Here is where it all starts!

This is often the hardest part for writers — “What do I write about?”  

Most people already have a desire or a word in their heart that they want to share with the world. If this is the case then your topic is the easiest part. Usually I will wait until I have a strong word from the Lord and then write about it in a book, blog or article. But once you've written your first few books, this may become more relevant a question to some. 

Let's talk about non-fiction writing for a moment. Grab a pen and paper and start writing down all of your skills (personal and professional), your interests, your hobbies, any significant life challenges you've faced, and any other knowledge you've gained as part of living.   Write down every possible thing you can think of until you've exhausted your brain. Now go back through that list and pick 3-4 topics that you would actually enjoy writing about. If you hate the topic, writing will be drudgery.  

Once you have a few possible topics, break those down into possible sub-topics. For example, if you have an interest in farming, gardening or sewing, then your  sub-topics might include how to sew curtains or hand stitching.  You want your topic to be broad enough that you could write a series of books about various elements of it. It's better to go deep into one aspect of a subject than to try to cover everything in one book.   This gives you the opportunity to build a catalog of books, and it gives your reader more bang for the buck with each book you write.  

After you've selected a few topics, you'll need to do some research to see if the topic is viable and has enough interested readers to make it profitable for you. We explain exactly how to do that research in the free video series I mentioned earlier, so be sure to watch so you understand this critical part of the process. This research can make or break the success of your book.

Let me tell you upfront — you don't have to be an extraordinary writer to write a good book. You just need to be good enough to communicate what you have to say in a clear, concise, and interesting way. 

Write a “rough first draft.” In other words, just get it down on paper and then go back and refine it.  You can get started with these steps:   

1. Decide how much time you can devote to writing each day. Even if it's just 5 minutes, carve that time out as sacred writing time. Don't allow anything or anyone to disturb or distract you.  
2. Write an outline first. Break your topic down into possible chapters or sections, and then bullet point the info that will fit into each of them.  
3. Sit down and write for your allotted time. Just write even if you aren't happy with it. Write in a conversational way so your authentic voice comes through.   
4. Increase your writing time or word count over time. If you want to get more done, set increasingly bigger goals for yourself.  For example, you might have a goal to write 500-1000 words a day. You could finish a 30,000-word non-fiction book in a month or two. For reference, I've written almost 1000 words to this point just on this page!.

We strongly recommend you get an editor to go through your book before you publish it. Obviously we recommend Xtreme Publishing House. Even if you're the most amazing writer in the world, you still need an editor. You need someone to polish your work, make sure it flows, and catch any mistakes. 

Please don't skip this step. It's that important.  Of course you'll want to edit your own book several times before you send it to an editor. Go through it with a fine-tooth comb and re-write and edit carefully. You might even ask someone who's your ideal reader to look at your manuscript before you send it to us or another editor.    

In example, if you're writing a book on parenting teenagers, find someone you know who is the parent of a teenager and ask them to read your draft. Ask for honest feedback so you can make sure the book appeals to the audience you're trying to reach.  

Sometimes asking for honest feedback hurts, but it helps in the long run. Try to have a thick skin when getting this feedback and see it as an opportunity to make your book the best it can be.  Once you feel the book is ready for the editor's finishing touches, then look to a good editor. Xtreme Publishing House can also format your book for publishing for various electronic and print formats.

There's a real art and science to choosing a good title for your book. You want a title that has a “hook” — something short and pithy that really grabs the reader's attention. The subtitle can be longer with more explanation about how the book benefits the reader.   

Go on Amazon and look at some of the bestsellers in your niche. Examine the titles and pay attention to those that really jump out at you. You'll also want to consider some of the SEO keywords in your niche that could be included in your title or subtitle to help readers find your book.  

I like to write several title ideas and then run them by my friends and family. If you have a blog or social media following, you can use that to have people weigh in on your titles.   Try to get a lot of feedback from potential readers to see what resonates with them before you settle on a title that you like. 

Remember that a good title should be relevant to the search phrase that people will type when looking for a book as yours. 

Design your book cover. This is another area of self-publishing where you should hire a pro like Xtreme Publishing House. But many people either want something plain or have the expertise to do it themselves and that's great.. 

Please . . . don't choose a cheesy stock photo and slap up your title just because it's the cheapest way to go. Find someone who regularly designs book covers and pay to have your cover well-designed even it it is not us.   I promise this step will pay off in the long run, as more people will be inclined to buy a book with an eye-catching, great looking cover. 

You will need to write a copy for the back cover of a print version of your book. This copy should focus on the benefits of your book for the reader. Give them a compelling reason why they must have your book.   You only have a little space on the back cover, so be concise and use language that invites the reader to learn more. You can also include a very brief bio and photo of yourself, as well as a testimonial or review praising your book if you want.

Formatting books  is time-consuming and tedious. So unless you just love detail work, try to find an editor who will also handle formatting your book for you.  Most of our publishing packages include basic formatting.

Another reason to hire Xtreme Publishing House is that you want to be sure it's done correctly. It is not to say that no one else can, but you don't want to go to all of the trouble to write your book, only to have it look like a mess when someone opens it to read it. You want to ensure your book follows all of the rules and requirements of proper formatting

Publish your print book!

Send your manuscript to Xtreme Publishing House for an initial review. We will advise what other work is needed, if any and provide you with the opportunity to revise it. This initial overview and review is a part of any package you choose.

Depending on which publishing package you choose, the amount of work you do verses the amount of work we do, will vary.

Once your book is formatted for print, and your cover designs (front, back and spine) are completed, you can upload all of the files to us at Xtreme Publishing House and we will walk you through the rest of the process to completion of your printed or electronic book (or both). Once you reach this point of final submission, it is only a matter of days before your first book is printed! 

Promote your book. 

So now that your book is published, you'll be waiting for the cash to start rolling in, right? You will need to spread the word and do everything you can to market and promote your book.  

If your package comes with an author page with purchase links, or if you already have a website, you will want to promote that. If you have a blog, be sure to write about your book and how it will help your readers. If you have an email list, be sure you send out an email announcing your new book. Use social media as well to spread the word.  

You might also consider writing guest posts on relevant blogs about your topic with a link to your author page in the bio of the guest post. You can offer your books through various other channels, like Amazon or Barnes & Noble, 

Another good area to promote your book is local Christian bookstores. Most local booksellers are happy to host an author book signing, its a win-win venue for them to host.

Xtreme Publishing House has some marketing tools and plans for you to choose from if you like. 

Keep marketing your book regularly so it doesn't get lost in obscurity.

Start writing your next book!

The best way to become a better writer and to sell more books is by writing more books. Think about creating a catalog of books around your topic, so people interested in your topic will be more inclined to by from you.  

The more books you write, the more income your books will bring you monthly. 

Always have a book in process, and you'll discover with a regular writing habit, you can publish several books a year.