Book Writing: How to Write a Book Step by Step (Outline, Draft, Edit, Publish)

Step 1: choose a book idea that can carry 200+ pages

A book idea is not a topic. It is a promise plus tension. If you can say why someone would keep reading after page 10, you are ready to outline.

• Fiction test: What does the protagonist want, and what will it cost them?
• Nonfiction test: What is the reader stuck on, and what will they be able to do after your method?

Write 10 possible titles (rough is fine). Circle the one that is specific, benefit-led, and emotionally charged. That is your draft promise.

Step 2: outline the backbone (without killing your creativity)

Most SERP guides follow the same core pattern: idea → plot/structure → discipline → revise → feedback. ([Jericho Writers][1]) If you skip the backbone, you usually pay for it in the middle of the book.

Fiction outline in 20 minutes

1. Opening: what is normal life?
2. Inciting incident: what breaks normal?
3. First turning point: what commits the hero?
4. Midpoint: what changes the rules?
5. Second turning point: what looks like failure?
6. Climax: what choice decides everything?
7. Ending: what is different now?

Nonfiction outline in 20 minutes

1. Problem: what pain is the reader feeling?
2. Promise: what outcome do you deliver?
3. Method: what are your 5 to 9 core steps?
4. Proof: what examples show it works in real life?
5. Objections: what will readers doubt or get wrong?
6. Action: what should they do in the next 7 days?

A simple chapter/scene card (use this for every part)

• Purpose: what changes by the end?
• Beats: 3 to 7 bullet points of what happens or what you teach.
• Hook: a question, decision, or consequence that pulls the reader forward.
• Inputs: any facts, quotes, or research you need.

Step 3: set a target length (so your plan is realistic)

Typical word-count expectations vary by genre and market, but many standard novels land around 70,000 to 100,000 words, with shorter works below that and some genres trending longer. ([Reedsy][2])

Guidelines and limits can change, so check the specific publisher/agent submission guidelines (or platform help center) for the latest before you commit to a target. ([Reedsy][2])

• Fast rule of thumb: pick a target, then divide by your available writing weeks.
• Example: 80,000 words over 16 weeks is 5,000 words per week.

How to pick your daily word goal

Choose a goal you can hit 4 days out of 5. Consistency beats hero sessions. Start with one of these patterns and adjust after 2 weeks:

• Busy schedule: 30 minutes, 300 to 700 words
• Steady schedule: 60 minutes, 700 to 1,300 words
• Deep work days: 90 minutes, 1,200 to 2,000 words

Step 4: turn your outline into a chapter plan

Convert each chapter (or scene) into a single card that includes purpose, beats, and a hook. If you cannot state the purpose, the chapter probably does not belong.

• Fiction: each scene should change something (stakes, relationship, information, or power).
• Nonfiction: each chapter should teach one skill or move one belief.

Pro move: write a one-line summary for every chapter. When you later revise, that list becomes your map.

Reverse outline (the safety net)

If you did not outline up front (or your draft drifted), create a reverse outline: list every chapter and write one sentence about what it accomplishes. Any chapter with no clear job either gets merged, moved, or cut.

Step 5: do just enough research (and stop)

Research is important, but it is also the easiest form of procrastination. Timebox it. Decide what you must know to draft chapter 1 to 3, then start drafting. You can fill gaps with placeholders like [VERIFY LATER] and keep moving.

If your book uses data, collect sources as you go and keep a single running list so you do not scramble at the end.

Step 6: draft fast (your job is to create material, not perfection)

Your first draft is not a book. It is raw material. The goal is momentum: write the next sentence, not the perfect sentence.

Rules that make drafting easier

• No editing while drafting: fix it in revision. If you stop to polish, you will stall.
• Use placeholders: write [NAME], [FACT], [BETTER LINE] and keep going.
• End sessions mid-scene: it is easier to restart when you already know what happens next.
• Track one metric: words written this week.

Writer's block: the 5-minute reset

1. Write the next tiny action the character takes (or the next step the reader must do).
2. Write one sensory detail (what is seen/heard/felt).
3. Write one line of conflict (what goes wrong or what is resisted).
4. If still stuck, jump to a later chapter you are excited about, then bridge back.

Step 7: revise in passes (big to small)

Most new authors edit sentences before they fix structure. Flip that order. Revision is cheaper when you start with the largest problems.

Pass 1: structure checklist

• Is the opening compelling and clear?
• Does every chapter/scene have a purpose and a hook?
• Where does pacing slow down, and what can you cut or combine?
• Are stakes escalating (or is the argument moving forward)?

Pass 2: clarity checklist

• Can a reader summarize each chapter in one sentence?
• Do you define key terms before you use them?
• Are transitions smooth, or do you jump without context?

Pass 3: style + polish checklist

• Cut filler words and repeated phrases.
• Prefer specific verbs over adverbs.
• Make tone consistent (especially for nonfiction).

Pass 4: correctness checklist

• Run a final typo pass after formatting changes.
• Check names, dates, and continuity (fiction) or references (nonfiction).
• Confirm headings, numbering, and consistent formatting.

Get feedback without losing your voice

Ask testers to answer specific questions, not general opinions. For example: Where did you get bored? What felt confusing? Which chapter should be shorter? What did you expect to happen next?

• Ask for 3 highlights and 3 friction points.
• Look for patterns across multiple readers.
• Decide what to change based on your promise, not your ego.

Mistakes to avoid in book writing

• Starting with a vague idea: fix the promise first, then the prose.
• Researching forever: timebox research and draft chapter 1 to 3.
• Editing too early: draft first, polish later.
• Skipping the middle plan: set a midpoint, a low point, and an ending target.
• Chasing motivation: build a schedule; motivation follows action.
• Letting feedback derail you: treat it as data, not a verdict.

Optional: keep your writing system simple and visible

Whatever you write in, the system only needs three things: your outline, your weekly target, and a place to collect notes. Anything else is optional. If you choose to use a workspace like Coda, keep one page for the outline and one table for chapter status so you always know what is next.

Format your manuscript (submission-ready basics)

If you plan to query agents or submit to publishers, follow standard manuscript formatting unless the guideline says otherwise. Common expectations include 12-point font (often Times New Roman or similar), one-inch margins, double spacing, and half-inch paragraph indents. ([Reedsy][3])

Also include a title page and page numbers/header, and always check the specific submission guidelines you are using. ([Reedsy][3])

Choose your publishing path: traditional vs self-publishing

Traditional publishing can offer distribution and editorial support, but timelines are longer and you will need a query package that matches each agent's requirements.

• Prepare a clean manuscript and a short pitch (query letter) tailored to each agent.
• Write a synopsis (if required) that matches the requested length and format.
• Track submissions, responses, and revisions so you do not lose momentum.

Self-publishing gives you control and speed, but you manage editing, cover, formatting, pricing, and marketing. A good rule is to budget time for professional editing and to run a careful pre-publication checklist.

• Finalize the manuscript and do a last proof pass after formatting changes.
• Commission cover and interior formatting (or learn the basics yourself).
• Write the blurb, keywords, and author bio, then test different versions.
• Plan a small launch: email list, social posts, and a handful of outreach messages.

Where a word/character counter helps book writing

• Keeping chapters close to a planned range (so pacing is consistent)
• Tightening your back-cover blurb and synopsis drafts
• Writing metadata and ad copy for stores and platforms that enforce field limits
• Tracking progress toward your weekly word goal

FAQ

How do I start writing a book if I have too many ideas?

Pick the idea with the clearest reader promise. If you cannot say who it is for and why it matters, it is not ready.

Do I need an outline to write a book?

No, but you need a backbone. Even pantsers usually benefit from a minimal outline (opening, turning points, ending) before draft 2.

How many words should my book be?

It depends on genre and market, but many standard novels often fall around 70,000 to 100,000 words, with ranges varying by genre. ([Reedsy][2])

How long does it take to write a book?

It depends on your schedule. If you write 5,000 words per week, an 80,000-word draft takes about 16 weeks. Add time for revision, feedback, and formatting.

What is the best daily word count target?

The best target is the one you can hit consistently. Start small, track for two weeks, then raise the goal once it feels normal.

What should I edit first: plot or prose?

Plot (or structure) first. Fix the big issues before you polish sentences, or you may spend hours perfecting paragraphs you later cut.

What is standard manuscript formatting?

Typically: readable 12-point font, one-inch margins, double spacing, and a header with page numbers, unless guidelines say otherwise. ([Reedsy][3])

Conclusion: your next step today

Book writing becomes manageable when you stop trying to write a masterpiece and start building a system. Today, write your one-sentence promise and a 15-item chapter/scene list. Tomorrow, draft chapter 1 with zero editing. Next week, review your word totals and adjust your plan.

Sources

• Jericho Writers: How to write a book in 10 steps
• Reedsy: How many words in a novel (word count by genre)
• MasterClass: Word count guide
• Reedsy: Book manuscript format
• Nathan Bransford: How to format a manuscript