How to Start Writing a Book: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide
A practical beginner's guide on how to start writing a book: find your idea, choose plotter or pantser, set a writing routine, write a messy first draft and finish.
In this article
- Step 1: Choose One Idea
- Step 2: Write Your One-Sentence Premise
- Step 3: Decide How Much to Plan
- Step 4: Get to Know Your Main Character
- Step 5: Set a Realistic Writing Routine
- Step 6: Write a Messy First Draft
- Step 7: Push Through the Middle
- Step 8: Finish, Rest, Then Revise
- Step 9: Get Feedback
- Tools That Can Help
- Frequently Asked Questions
To start writing a book, pick one idea you're excited about, write a one-sentence summary of it, decide how much you'll plan before drafting, set a small daily or weekly word goal, and begin writing a messy first draft without editing as you go. Most first-time writers don't fail because they lack talent; they fail because they never finish a draft. Your only job at the beginning is to get words on the page consistently.
This guide breaks the process into simple steps.
Step 1: Choose One Idea
Many beginners have dozens of ideas and can't pick. Choose the one that:
- Excites you enough to work on for months
- Has a character who wants something and faces an obstacle
- You'd want to read yourself
Don't worry if the idea isn't original. As we discuss in our guide to fairy tale retellings, many great books retell old stories. Execution matters more than novelty.
Step 2: Write Your One-Sentence Premise
Summarize your book in one sentence. A helpful formula:
When [inciting event], a [character] must [goal] before/or else [stakes].
Example: When her village is threatened by a dragon, a stubborn blacksmith's daughter must forge a weapon from a fallen star before the next full moon, or lose everyone she loves.
If you can't write this sentence, you may need to think more about your character's goal and what's at stake.
Step 3: Decide How Much to Plan
Writers fall on a spectrum:
| Style | Approach | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plotter | Outline the story before drafting | Fewer dead ends; faster drafting | Can feel rigid |
| Pantser (discovery writer) | Write without an outline and discover the story | Spontaneous, surprising | More rewriting later |
| Plantser (hybrid) | Plan key points, discover the rest | Balanced | Requires some trial and error |
For beginners: a light outline often helps. Know your beginning, a few key turning points and a rough ending. Our guide to the three-act structure gives you a simple framework.
Step 4: Get to Know Your Main Character
Before or while you write, answer:
- What does your character want?
- What do they need (often different from what they want)?
- What's their biggest fear or flaw?
- What will they have to sacrifice?
Characters with clear desires drive the story forward.
Step 5: Set a Realistic Writing Routine
Consistency beats inspiration. Choose a goal you can actually hit:
- Daily: 300–500 words, or 20–30 minutes
- Weekly: 2,000–3,000 words across a few sessions
A typical novel is roughly 70,000–100,000 words, depending on the genre. At 500 words a day, that's a first draft in about five to seven months.
Practical tips:
- Write at the same time each day to build a habit.
- Track your word count in a notebook or spreadsheet.
- Remove distractions: put your phone in another room.
- Protect your writing time like an appointment.
Step 6: Write a Messy First Draft
This is the most important rule: don't edit while you draft.
- Leave notes like
[CHECK THIS]or[DESCRIBE THE CASTLE LATER]and move on. - If you're stuck on a scene, skip it and write the next one.
- Allow yourself to write badly. You can't edit a blank page.
The goal of the first draft is to tell yourself the story. Revision is where you make it good.
Step 7: Push Through the Middle
Almost every writer hits a slump around the middle of the book. The excitement fades, and doubt creeps in. To get through it:
- Raise the stakes. Add a complication or reveal a secret.
- Revisit your premise to remember why you started.
- Write the scene you're most excited about, even if it's out of order.
If you feel completely stuck, see our guide on how to overcome writer's block.
Step 8: Finish, Rest, Then Revise
When you finish your draft, celebrate. Then put it away for a few weeks. When you return, you'll see it with fresh eyes. Revise in layers:
- Big picture: plot, structure, character arcs
- Scenes: does each one have a purpose and conflict?
- Line level: prose, dialogue, clarity
- Proofreading: spelling and grammar
Our guide to common writing mistakes helps you spot problems during revision.
Step 9: Get Feedback
Share your revised draft with beta readers, a writing group or a critique partner. Ask specific questions: Where did you get bored? Which character felt flat? Did the ending feel earned?
Tools That Can Help
- A simple word processor is enough for most writers.
- Dedicated writing software can help organize long projects with chapters, notes and research.
- A notebook for ideas when you're away from your desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start writing a book with no experience?
Choose one idea, write a one-sentence premise, set a small daily goal and write a rough first draft without editing. Experience comes from finishing drafts.
How long does it take to write a book?
It varies widely. At 500 words a day, a 70,000-word first draft takes about five months, plus time for revision.
Should I outline my book first?
It depends on your style. Many beginners find a light outline helpful, but some writers prefer to discover the story as they draft.
What should I write first, the beginning or the end?
Most writers start at the beginning, but you can write any scene first. Some writers find that knowing the ending helps them aim the story.
How many words are in a novel?
Most adult novels fall between about 70,000 and 100,000 words, though genre expectations vary.
