Start Writing Your Book Today: A Step-by-Step Plan to Write Your Nonfiction Book, From First Draft to Finished Manuscript

by Morgan Gist MacDonald

NONFICTION writers, this is a STEP-BY-STEP guide that walks you through how to write a book. These steps will show you how to develop the good writing routines and a solid timeline, then how to write a first draft and revise the draft, how to bring in beta readers and incorporate their feedback, and finally, how to pull it all together into a finished manuscript. This book also shows you how to streamline your argument, how to make sure you don't have repetitions or tangents, and how to incorporate research without getting sidetracked in your writing. Each step is laid out for you. No more excuses. You’ll be ready to finally start writing your book.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Business, Self Help

138 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2015

Reviews

[Monnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

For much of my non-retired life (and on a freelance basis since I pulled the plug on the daily grind), my primary occupation has been writer and editor - every single word of it nonfiction. Along the way, I've conducted employee development seminars on a variety of topics like interpersonal communication and business writing. Now and again, I've toyed with the idea of writing some kind of how-to book. If I learned anything from reading this book, it's this: It ain't never gonna happen.

Hold on - don't panic. It's not because I, or you, can't dredge up enough how-to "stuff" to put in there. It's not because the author makes the process sound overwhelmingly difficult (quite the opposite, in fact). But if I had to pick the most important lesson in here, it's that actually seeing my book (and yours) in print requires total commitment to making a plan that will get us from start to finish - and then sticking to it no matter what. As I used to tell the folks in my seminars, all the daily charts and worksheets and motivational tricks in the world may help light your fire, but it's YOU and you alone who can accomplish what you need or want to accomplish. And quite honestly, at this stage of the game, I just don't have that drive (my late mama would call it "gumption").

But if you're still hem-hawing around (another of mom's faves), you'll get a ton of inspiration by reading what the author, a writing coach, has to say. No, you won't learn the nuts and bolts of writing - no instructions on grammar, punctuation, spelling or syntax are here except to say that if you don't have those down pat (actually, even if you do), you'll need to hire experts if you expect to sell your finished book to anybody outside your immediate family. And that brings me to another important point: the likelihood that you'll get rich by penning a book - or even several - is somewhere between slim and none. That's not meant to discourage you, but rather help you go into the book-writing process with your eyes wide open.

In seven easy-to-read chapters, you'll get tips on how to develop writing routines - hit or miss just doesn't cut it - as well as setting up and revising your first draft, getting the most from "beta" readers and pulling the whole thing together in a manuscript that's reader-ready. Helpful appendices (or appendixes, depending on which stylebook you've decided to follow) serve up resources such as books, blogs and podcasts. There's also more details on topics mentioned in the chapters, like creating a reverse outline (one that's done, the author explains, after the book is written). In the end, the book should give you a leg-up on what you need to do to get up, get started and get it done. Thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy.

[Leticia · Rating 3 out of 5]

An encouraging book on the writing process. It isn't long and it doesn't go deeply into writing techniques, but it's an easy and quick read, ideal if you are looking for supporting advice.

[Mehrsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really useful tips for organization and motivation and overcoming resistance. I like reading these writing books occasionally to keep me going. However, I think these books can only teach one discipline, they cannot make one a good writer. I mean, I've read all the books from writers just talking about plowing through and showing it, but usually they are from prolific writers, but not the breathtaking writers. I want to read how Nabakov wrote or Morrison or any of the others. I imagine it was a lot of showing up and plowing through, but probably some magic too, right?

[Ronald Keeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

People who know me are aware that I write every day. Sometimes it is a requirement such as when I am developing resources for classes I teach. Sometimes it is for fun as I try to answer the many writing challenges and prompts that I find online. I believe prolonged exposure to this type of activity will eventually create in the writer (me) a desire to expand writing to short stories, fiction and non-fiction novellas and eventually, a longer manuscript. As I reached this point, and I have, I began to look at and skim or scan books on writing. I didn’t read any of them because I instantly labeled them as not worth my time. They were long on circular, philosophical pronouncements and short on measurable, quantifiable, actionable advice. Then I found Start Writing Your Book Today by Morgan Gist MacDonald. Finally, overall, I am happy. I won’t give it five Amazon stars because I found some minor echoes of books I didn’t like, but I would have given it 4.5 stars if Amazon had a system that allowed such an evaluation.

Chapter One was the most difficult to get through because that is where those pesky echoes from previous books reside. MacDonald begins with the requirement for “Perseverance.” Along with “Persistence,” these truths are self-evident. They are ugly, harsh words that look like parents who emphasize corporal punishment but like parents, are necessary. There is no cognitive energy burned in accepting their necessity and I don’t see why I should pay money to be lectured on the obvious. The author immediately redeems herself by throwing out facts and figures. I should plan for a $2,500 -$ 10,000 cash outlay, spend 200 hours writing the book and 50-100 hours on publishing, and additional unquantified time on marketing. And I might not make enough money to repay the initial investment. This is not happy news, but it is also not discouraging. My happiness index motivates me to continue the book.

Chapters Two and Three work well together as they inform me how to break down large goals into small quantifiable chunks. Chapter Three appeals to me because I have been planning a 15,000 to 20,000 work of non-fiction. Following MacDonald’s model, I should be able to do so in six weeks. Even if I allow wiggle time for hiccups at work, I believe I can finish writing in ten weeks. I like writings and estimates that agree with me. The Writing Routines section in Chapter Three is full of action items. Establish a time for writing, Free Write before the main writing session (described elsewhere) and use a timer. Establish, not in your mind, weekly word count goals and track progress on a visible document. Find an accountability partner. I look forward to a discussion on this last point. Can that person be a fellow blogger or an online presence with whom the writer has a longstanding relationship? A very important point in this section, one that should be apparent but I missed it, is trying to limit your writing work on a maximum of two devices. As I read the advice, I said, “of course.” Now I must decide which two devices I will use and begin migrating data.

Chapter Four is both prescriptive with many good ideas but also with a note to the new author. A system is offered but the author, almost by definition a creative person who thinks outside the box, should feel free to tweak time projections appropriate to the project. Still, MacDonald offers a structure.

At this point I am motivated. I am ready to create my workspace, create my working calendars, and begin writing the first draft. Maybe I will come back in a few weeks during one of my writing breaks and read the last three chapters on what to do with my work beyond the first draft, Chapter Six on dealing with criticism, and Chapter Seven, the finished manuscript.

Nope, I’ll resist the motivational rush and at least skim the final three chapters before launching my writing efforts. You should also because if you read through to the very end you will find samples of a writing tacker and a list of resources for further writing advice. Start Writing You Book Today sells for USD 4.99 but is available for free reading through Kindle Unlimited. It offers much valuable advice for the new writer. Because I like the author’s pragmatic writing style, I will read other books on writing by Morgan Gist MacDonald.

[Vėjas Galvoje · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super, einu rašyti. Pradžioje bent jau blog’ą ;)

[Tiffany L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical advice and easy to read!!

[Mike Roper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet guide book full of helpful tips and ideas. Better get started on that novel now!

[Jason Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advice and encouragement for getting through the process of writing a book. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who has felt stuck getting started.

Since I started reading this book, I finally started the process of writing/polishing several short stories and a handful of poems to publish a collection that I've wanted to do for a long time.

The book is geared toward non-fiction writers, which I also am. I've started to make progress on my manuscript that I've been stalled on for a while since reading this book.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite quote:
Page 44: “You don't have to wait until you're already an expert before you start writing a book; you become an expert as you write the book.”

I stumbled upon this book on an amazon book search. I am looking to learn more about the non-fiction writing process. I ordered it on a whim and I am glad I did.

What I Liked:
1. It was short, to the point and had great examples
2. It was well organized and flowed very well
3. Great tips, ideas and can-do motivation to help those wanting to write get started
4. Had some great quotes that were very memorable.

What I didn't Like:
1. The pixelated cover I received made it feel less professional than the good information that is in the inside

Overall I really liked the book and it helped give me the motivation to start organizing thoughts into words and plans into actions. This book was easy to digest and organized in a way that made it easy to reference back to when I had questions or couldn't remember a specific item.

[Diana Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful

I loved reading the different tips and tricks suggested for when you are wanting to write a book. I do feel this is specific to nonfiction writers but found some of the tips and tricks would work for fictitious writers as well. The sections on revising and editors was extremely useful as I had never even thought of all that and helps me feel more comfortable about writing a book and handling those kind of things. I enjoyed this book and found it extremely helpful and useful. A must read for anyone who doesnt know how to get through writing their book and things they will need to do before becoming an author.

[Ali Akbar Zaidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about writing books. This one nicely sums up the content from many other books. The main problem for every writer is procrastination, the internal delayer and the internal editor. Write fast, set timelines, get feedback, dont take criticism personally and dont research too much are few of the main strategies pointed it. Its a small book that is a good guide for to-be writers. It builds on books like "write your book in 14 days", but this one puts it at 3 months if you are able to develop timelines for the book and each chapter. Happy Writing and Publishing.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

Weird book about writing books by someone rather unknown in the field of writing. With sound advice like "really, something over 80 000 words should be split into more books" Like Harry Potter or The Hunger Games? Even Artemis Fowl beats that with every volume.

[Luna Jordan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t know what exactly I was expecting but it was definitely something more than what this gave me. I’m disappointed. I was hoping for something a bit more professional, I guess. I don’t know; something about this felt a little sloppy.

My advice is to just write how you want to.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing coach Morgan Gist MacDonald aims this step-by-step guide to writing a nonfiction book at anyone wanting to write, be they published author or beginner, with earth-shattering ideas or just something they really want to say, promising that readers will feel “competent, even compelled, to start writing” their own books by the end.

The book starts by dispelling some of those familiar myths about authors. Writing is not effortless—it requires perseverance, takes time, even inconvenient time, and it’s not all about who you know. It’s also not all about making money, and the author honestly points out that very few authors will achieve that goal. So why write? Because you want to help, you’ve got something to say, or you’re just curious to find out if you can…

Later chapters in the book look at the real life trials of writing a book, offering wise advice in a nicely readable format. Drawing on the author’s own experience, the text makes suggestions, points out problems, invites commitment (to relationships and to writing!), and even leads readers to look at those nitty gritty details like how long a book (or a sentence!) should be, how to stop research from devouring all your time, and how to avoid driving away readers. The writing style is conversational and relaxed, the exercises are clear and well-focused, and the explanations are useful and practical.

From first draft to final book, content editor to beta reader, critique to reviewer… repetition emphasizes important points, good formatting makes issues easy to find, and a finished manuscript just might be an achievable goal.

Disclosure: I was lucky enough to find a free copy and I enjoyed it. One day I just might write my own non-fiction book.

[Edythe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morgan Gist Macdonald shares her experience and gives steps to write a book while staying focused and keep on track. Most importantly, "preventing self-sabotage," in Chapter Two. She asks in Chapter Three: Good Writing Habits, "Do you want to write a book, or don't you?" ...If your answer is, "Not right now, but maybe later," put down this book, because it's not worth your time. When you're ready, you can always come back to it." Macdonald is not afraid to say put her book down because she is being straightforward and to the point about serious writing, and for this, I applaud her honesty.

There are learning opportunities pertaining to writing routines, creating word count goals, journaling, prioritizing, creating rough drafts, and contacting beta readers. I have never written a book but am considering using a journal to jot down ideas just in case I get that urge to share thoughts on a particular subject.

Macdonald added three appendixes for resources, tracking your progress, and creating a reverse outline with two outline sample texts following right after and a feedback table.

Start Writing Your Book Today is good to have on your shelf to start writing that great novel, biography, or how-to book you have been pushing to the back of everything else.

Recommending to persons contemplating taking on the task of writing a book to share with public. There are excellent points, resources and useful
Charts that a budding writer can find helpful.

Free audio book is located @paperrravenbooks.com/freebonus, plus an email to share your writings with Morgan Gist Macdonald.

I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

You may have thought about writing a book. Research indicates most people do. If you are wondering how to determine the topic, how to develop good writing habits, how to keep the momentum going, this book is for you. MacDonald does a good job of helping you get clarity on the message to share and how to determine the length of the book. She has practical suggestions to prevent self sabotage, writing the first draft and saving editing for later.

I really appreciate the information in this book. While I learned a great deal about the writing process, my favorite part of the book is about receiving criticism. Her insights on that topic are very helpful.

MacDonald inspired me to commit to writing and has given me the tools to do so. While she is an advocate of independent or self publishing, this book ends at the finished manuscript. How to get that book loaded up to a retail site and actually available for purchase is not included.

I recommend this book to people drawn to writing, suspecting they have a message to share. You'll find out how to get clarity on the message and receive valuable information on the writing process.

[Cher Li · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it

I enjoyed reading this book. I’ve actually never thought of publishing anything non-fiction, but settling down with this book (accidentally picked because I thought it was about writing a novel) has inspired me to reconsider. At the same time, I found that it also has inspired me to write that novel I’ve always wanted to write as well. Though not completely aligned, I feel like writing fiction applies to most of the points in this book, such as the need to not self-sabotage, form writing habits that work for you, etc. Overall the book was also easy to read and includes decent resources.

[Kellina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful

Even though this is for nonfiction, you can still take some of her advice and apply it to the basics of writing a story. You can skim over some of the other stuff, but the basic structure offered in this book is fanatic. It's a good confidence booster as well. I was a little bummed out cuz I wasn't going by Steven kings "write six pages a day." but I'm not Steven king. I'm me... And taking it by 500 words a day is a lot easier to chew. I really appreciated this book and all the positives it offered. I've recommended it to friends who are too scared to write...

[Ramona Mead · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took an online workshop from Morgan a few weeks ago. Without that, this book may not have been as inspiring for me. She takes a very different approach to completing a manuscript than I have in the past. The changes I've made from her guidance have made me feel way more confident and re-energized about completing my book. I appreciate how she makes the process of completing a manuscript manageable, and busts the myth that only a "chosen few" can get it done. If you read this book, I highly recommend you also check out PaperRaven Books online community for further explanation and support.

[Gayle Allsop · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book on writing!

I have written myself so many notes through my reading of this fantastic ‘how to’ guide. During my read, I would stop and go off to write more of my novel - Morgan’s hints and tips giving me instant inspiration! Now I feel empowered. I know that as the ending of my first draft looms ever closer, I am perfectly equipped to know what to do, and how to do what comes next. A brilliant step-by-step guide for new writers. I highly recommend this book! (Oh, and make sure you have a notebook beside you as you read it!) ;)

[El · Rating 4 out of 5]

Consider this review my coming out about writing a non fiction book. I thought this was a very helpful and positive overview of how to write (and what it takes to edit) your first non fiction book. As someone who's been writing in some capacity my whole life, I found that not all the tips are right for me. But many were great and overall it's quite informative.

I do wish the author just used the pronoun "they" when describing imaginary people who might be reading or editing my book in the future. Assigning random genders to fake people was a weird choice and I found it distracting.

[Kara Bohonowicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This writing manual by successful writing instructor, Morgan, packs in all the information needed to write your book. Particularly likeable are the specific ways she maps out the steps to take. It is like having a writing coach by your side.

Morgan's Paper Raven Books team consistently provides additional support to fiction and nonfiction writers about each phase, including marketing and publishing, of writing a book.

[Eniko Santha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for beginner writers!

Thank you for writing this book to us beginners,Morgan.Your book helped me to believe that I can become a writer and gave some great advices on how and where to start writing my first ever book.I would recommend your book to anyone who needs a little step by step guide on how to start and who is in need of a little encouragement to believe in themselves.

[Chris Boutté · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. As I continue reading books from different authors about the writing process, I enjoy getting some different perspectives. This book from Morgan MacDonald had some various strategies for writing that I haven't heard about in other books. Aside from having some great tips for the non-fiction writing process, there's also a lot about overcoming the self-critical voice in your head and working through it.

[Jude Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book to anybody who is looking to start. A extremely clear outline that isn’t so flimsy that you feel that it was pointless to read and not so complicated you feel like you are never going to start. It had completely inspired me to start and made it feel like a completely realistic goal.

She leaves her email in the book as a way to contact her and I definitely will. What a great help that I know will inspire many.

[Katie Click · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book had some great practical tools, much of it's value seemed to be lost in the audio version. A website is given repeatedly for resources and examples, but when I tried to follow that link, the website was no longer available. Charts and Appendix references were inaccessible due to this. If considering purchasing, I would recommend the print version!

[Lori McKinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical Advice

Down to earth, straight forward advice that should work for most. I know I need deadlines and accountability, and appreciated the specific ideas on how to create that. It says step-by-step plan and it gave a step-by-step plan. Love it when the content is actually what the title and blurb promise!

[Hannah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

While some of the information in this book didn't seem as relevant to me, because I write fiction while this is a book about writing nonfiction, I give it 5 stars because I think as far as nonfiction writing goes, this is probably a 5 star book. But if you write fiction, you should still give this book a try, because it has plenty of helpful information on writing in general.

[Joshua Harrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what I needed

I have been working on my first mAnuscript forever and I have bought many books on the book business. This book showed me what I needed to whip my book into shape. #grateful

[Sean Cramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall helpful book to get me started. I thought she covered the core areas. I especially enjoyed the chapter about finding a commitment buddy. I thought there were a few repetitive areas, but it didn’t take away for the purpose of the book.