What Are the 7 Steps to Writing a Book?

Writing a book can seem overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. With the right process and tools, you can move from blank page to published draft in a structured and stress-free way. Whether you're working on fiction, non-fiction, or a business book, using Google Docs alongside a smart writing workflow can simplify your journey.

In this guide, we’ll break down the 7 essential steps to writing a book , and how tools like Docswrite.com can make your writing process more efficient.

1. Define Your Book Idea

Start with a clear concept. Ask yourself:

1. What is the main message or story I want to share?
   
2. Who is my target audience?
   
3. Why is this book important now?
   

Use a fresh Google Doc to brain-dump ideas, jot down questions, and refine your core theme. Google Docs makes it easy to collaborate or revisit your notes later.

2. Outline the Structure

Next, create a rough outline. Break your idea into chapters or sections, and map out the flow. Think of this as your blueprint.

Use Google Docs' "Outline" view to keep things organized as you build out headings and subheadings.

3. Set a Writing Schedule

Consistency beats intensity. Set small, daily or weekly goals (e.g., 500 words a day). Use the comment or suggestion features in Google Docs to track edits or leave reminders for yourself.

Pro Tip: Create a folder in Google Drive just for your book content. Keep everything—from outlines to chapters—in one place.

4. Start Writing the First Draft

Don’t aim for perfection—just get the words down. Let the first draft be messy. You can always revise later. Focus on completing chapters based on your outline.

If you’re stuck, use a tool like to format and export your content seamlessly for WordPress or other platforms, keeping momentum going.

5. Revise and Edit

Editing is where the real magic happens. Read your draft aloud, fix awkward phrasing, and tighten up the structure. Use Google Docs' built-in spell check, grammar suggestions, and version history to refine your work.

Consider sharing your document with a trusted friend or editor for feedback via Google Docs’ “Share” feature.

6. Format and Prepare for Publishing

Once your manuscript is polished, it’s time to format it. Clean up fonts, ensure consistent headings, and add any images or design elements needed for publishing.

Need to move your manuscript to a blog or CMS? lets you convert your Google Docs into clean, formatted posts for WordPress—no plugins or copy/paste needed.

7. Publish and Promote

Whether you self-publish on Amazon or turn your book into a digital download, the final step is putting it out into the world. Create a landing page, start an email list, or share excerpts on your blog using content pulled directly from your Google Doc via Docswrite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I write a book entirely in Google Docs?
Absolutely! Google Docs is perfect for drafting, editing, and collaborating—especially with its version history and comment tools.

Q: What’s the benefit of using Docswrite.com?
helps you export Google Docs content directly to your WordPress site. It eliminates the hassle of copy-pasting and keeps your formatting clean and consistent.

Q: Do I need special software to write a book?
Nope! With Google Docs and a few helpful tools like Docswrite, you have everything you need to start and finish your book.

Q: How long does it take to write a book?
It depends on your schedule and word count goals. With steady writing habits, many people complete a draft in 3–6 months.