Link to this page

Book Writing Help Step 1

Identify the Problem Your Book Will Solve

Award-winning writer Kathy Widenhouse has helped hundreds of nonprofits and writers produce successful content and has gained 600K+ views for her writing tutorials. She is the author of 9 books. See more of Kathy’s content here.

“I need book writing help!”

Getting started writing a book, Step 1 with Word Wise at Nonprofit Copywriter

I hear that all the time.  Writing a book can seem overwhelming. Where should you begin? What should you do first? 

Here’s the truth: a book is just a series of small bits of writing, strung together. To write a book, simply break down the whole into smaller parts. 

Then complete each small part, one at a time.

When you break the process into smaller steps, writing a book can be a reality. One step is manageable. Do a few steps and soon, you’ll be on your way. 

Book Writing Help Step 1

A good book addresses a problem and explains a way to solve it. 

  1. What problem will your book solve?
  2. How will your book solve it?

Your answers to these two questions drill down the topic of your book. 

You may have a fair idea about what your book will be about … you may have been gathering information for a long time …. you may have no topic idea at all and you simply want to write a book.

Or you may be anywhere in between those places.

Once you are able to articulate the problem your book will solve and the solution, you will be on your way to writing your book.

How to Identify the Problem Your Book Will Solve

Choose a problem that interests you. If you know you want to write a book but you don’t know exactly what you want to write about, start with a topic that captures your attention.  You’ll be spending a great deal of time understanding this problem and writing about how to solve it. Make sure you are interested in it.

Choose a problem with which you have experience. It could be personal know-how or information you have acquired (or are eager to acquire during the writing process.) Experience allows you to write with the voice of authenticity and authority.

Choose a problem with a solution.  Ask yourself if the topic presents helpful information. Does it have potential to positively affect people’s lives? Is it entertaining or humorous? Will the content answer questions or impart a deeper understanding about people or the world? Will it address a topic that is relevant? Does the book tell a story that has yet to be told?

Choose a problem with a solution that you believe in. Your name will be on this book for a long time. Make sure your investment is well placed.

Take a Step to Write Your Book

Complete Book Writing Help Step 1 by filling in the two blanks.

My book explains [problem:                          ] to readers

so they can [solution:                        ].


More about Writing a Book

Getting started writing a book ...

How to Use a Personalized Book Writing Plan to Get Your Book Done ...

5 Places to Find Book Ideas ...

Test Your Book Idea with These 4 Questions ...

Tips on Writing a Book (Before You Get Started Writing) ...

E-Books Versus Print Books: Which Do Readers Prefer? 

How to Write a Book Summary that Sells Your Book ...

Top Tip for Selling Your Book ...

Book Writing Help Step 2: Identify your readers ...

Book Writing Help Step 3: Find your book's unique niche ...

Book Writing Help Step 4: Write a Summary Sentence ...

Book Writing Help Step 5: Choose a Publishing Platform ...

Book Writing Help Step 6: Write a Book Outline and Chapter Plan ...

Book Writing Help Step 7: Create a Writing Plan ...

6 Tips for Writing Good Copy for Your Book Jacket ...

How to Get Book Reviews For Free ...

Writing eBooks: Frequently Asked Questions ...

More inspiration from our Writing a Book Pinterest board...

Return from Book Writing Help, Step 1 to Nonprofit Copywriter home

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Powered by SBI! Learn more here.
Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Search This Site


Share This Page



writers-digest-logo

Named to 2022 Writer's Digest list
BEST GENRE/NICHE WRITING WEBSITE

nonprofit-courses-content-expert-logo-round
Get Free Writing Tips

Stop Wasting Time!

Grab your exclusive FREE guide, "5 Simple Writing Tips You Can Put to Use in 10 Minutes or Less"

XML RSSSubscribe To This Site
  • XML RSS
  • follow us in feedly
  • Add to My Yahoo!