Talk to most people and they’ll tell you that they have a great idea for a book. And to be fair, any good book starts with an idea. However, an idea isn’t enough. Sure, when Robert Kiyosaki dreamed up his Rich Dad, Poor Dad book, it probably started as just a simple idea on how to teach people about money. But that, of course, isn’t enough for a book.
So how do you know you have enough information for a full book? Let’s take a look at how to transform a book idea into a published piece.
Do You Have the Information, Experience, and Knowledge to Write This Book?
Ideas come from all sorts of places. You might imagine writing a book about decorating your home or rebuilding a car. If you don’t have any experience or knowledge in either of those worlds, there will be a lot of extra work to do. That’s okay. It’s not the end of your book idea. However, it’s important to be realistic about your starting point. It may take more time and resources to create your ready-to-publish book.
What’s the Hook?
Why will people want to read your book? How is it different, interesting, and entertaining? What makes your information something that readers will value and want to buy? This may be the most difficult question to answer, because audiences are fickle. However, you need to have some idea before you start writing. If you’re not sure why it will be a good book, keep thinking about it until you know.
How Will You Write It?
A better way to ask this question is, “How much planning will you do before you begin to write?” Here are some points to consider.
* Do you have the ideas solidly in your mind so they remain consistent throughout?
* Do you know how your book will provide value?
* What is the USP or Unique Selling Point?
* What’s the goal for writing a book? What do you hope to achieve?
* Who is your audience and what information will they value?
Some writers know every detail before they sit down and begin to write their book. Others have a sketchy idea in their mind, or on paper, and they use that as a starting point. Some people write chapters as they come to them and then weave them together. Others create an elaborate outline and work from their storyboard or plan.
There’s no right or wrong way to approach your book idea. However, it is a good idea to think about how you want to approach it before you sit down to write. Don’t be surprised if you cannot see your entire book plan all at once. That’s okay. Plan what you can and go from there. Second drafts and revisions are where you’ll pull it all together. For now, start planning and begin writing. Don’t lose that great book idea.
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