Writing Your Own Content
Every writer’s dream is to successfully publish one’s work. Whether you’re working on fictional tales or non-fiction articles, it is important to know the process in getting that dream print. But first, you need to write your content. So how do you do it?
There’s no written formula about how you write your content. Don’t get too overwhelmed by the writing process. You just have to start! You set your pace.
1. WRITE ABOUT SOMETHING YOU LIKE
One common denominator among authors’ publishing success is they write about something they are interested in. You can’t write about a topic you’re not genuinely engaged in (unless it’s a job requirement!) Think about it as a dream project, an escape from the day-to-day normalcies, or a life-long goal. We’ve seen out-of-the-box ideas from budding young writers, and experience-based content from seasoned professionals who want to share their life’s passion.
With that said, there must be something you like to write about! Start with your hobbies, your interests, or perhaps your favorite genres. Brainstorm and write it all down.
2. BRAINSTORM YOUR IDEAS
Now that you’ve got some pretty topics to choose from, let’s get down to business! After choosing your topics, narrow them down to the best concepts. Time to ask yourself these questions.
WHAT IS YOUR BIG “WHY?”
Why are you writing this book?
Surely, you have more reasons to write other than these! Knowing your BIG WHY helps you determine your course as you start writing your content. After knowing your “why,” you can create your own list and concept maps about the topic. Is it fiction or non-fiction? What aspects of the main topic would you like to include? Is it possible to have a plot overview? Then, you can write your topic or story outline.
Your Outline is the basic framework of your book or story. You arrange your thoughts according to what comes first, and properly sequence the ideas in a manner that sends your message clearly to your readers.
3. PICK UP A PEN AND START!
Easier said than done, right? But no worries, you have to consider yourself first before taking up the challenge!
Here are a few tips to encourage a healthy and consistent writing session:
4. FEEDBACK MATTERS
So you’ve finally written your book (yay!). You’re ready to get some feedback before you publish it. You can get some of your trusted friends to read it and ask for some constructive feedback. It always helps to let others read it to improve your work.
For basic editing, you can use some editing software you can download online for free or with paid membership. You can easily spot basic grammar errors and make editing faster and convenient.
For a more detailed editing, you can always hire a professional editor! Many editors offer different services like proofreading, copyediting, line editing, and developmental editing. This way, you can receive a more refined version of your manuscript and get objective feedback from experts in the field.
You can always rely on a professional editor to help you improve your work and make it ready for publishing! Most books in circulation, if not all, have been professionally edited. To get that polished output, investing in a good editing service can give your work the boost it needs to be published by traditional publishing houses.
5. PUBLISH YOUR WORK!
Whether you’re going for self-publishing or traditional publishing, it’s important to weigh in on the pros and cons of each type. For self-publishing, you can enjoy the freedom in publishing your work from choosing book titles, book cover designs, and book formats. Most self-publishing services have one-stop-shop packages where marketing and advertising are already included. For traditional publishing, you can expect a more rigorous process in getting your book meticulously evaluated by editors. But once you’re considered by big publishing houses, it can be a life-changer for you too.
This article just gives you a brief overview on how to write your content and finally publish your work. The process may take long – finding your motivations, brainstorming ideas, writing outlines and drafts, editing and revising, and publishing. Writing really isn’t a walk in the park. But by taking one step at a time and enjoying the whole process, you can achieve your writing goals and publish your book in no time. All you have to do is start.
So you have finished writing and perfecting your book. Bravo! You move on to the next step – writing the title.
Good for some people who start writing books with a title in mind, well, a working title at least. Some writers actually begin with their titles, while others write their stories first then look for the appropriate title. Whichever is your preference, believe it or not, many writers still do get conscious about finding the perfect words to headline their books, so you’re basically not alone.
Your book title is your first impression. Readers will talk about your characters, the plot, the twists and the turns, the happy or tragic ending – but first, they will talk about your title. When you publish your book, your title becomes your forever brand. As New York Book Editors puts it: Your book’s title is the most important marketing strategy you have. It can make you, or break you. So how do you write a good book title?
We narrow it down to five basic terms: Simplicity, Appropriateness, Human Interest, Word Play, and Personal Experience.
SIMPLICITY
You can never go wrong with simple words. Answer your readers’ basic question: What is your story all about?
Is it about a person? Go for your character’s name! A place? Write the setting or location where it happened. Going for a one-word title? You go write it down. Remember, simple is memorable; memorable is marketable.
APPROPRIATENESS
Always connect the dots. You can’t write a title that’s not relevant to your story. It doesn’t have to be a total obvious give-away. You can experiment with titles that are subtle, but screams “Aha!” when your readers finally figure out why it’s worded that way, which leads us to the next term.
HUMAN INTEREST
Why should your readers buy your book? What sets your book title apart from other titles on the shelf? Why is this the title of the book? You can spark your readers’ imagination by choosing words that are intriguing and unique. Your title will surely be a hit once you’ve hit the right strings that relate to human interest topics ( e.g. romance, sex, self-help, motivational, conflict).
WORD PLAY
Add a little flare to your title with imagery, poetic devices like rhythm and rhyme, or even figures of speech. The best titles are the ones with catchy word plays that engage your readers’ attention. Let your creative juices flow!
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
In the end, it’s always your call. Your book is your personal experience. You may have even decided your title long ago and it perfectly goes well with your story. But if you’re still confused, relax and take a deep breath. Don’t rush your work. Brainstorm your ideas and edit, edit, edit! Find your own words to fit your writing experience.
Writing the perfect title may seem difficult especially if you want your book to be a reflection of your best effort. After all, it’s your brand, your work of art, and we totally understand the pressure. If you still haven’t figured it out, you can always let your trusted peers evaluate your title (assuming that they know the story), or get yourself a professional editor to help you word your title. If you took the time to perfect your story, you should also take your time in choosing the best title for it. But don’t forget to relax and remember these tips. Good luck!
The Ewings Publishing
At The Ewings Publishing, we believe in the power of storytelling and the potential of every author. Our mission is to help you share your voice with the world and achieve your dreams. If you're ready to take the next step in your writing journey, contact us today! Together, we'll turn your vision into reality. Your story deserves to be told!
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