Activate Your Plan to Write a Book in 2024

Ok, aspiring authors, it’s time to activate your plan to write a book in 2024. 

As the new year signals a time for renewed goals and resolutions, there’s no better time than now, mainly because there’s never the “right” or “perfect” time. 

If writing a book has always been your goal, I’m here to be your coach and cheerleader by giving you tips on how to plan and write your book – even with a busy schedule.

While all of life’s daily obligations – businesses, families, children, careers – will always be a challenge, never doubt that you have a story to tell, experience and expertise to share and a point-of-view that will resonate with others. 

The key is to take the time to plan and follow the right steps so you can approach your book-writing efficiently and effectively.

When you do, it becomes less daunting and more manageable.

So, this guide is your starting point to activate your plan to write a book in 2024 by taking small, intentional steps that are proven to create momentum and inspiration.

Let’s start at the beginning because your vision for your book will act as your guiding light.

Why the heck do you want to write a book anyway?

Before you write a single word, it’s crucial to delve deep into your motivation. 

Why do you want to write this book? Is it to share your unique perspective, to educate, to inspire?

While your book will be about you, it’s not for you and here’s what I mean…

To sell a book that others relate to, your book has to have a deeper purpose or message other than a retelling of your story. 

When you can understand your motivation for writing your book and how it will help others, you’ll have clarity and direction.

Nailing down your why seems like such a simple concept, but it can prove a little challenging to articulate when you get into the weeds.

Here are some common reasons why authors write books to get your inspirational juices flowing:

To Share Knowledge and Expertise: 

Many authors are experts in their fields and choose to write books to share their knowledge and insights with a broader audience. This is particularly true for non-fiction writers who specialize in areas like business or self-help, where they aim to educate and inform readers.

To Express Themselves Creatively: 

Writing a book can be a profound expression of creativity. Authors often write to explore new ideas, experiment with language, and creatively express their thoughts, feelings, and perspectives.

To Influence or Inspire Change: 

Are you motivated to bring about change and make an impact? I’ve worked with many authors, such as Chrissy King, Ana Homayoun, and Jen Winston, who want to raise awareness, challenge the status quo, inspire action, or offer new perspectives on important issues.

To Grow Your Business or Advance Your Professional Career: 

Writing a book can be a strategic move in a professional career. For many, a published book enhances credibility and authority in their field, opens new opportunities for speaking engagements, consulting, or media appearances, and can be a stepping stone to further professional achievements.

To Share Your Story and Fulfill Your Goal: 

Some aspiring authors get caught up thinking their book idea could be loftier and more worthy of pursuing. But, many of the most successful books touch the reader because they can relate to the content. 

Your ‘why’ is the only reason you need to activate your plan for your book in 2024, and in the next section, we’ll cover how to create a realistic plan.

Creating a Realistic Plan To Write A Book in 2024

Balancing a successful career and demanding life with writing a book might seem daunting, but it’s achievable with a well-thought-out plan. 

In my Book Proposal Blueprint program, I walk students through a manageable process that allows planning and writing to fit into your schedule – even if it’s just a few hours a week. 

Here are my top recommendations to action your book plan:

1. Gaining Clarity and Audience Insight Before Writing

Start by dripping content, teaching and storytelling some of your book’s content to get a feel for how your audience will respond. 

You don’t even have to share that you’re writing a book! Talking about what you want to write about allows you to do informal research among a focus group so you can see what resonates. 

2. Market Research and Unique Contributions

Before starting your book proposal – your first step in writing your book – dive into market research. 

Understand what’s already out there in your genre. Analyze reviews and reader feedback to identify where your book can add new perspectives or insights, enriching the existing conversation.

3. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Building Writing Discipline

If you face self-doubt, kick it to the curb by taking consistent action. 

All writers face imposter syndrome and I’ve had some really helpful conversations on my podcast, Bound + Determined. Click here and here to listen.

I recommend establishing a writing routine in short bursts throughout the day when you can fit it in. This builds your writing muscle and helps you discover your most productive writing times.

4. Expanding Writing Skills and Creative Engagement

Spend time writing! It may seem obvious, but the more you write, the easier it will come. Start by blogging, writing detailed social media posts or emailing your network or newsletter list consistently. 

By doing so, you’ll enhance your writing skills and ignite your creativity, building momentum and further inspiration for your book.  

5. Leveraging Learning from Experienced Authors 

Listen to podcasts like this one to learn from those who have already navigated the writing and publishing path. Their experiences provide practical advice, inspiration, and a sense of connectedness to a broader community of writers.

6. Staying Motivated and Accountable:

Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether you’re writing your book proposal or deep into writing your manuscript, there will be days when inspiration flows and others when it seems elusive. 

Stay motivated by remembering your ‘why’ and the potential impact of your book. 

Finding an accountability partner or joining a writers’ group can be the necessary support and encouragement to keep you on track and in positive spirits.

Another way to ensure you make good on your plan to write a book is to seek an expert who will lovingly(!) hold you to your goals. 

In the next section, I’ll share why I recommend seeking expert feedback and the benefits for aspiring writers who’ve struggled with making their book dreams come true in the past.

The Benefit of Thought Partnership and Guidance

The best book proposals have been edited many times based on what you learned in the initial stages of conceptualizing your book and the feedback from experienced editors, book coaches and agents.

That’s why whenever I meet aspiring authors, I recommend seeking feedback from a professional coach. 

The truth is you can’t be expected to know what you don’t know. The book business is tricky to navigate without an inside perspective and someone with connections to agents and publishers. 

I’ve been in the book business for decades and have helped many authors navigate the common pitfalls and find a book deal and publisher that best suits them. 

In addition to those key benefits, there are many more, including:

Enhanced Clarity and Direction: 

Expert feedback can provide critical insights into your book’s structure, theme, and narrative flow. They can offer the clarity and direction to transform a good proposal into a great one.

Objective Perspective and Professional Expertise: 

Writing is a solitary act, which is why it’s so helpful to get a fresh perspective to see how you can refine and improve your work.

Experts bring an objective and trained eye to your writing, identifying strengths and weaknesses you might overlook. 

Another major consideration is how you’ll market your book. It’s imperative to have a promotional plan included in your book proposal to show agents and publishers that you have a plan to sell your book when it publishes.

What might a supportive feedback session look like? Attend the next free Aspiring Author’s Assembly to get a sense of my style and meet other aspiring writers.

Don’t put off your plan! Write a book in 2024

I hope this blog post has given you a solid starting point to get your book dreams going. 

With a clear purpose, a realistic plan, and a commitment to your goal, you can transform your professional expertise and personal insights into a compelling book proposal. 

Here’s to a year of writing, personal discovery and major milestones on your book journey!