Whether you are writing a nonfiction book or a novel, taking the time to prepare an outline before you begin the actual writing can pay dividends later in terms of saving time and frustration--and building your confidence. Nonfiction authors often prepare very detailed chapter outlines that show what ideas will be covered or questions that will be answered. It can be of great help to sit down to work each day and know what you will be writing about. Fiction writers sometimes prefer to just outline the beginning and ending of their novel, and let their imagination fill in the space between.
Most writers have days when ideas don't flow, when crafting prose seems unusually difficult. Some writers just put their project away and do something else. But veteran authors stay at their desk and keep trying until their mind focuses and the words begin to flow. Many published authors write nearly every day. They find this sort of discipline keeps their minds sharp. And they finish their manuscripts on time.
Writing a book can seem like a lonely task. It's just you versus the stack of blank paper you hope to fill with interesting, exciting words. One way to stay motivated is to keep a log of the word count of your manuscript, and reward yourself when you reach milestones such as 50 percent completion. The reward could be an afternoon off or lunch at your favorite restaurant.
Beginning authors sometimes think the first draft of their manuscript should be nearly perfect and ready for publication. Veteran authors know that a good manuscript becomes great through a process of diligent revision. They know the first draft may not flow they way they want. It may have incomplete sections. In the case of fiction, the characters may not yet seem fully alive. Instead of being discouraged by the first draft, they view it as a basis to use in making the manuscript as good as it can be. In reality, completing the first draft is the hardest part. Now, they have something to work with.
No one wants to face criticism, so it can be difficult for writers to invite other people to read a manuscript they have just completed. Having people you trust provide their comments or ideas can be invaluable to getting a manuscript ready to send to a publisher. Because writers are so close to their work, they often overlook sections that are not clear, are too wordy or are incomplete. Some bestselling authors go so far as to have a group of associates, five or more, who read their manuscripts and provide feedback. If each person has the same question or comment, the author knows it might be an issue they need to address as they finalize the literary work.