I Want To Write a Book. Where Do I Start?

Whether you’ve been thinking about writing a book for years or the idea is just starting to take shape in your mind and heart, the first question writers typically ask is, “Where do I start?”

While this is a great question, and one we should ask, there’s an even more important question to start with: God, how do You want to use me?

Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain” (NIV).

Ultimately, it’s the Lord who is building, guarding, and providing. We don’t want to write in vain. When we approach writing a book with this heart posture, it helps us to see open doors as the Lord’s provision and closed doors as the Lord’s protection. He is the One who gets the glory!

So as you seek the Lord in your writing, here are some “first” steps to take if you want to write a book.

1. Start With Prayer.

Once you’ve asked, God, how do You want to use me? … the next step is to listen. Ask God to make His will clear and to clarify the steps you should take. If He’s called you to write a book, He will be faithful to bring it to fruition. 

2. Improve Your Writing.

Next, writing a book also means writing other things too. Start improving your writing by submitting articles to other publications, blogging regularly, and asking others for feedback. Not only does this improve your book proposal, but it also makes you a better writer.

3. Clarify Your Why.

The next step is to narrow in on the “why” of your book. What is the core message you’re hoping to share with your audience? Why are you the one to write this? Knowing this will anchor you on the days when writing is hard.

4. Know Your Audience.

Along with knowing your “why,” it’s equally important to know your “who.” Who is your ideal target audience? Do you know their struggles and needs? Can you picture their faces as you write? This will help to strengthen your book and guide your words.

5. Craft a Book Proposal.

After all of that is done, you’re ready to work on a book proposal. This is what you will submit to publishers, explaining what your book is, why it’s needed, and who you are. It’s here you will need to put words to your “why” and “who,” list your table of contents, and even share sample chapters. 

It’s important to know that this can be a process, but it will ultimately serve as a guide as you write, refine, and eventually promote your book.

6. Build Community.

Don’t write alone. As you work on a book, know there is a great benefit to building community with other writers and readers, whether this is on social media, through your newsletter, or elsewhere.

Other writers can encourage you on the hard days, celebrate open doors with you, and answer questions as they come up. Building connections with potential readers will help make sure you know your audience, minister well, and serve them as you follow the Lord.

7. Trust the Lord’s Timing.

Lastly, when you want to write a book, commit to trusting the Lord’s timing from the beginning. Daily remind yourself of His sovereignty and faithfulness. Take small steps of obedience, do the work He’s set before you, and know it’s all for His glory.

Writing a book is ultimately just obeying the Lord one step at a time. If God has called you to write, He will continue to faithfully pave the way. It all starts with this: God, how do You want to use me?

In Christ,
Samantha Decker

What are other small steps of obedience you can take as you pursue writing a book? Consider sharing them in the comments.