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The title of this article is not an original one, but it’s been around so long, I can’t even remember when or where I first heard it. In the context of writing a nonfiction book, it simply means, you need a writing plan that clearly lays out the deadlines for each segment of the content. First, you need to know how much time you have; second, you have to slot everything you have to write to be sure it all fits in the time allotted.
1. Make a what you have to write.
For the front and back covers, you will need your title and subtitle, a brief descriptive paragraph about the book, your bio, and a couple of powerful endorsements, which you won’t have until the book is written. Skip the copyright page for now. The publisher, whoever that might be, will supply it later. You will write the preface ... introduction ... acknowledgments ... index ... bibliography ... and appendices after you finish the heart of the book. The table of contents are already done (if you wrote a book proposal). The chapters, of course, are going to take the most time and concentration.
2. Write down these dates:
- Today’s date
- Deadline for each chapter
- Deadline for each section of “front matter” (preface, introduction acknowledgements)
- Deadline for each section of “back matter” (index, bibliography, appendices)
- Deadline for first draft
- Deadline for revisions & second draft
- Deadline for final draft
- Deadline for edited copy
- Deadline for revisions & third draft
- Deadline for copy edited copy
- Deadline for revisions & final draft
- Drop-dead deadline for copy-edited, proofread, ready-to-go-to-the-publisher-or-printer manuscript
3. Set your deadlines.
The deadlines may be those you set for yourself or those set for you by a publisher. In either case, they are sacrosanct. The time between today’s date and when you plan to have your first draft complete is all the time you have. Everything on the list, from front cover to index, if you choose to write them, must fit in that time frame. You already know that the chapters are the heart of the book, but the preface and introduction are every bit as important. Remember, the former is personal, and the latter is informative. Be sure to give them the proper tone.
4. Starting with your drop-dead deadline, work backwards to the present.
Starting from the deadline for the first draft, work backwards to determine exactly how much time you have, what has to be done, and how long each segment will take. Set mini-deadlines for yourself for each segment, and block them out on a large calendar. Be realistic. If it can’t be done in the time allotted, something has to be changed, and it may be your deadline. If you are self-publishing, you can move your own deadlines; if you are working with a conventional publisher, deadlines can be negotiated. When they are impossible, you have a right to say so ... before you sign the contract.
5. Take a hard look at reality.
Setting deadlines isn’t easy, but it is essential if you’re serious about writing a book. You must know how long the process will take and whether what you have to do can be done in the time you have. If it can’t be done, face reality. Trying to do the impossible is a recipe for frustration and failure. If, on the other hand, you can do it with good planning and self-discipline, you will feel a sense of relief. The facts are clear; you have faced them head on; and you know you are up to the challenge. The rest is up to you.
6 Steps to Writing a Nonfiction Book • 7 Questions to Ask Before You Write Your Book • 7 Ways to Promote Your Nonfiction Book • 7 Ways to Research Your Nonfiction Book • 7 Ways a Book Coach Can Help You Write Your Nonfiction Book • Between the Covers of Your Nonfiction Book • Do you have a book in you? • How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal • Plan Your Work: Work Your Plan • Ya Gotta Have a System
About Bobbi Linkemer
Bobbi Linkemer is a ghostwriter, editor, and the author of 12 books under her own name. She has been a professional writer for 40 years, a magazine editor and journalist, and a book-writing teacher. Her clients range from Fortune 100 companies to entrepreneurs who want to write books in order to enhance their credibility and build their businesses. Visit her Website at: http://www.WriteANonfictionBook.com.
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