Write It Right – Book Pubs’ Pro Tips for Aspiring Authors

You’ve got a story to tell. Maybe it’s been brewing in your journal, floating in your Notes app, or keeping you up at night whispering, “Write me.” The dream of publishing your book might feel big—maybe even overwhelming. But here’s the truth: writing a book isn’t just for literary elites. With the right tools, mindset, and guidance, you can write it right and make it real.

At Book Pubs, we’ve seen it all—from first-time authors with zero experience to seasoned writers needing a fresh perspective. Along the way, we’ve gathered some real-deal, boots-on-the-ground tips that can help you move from "someday" to “book launch day.” Let’s dig into our top writing tips for aspiring authors who are ready to finally make it happen.

1. Don’t Write the Book, Write the Blueprint

Before you type Chapter One, pause. Breathe. Get your roadmap ready. Think of your book like a house—you wouldn’t start building without a blueprint, right?

Plotting isn’t just for novelists. Memoirists, nonfiction writers, and even poetry authors benefit from having a clear outline. Whether it’s chapter breakdowns, story arcs, or bullet points scribbled on a napkin, this plan will keep you from wandering off mid-book.

Start by asking yourself:

• Who’s my audience?
• What’s the purpose of this book?
• How should the journey unfold?

This clarity upfront saves you loads of time—and sanity—later on.

2. Write Like No One’s Watching (Because They’re Not…Yet)

One of the biggest mental roadblocks new writers face? Worrying about what people will think. “Will anyone even like this?” “What if I’m no good?”

Truth is, nobody’s reading it yet. That’s your superpower right now. Give yourself permission to write the roughest, rawest first draft possible. It doesn’t need to be pretty—it just needs to exist. The magic happens in the editing. But first, you’ve got to get those words on the page.

Turn off spellcheck. Block your inner critic. Lock perfectionism out of the room. This is your creative sandbox—get messy.

3. Build a Writing Routine That Actually Works for You

Forget the Instagram aesthetic of writing at 5 a.m. in candlelight while sipping artisan coffee. If that works for you, great—but it’s not the only way.

The key is consistency over intensity. Write 300 words a day? Awesome. Only have time on weekends? That’s fine too. The point is to find your rhythm and protect it like gold.

A few tips to make it stick:

• Set realistic goals (daily, weekly, monthly).
• Create a space—physical or digital—that feels inspiring.
• Use a writing tracker or app to celebrate progress.
• Reward yourself for sticking to it.

It’s not about writing fast—it’s about writing steadily.

4. Don’t Edit While You Write—Just Don’t

This tip right here might save your entire writing process: writing and editing are two completely different brain functions. Trying to do both at once is like trying to build a sandcastle during a hurricane.

Editing while writing stalls momentum. It makes you question every sentence before it even has a chance to breathe. So separate the two phases. First draft? Let it flow. Second draft? Bring out the red pen.

A little trick: write with a font you hate (Comic Sans, anyone?) so you’re not tempted to beautify. Save your inner editor for the second (or third) round.

5. Read Like a Writer

Want to sharpen your writing voice? Read. A lot. But don’t just read passively—read like a writer.

Take notes. Notice sentence structure. Highlight dialogue that sings. Underline pacing that keeps you turning the page. Dissect what works and what doesn’t, and let that fuel your own writing.

And don’t just stick to your genre. If you’re writing a sci-fi novel, dive into romance. Working on a memoir? Try some thrillers. Expanding your reading palette can stretch your creativity in unexpected ways.

6. Feedback is Fuel (Even If It Stings a Little)

Getting feedback on your writing is like looking in a mirror—it can be a bit uncomfortable at first, but it’s also essential. The goal isn’t to tear your work apart; it’s to make it stronger.

Start with a trusted friend or fellow writer who gets your vision. Then, consider a professional editor or writing coach for deeper insight. The good ones won’t just point out what’s wrong—they’ll show you how to fix it.

Remember: constructive criticism isn’t personal. It’s professional. And every writer, no matter how seasoned, needs it.

7. Know When to Ask for Help

There’s a reason even bestselling authors have teams—writing might be personal, but publishing is a group effort. From editing and formatting to cover design and distribution, there’s a lot that goes into turning your manuscript into a shelf-worthy book.

That’s where expert support can make a world of difference. Knowing when to bring in the pros is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. Whether it’s help polishing your prose or navigating the self-publishing maze, a knowledgeable partner can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.

8. Don’t Just Publish—Professionally Publish

Self-publishing doesn’t mean DIY everything. Readers can spot an amateur effort a mile away, and trust us—they judge a book by its cover, layout, typos, and formatting quirks.

Publishing professionally means treating your book with the same care a traditional publisher would. That means clean editing, a killer cover, crisp formatting, and intentional marketing.

It’s not about being flashy. It’s about giving your story the polished platform it deserves.

The Final Chapter: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

If you’ve made it this far, you’re already way ahead of most aspiring authors. You’re researching, preparing, and taking this dream seriously—and that’s huge. But here’s a little secret we’ve learned: no one writes and publishes a book completely solo.

That’s why having a trusted team in your corner matters.

At Book Pubs, we’ve worked with hundreds of writers from idea stage to publication day, and we know how important it is to feel supported, not sold to. We’re not here to just slap your name on a spine—we’re here to help shape your vision into something lasting. Whether it’s through editing, ghostwriting, formatting, or guidance through the publishing process, we’re the kind of quiet partners who make your voice shine.

So, when you're ready to take the next step—whether that’s getting feedback on a manuscript or figuring out the publishing path that makes sense for your goals—know that you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

We’re here when you need us. Until then, keep writing it right.