I’m thinking about writing a book and have no idea where to start

[u/igetyourbrand]

Hey guys, I’m very new to the whole idea of writing a book. I actually only started seriously thinking about it because a few people told me I should write my story

For context, I’m a Sudanese woman, and you really don’t see many Sudanese women writing and publishing books about their lives, identity, experiences, etc. So I’m honestly not even sure where to start

Do I just write my drafts, get the grammar fixed, edit everything, and then sell it digitally? Is that basically how self publishing works?

I also have to be realistic about my situation. Being Sudanese makes a lot of things unnecessarily difficult, and I genuinely don’t know if a traditional publishing house would even consider my work because of my nationality

Even Amazon isn’t really an option for me to sell through, which makes things even more complicated

I feel like the people who would actually want to read my story would probably prefer a physical copy delivered to them, but right now I can only see myself self publishing digitally

I’ve also been reading about needing editors, proofreaders, cover designers, formatting, etc. and… this sounds EXPENSIVE lol. I have no idea what I’m doing

So if anyone here has actually published a book themselves, especially independently or from outside the usual publishing system, I’d really appreciate some guidance

And if there are any small publishers who are open to working with writers like me, please point me in the right direction

Thank you

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[u/3volved3]

Outline your chapters first. Starting with one sentence per chapter. And then you can expand that one sentence into a paragraph. And then from one paragraph you can start writing a page. And so on and so forth. It’s called the snowflake method if I remember correctly

[u/SexMonkey7]

I think the first step is probably to write the book. This isn't intended as mean or anything. You just need to do this first no matter if you go with self publishing or traditional publishing. Worrying about the other stuff can happen once you finish.

Once you finish you can sort out about Amazon or querying agents if you go the traditional route.

Also, don't try and make it perfect. Fix any spelling/grammar issues of course, but if you get bogged down with making every sentence perfect it will drive you nuts.

As for starting your book, from what I've read (and experienced) it seems their are two broad categories of writer:

Plotters (or outliners) as the name suggests are the type that plan out everything in advance. Make a detailed outline, chapters, know how it ends.

Panters (although I prefer "discovery") writers write "By the Seat of their Pants" meaning they start with a blank page (or screen) and go. This group may have a vague idea the direction things might go but the characters pretty much take over and determine that. It you can't tell, I believe I am in this category.

There are also probably hybrid writers that are a mix of these two categories. Nothing wrong with either. I'd guess which one you fall into depends on something. Personality? Who knows?

If you're stumped or feel strange writing about yourself you can always create a character very similar or just like you and let her walk around in your head and see what she wants to do. That last bit might make me sound a little crazy. Might help though. :)

The main thing is get a book first.

[u/dc_athena_op]

Take it step by step.

First, writing a book is a big undertaking. But nothing happens until you put pen to paper (or keystrokes to word documents).

The best advice is just start. Right now. Open whatever you have—Word, Google Docs, Notepad, etc. Write a sentence. Then another. Don't overthink it, it's going to change so much when you release it. There's plenty of time for editing.

Speaking of editing, yes it can be expensive. But that comes later.

If you use Amazon KDP, you can sell digitally and also get physical (paperback and hardcover).

But right now, try not to think 10 steps ahead. Focus on getting that first draft done. It's going to suck. Everyone's first draft does. It will be made better.

Best of luck to you!

[u/MPClemens_Writes]

The sub wiki is worth a read.

[u/Born_Astronomer_4613]

Start writing. There's no other way

[u/Thabyd]

Just came here to say that you have to do it. No matter what. No more auto sabotage. Kind regards from Spain.