If sitting in front of a computer, plugging away at your book, sounds more like a miserable chore than a satisfying means of creative expression, you’re not alone. I hear it from people all the time: “I just don’t like to write.” Well, all hope of publishing a business or self-help nonfiction book is not lost.
Here are three ways to get your book done, with as little writing as possible.
1. Transcribe a Speech
If you’re a speaker, then recording a talk and then having it transcribed is a great way to get your book started. I will caution you, though, that this isn’t quite as easy as it sounds. I’ve worked with some of the most eloquent folks in the business, and even their transcripts need edited to make their words work on the page. If you’re not a trained professional speaker, chances are your transcripts will need some serious work. But if you prefer talking to writing, this is a great way to start.
Another option is using a speech to text software and talking through your book. I’ve never used software like this, but I’ve heard great things about Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Keep in mind–you’ll either need to edit the text or hire someone to do it for you because words don’t come out of our mouths in good, complete, readable sentences.
2. Recycle Past Writing
If you have a body of content, maybe from articles or blog posts, this is a great way to avoid much of the drafting process. Look at what content you already have–anything, including ebooks, blog posts, articles, and reports, is fair game. And see how you can make it fit into the book you want to write. I’ve had clients who only had to write an introduction and conclusion for their book. Granted, this approach requires having written before, because you have to have the material to recycle, but it’s a big time- and effort-saver.
3. Hire a Ghostwriter
When you really don’t want to write your book, you can always hire someone to do it for you. When you enter into a contract with a ghost, you will (in most arrangements) pay the writer for their services and then you’ll keep all the rights to the book. Your name will appear on the cover, and you can choose whether or not to reveal the fact that you didn’t actually sit at your computer and write the book. In other situations, you may share rights and profits from sales, but the specifics depend on your arrangement with the writer.
Is this cheating? No, and many people wouldn’t be able to author a book any other way. Plus, a skilled ghostwriter will be able to interview the author about the material, organize everything into an effective book, and capture the author’s unique voice on the page–often much better than the author could do on their own.
Writing Your Book, Without Actually Writing It
If your dream is to see your name on the cover of a book, but you hate to write, then fear not! When you use one of these methods (or a combination of the three) you can author your business/self-help book without ever typing a word.
Comments? Have any other non-writing ways to write a book? I’d love to hear them.
About the Author: Melinda Copp helps self-employed professionals, coaches, consultants, and speakers write and publish to establish expertise, attract a following of ideal readers and clients, and make more money. Get a free copy of her Write Your Book Quick-Start Mini E-course when you sign up for her weekly e-zine.