Home
>
Writing
>
Four Easy Ways to Get a Book Written (Especially If You Dont Like to Write)

Four Easy Ways to Get a Book Written (Especially If You Dont Like to Write)

Becoming an author is probably a lot easier than you think. It's time to get that book out of your head and onto the printed page. Ready? Boot out your excuses. Here's how to do it.

Method One: Think Quality, Not Quantity. To be classified as a book ? as opposed to a booklet or pamphlet ? your work needs a mere 49 pages (excluding the cover). Not only that but, depending on your topic, you can be liberal with photographs, charts, illustrations, bullet points, fill-in-the-blank worksheets, etc. Use them strategically in place of text. If it fits your theme, intersperse powerful quotations throughout your book, and give them a page of their own, even if it's only a line or two. Ditch the perception that you have to have a minimum number of lines on each page.

Method Two: Start Talking. Invest in a tape recorder and shoot the breeze. I must admit that this isn't quite as easy as it sounds, but if you're articulate and you have skill at organizing your thoughts and ideas, it's doable. Don't try to wing it. Break down your book into chapters. Then prepare a detailed outline of each chapter. If it's fiction you're writing, outline the plot. For nonfiction, along with your outline, have any additional material handy that you want to refer to.

After you're done, have a typist transcribe the tape. Save it onto a floppy disk and give it to an editor. She'll polish the content. A variation of this method is to use voice recognition software that turns your spoken words into text.

Method Three: Do an Anthology. If you don't want to go it alone ? and you don't mind sharing the spotlight ? have other writers contribute a chapter to your book. Then you'll have only a chapter to write yourself. Whether it's a collection of short stories or a manual of topics on your subject, this method really lightens your load. Be sure to place each writer's name on their chapter's byline.

Find other writers by asking for referrals. Who to ask? Try the librarian at your local library, an editor at your city's newspaper, an English teacher at a nearby college, or professionals in the subject area of your book. Or place a classified ad in a writers' magazine. And of course, be prepared to remunerate your contributors.

Method Four: Hire a Ghost. As I stated in my book, The Art of Hiring Someone to Write Your Book: A Step by Step Guide to Successfully Collaborating (Instant Publisher, 2004), "A ghostwriter will gather content for your book by handling research, poring over books and articles, conducting interviews, and launching Internet searches. They extract the information that best meets the needs of your project, organizing it, reshaping it, and giving it a creative twist. After they put it all together, they go over their own work, polishing it to flawlessness. As the project develops, they invite your input and seek your approval. Because you have the final say over the project, they comply with whatever changes you suggest."

Whichever method you opt for, happy authoring. I'll see you in print.

About The Author

Michelle McGee-Jones is a freelance business writer, marketing consultant and author of The Art of Hiring Someone to Write Your Book: A Step by Step Guide to Successfully Collaborating (Instant Publisher, 2004). The book is available online at amazon.com or by sending a check or money order for $9.95 plus $3.00 shipping and handling made payable to Michelle McGee-Jones at P.O. Box 3058, Elmira, NY 14905. NYS residents please add $.80 sales tax. All rights reserved. This article may be freely reprinted provided this entire byline is included.

amazon.com

Olympia Fields cheap limo service .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare

In The News:

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says Hipshipper, which is used by eBay, Shopify and Amazon sellers, exposed millions of shipping labels.

Boxabl’s Baby Box is a 120-square-foot foldable home that can be set up in 60 minutes and has off-grid features. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says it's designed to maximize functionality.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Major IoT data breach: Mars Hydro database with 2.7 billion records exposed. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says the breach is a reminder of the risks that come with using IoT devices.

Unitree H1 robots dance at gala, blending AI and tradition. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson examines the convergence of cutting-edge technology and traditional culture.

For the first time ever, SpaceX launched a rocket into space from Florida and landed the booster the Bahamas, allowing for future polar-orbit spaceflight missions.

Attackers use caller ID spoofing and AI voices to steal money. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides seven ways to protect yourself.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about the Genesis GV60 MIV, an electric rescue EV with snow tracks for extreme missions.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you ensure a smooth online experience with a reliable, secure home network setup.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about Vollebak’s Shielding Suit, which blocks EM radiation, infrared and tracking for privacy.

Even Apple products are vulnerable to cybercriminals, and a new report suggests the owners of Mac products will have to be more vigilant this year.

An inflatable six-person tiny house from a firm called 2001 looks like a space station with its inflatable dome that is transportable and eco-friendly.

Scams cost Americans an estimated $159 billion every year and average about $3,500 in losses per victim. The CyberGuy has advice to protect yourself.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents

Zeekr and Waymo are joining forces for the world's first mass-produced autonomous vehicle, combining an electric vehicle with self-driving technology.

A humanoid robot training center has opened in Shanghai, a big step in China's efforts to become a global leader in robotics and artificial intelligence.

Security experts have discovered that hackers are targeting apps on the App Store to spread malware that steals information from saved screenshots.

A new luxury SUV combines military-inspired design and high-end luxury transportation and includes two military-grade gas masks to protect against chemical warfare.

80% of stalking victims are tracked using tech. GPS trackers, like AirTags, are among the most popular ways to do it. Here's how to protect yourself.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how to protect yourself against artificial intelligence-fueled romance scams, which have become the most common type of fraud in 2025.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the steps to declutter text messages on a Mac or iPad. Apple offers ways to do this more efficiently.

Here's how to take control of the algorithms on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok if your social media feeds aren't showing you content you want to see.

Beware of iCloud scams using urgent messages. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you spot the red flags to protect yourself.

Travel abroad worry-free with these top translation apps for travelers. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson highlights some favorites.

Four Easy Ways to Get a Book Written (Especially If You Dont Like to Write)

Writing