10 time saving book writing tips
Struggling to find time to write is one of the biggest things that stops people from both starting and finishing their book.
Some get stuck, so they find something else to do instead.
Others get in their own way. They wonder if they know enough or worry about what others might think.
And many simply feel like there are not enough hours in the day!
Then their book quickly slips down the bottom of their to do list.
If you’ve got a dream to write a book and you’re fed up with lack of time being your number one enemy, then you’ll love this blog.
Here are 10 time-saving book writing tips that will help you to get your book written quicker, easier and with less stress!
1. Get clear on when and how you write at your best
In our Get Started workbook, one of the questions we ask will help you to work out when you write at your best.
When you’re starting out, this may feel like trial and error, but once you’ve worked out your rhythm, and made sure that the time that you’ve set aside for writing is your creative time, then it will be easier to get into flow.
Also work out how you write at your best – do you prefer to type, hand-write, or speak your words into a phone app?
2. Block out time in your diary to write
Most clients achieve the greatest success when they block out non-negotiable writing time in their diary. For some this may be a consistent hour a day, but many people do their best work when they have a good chunk of time to write with no distractions.
This is one of the reasons why we introduced our Make It Happen days this year. As one of our clients said in January: “I did everything I could the day before so that I was clear for the day to write my book”. And she did!
3. Eliminate clutter and distractions
If you have managed to carve out some good quality time for writing, eliminate distractions and clutter before you start. Turn off your emails, turn your phone off and put it face down on your desk (or in another room so you’re not tempted to pick it up!), and focus solely on your book. You may find it useful to set a timer so that you know when you can take a break and check in with others.
4. Take time away to write
If you want to get quick and effective results, block out a longer chunk of time to write. Some clients go away to write their book, as time away in a creative space can help you to get many thousands of words written. But it’s easy to get stuck without the right support. That’s why we run our writing retreats in the UK and Spain, as we can give you the time and space for writing, and will support you if you get stuck!
5. Find your creative space
If you carry out client work whilst sitting at your desk, this type of work is anchored to this position, so I do suggest you find another space to write. Some clients go to a hotel, library or other place for this task. This means that they are less likely to become distracted by other things (or people). This is another plus for the writing retreats, as who wouldn’t be inspired by one of our beautiful locations!
6. Have a structure and a plan
There’s a good reason why we spend a day with most one-to-one clients before they start to write their book. We work with them to get their ideas out of their head and into a structure that helps them to write it.
It makes it so much quicker and easier to write when you have a plan, as you know what’s coming next and you can dip in and out of your writing. Also when you have a proposed date for your launch, you can see all of your future milestones and deadlines. It will feel less overwhelming and you’re more likely to make it happen in a timely manner, thus saving you time in the long-term.
7. Have accountability and support to motivate you
We speak to many people who have started their book but have got stuck and never finished it. For some this is due to time and for others they may have faced negative feedback that has stopped them from taking further action. This is why we advise that you have a coach, mentor or a very good friend to keep you on track, encourage you and ensure that you reach your deadlines.
8. Get feedback on your writing
I recently spoke to a client who told me that before he met Sheryl and myself he had spent six months writing the wrong stuff. His biggest nugget that he now shares with others is to "get advice before you start". He wasted this time going off at a tangent, but now he’s back on track. He is half way through writing the right book, and he’s also getting feedback each step of the way.
9. Develop confidence in your writing
One of the areas where some clients get stuck is they start to lose belief in their abilities. You may get negative feedback from someone close to you, and it’s so easy for a throwaway comment to have a huge impact on your writing, Or you may start to doubt whether you know enough and how your book is different from other books that have been written. That’s why working one-to-one with a mentor or on one of our writing retreats will help you.
10. Be clear how your book fits into your business
If you’re writing a business building book then your book should not stand alone. It should have a clear place in your business and sales funnel. When you can see how your book fits in and how it will help you and your clients, you’re more likely to craft the time and space to make your book happen!
How to make time for your book
I hope you found these book writing tips useful. If you’d like help to create time and space to write your book, then please get in touch.
We know that through working with our clients, they achieve better and quicker results as they are committed to their book. They get support, confidence-boosting and feedback, and they’re more likely to both start and finish their book.
Whether you’d like to join one of our Make It Happen days, a writing retreat or work with us one-to-one, we’d love to help you.
What do you need to do next to make time to write your book?
Click here to get in touch and to arrange a call.