are.

And you’ll create lots of sparks that’ll lead you to the topic of your book. 

Because you probably haven’t really landed on that yet.

What excites you might come from out of left field. 

From a reader’s comment on a post that you dashed off straight from the heart. 

The one that led them to follow you, subscribe to your newsletter, then chat with you. 

And gave you insights into what your book must be about.

Because it resonates. 

It connects.

It rings true.

It matters. 

It makes an impact. 

It aligns with your purpose as a writer.

Respecting readers

Because readers are the essential other half of your writing process. 

And you’ll meet them when you write online, not when you’re alone for months in your author’s writing cabin.

Readers quietly wait and watch from all over the world.

They see you, and you come to see them. 

A conversation starts. 

Food for empathy.

Food for word choice. 

Food for your voice. 

You’ll change how you address readers once you’ve had those conversations. 

Then your words will sparkle and seem to speak only to them.

They’ll feel you know them, their needs, and their sadness. 

You play a role in their chrysalis opening. 

They’ll be eager to buy your book when it appears.

You can start today

Recognise that you can start being read today. Long before you write that book.

Don’t think that your job, kids, partner, or yardwork make writing impossible until you’re retired. It doesn’t have to take long hours and months or years at a writing desk.

Just open the app on your phone during a commute and let your thoughts fly. Or take time right after your morning shower. 

In fifteen minutes max, you’ll have a short post up online and read in some remote corner of the world. 

Thousands of writers are doing this already, alongside their 9–5 and making an impact.

So, put aside the book idea for now and start with online writing.

Find your voice, your rhythm, and your angle.

Start slow and small, build, and learn about who’s listening.

Then you’ll write the book they can’t wait to read.