From Buried to Bestseller: Make your book unmissable

From Buried to Bestseller: Make your book unmissable

by | Sep 10, 2024 | Book Marketing, Writing

As authors, we spend a lot of time crafting and perfecting our stories, but once the book is published, another challenge starts: getting it into the hands of readers. 

It’s easy to assume that the work stops once your book is published, but we are in the digital age, and making your book discoverable is just as critical as the writing itself. 

Enter metadata—the unsung hero of book marketing. It may sound technical (and it kind of is) but when used correctly, it’s a powerful tool that can drastically improve your book’s visibility and sales.

What exactly is metadata?

Think of it as “data about data”. It’s essentially like tagging your product, in this case your book, so that it doesn’t get lost in all the information out there online. 

It’s everything that helps online retailers and search engines categorize, display, and recommend your book. This includes details like your book’s title, author name, description, keywords, and categories. Done right, metadata can turn your book into a best-seller, ensuring that it surfaces when readers are looking for exactly what you’ve written.

Stand apart: Why metadata matters

With so many readers discovering books online, metadata is critical to your book’s visibility. When readers search for a particular type of book—whether it’s a cozy mystery or a self-help guide—platforms like Amazon use metadata to match search terms with books. By optimizing your metadata, you’re ensuring that your book appears in relevant searches, helping you connect with the right readers.

Core vs. enhanced metadata

Now, metadata isn’t just words that you can type out as you please. It comes in two primary forms: core and enhanced. 

Core metadata includes essential details such as your book’s title, author name, and ISBN. While this is necessary, enhanced metadata is where the magic happens. Enhanced metadata includes marketing-driven information like the book’s description, keywords, author bio, and reader reviews. It’s important to find the balance of having keywords that get to the essence of your book perfectly, while also knowing what keywords your potential readers might be looking for. When you find the right words, you can set your book apart!

Optimizing your metadata

Now that we understand why metadata is important, let’s talk about how to optimize it effectively. Your goal should be to make your metadata as relevant and engaging as possible.

The importance of keywords

Keywords will guide potential readers straight to your book. If your book is about managing anxiety, your readers might be searching for phrases like “anxiety self-help” or “stress management tips.” 

By researching the keywords your audience is likely to use, you can incorporate them into your metadata so that your book appears in relevant search results. Using tools like Google Trends or even browsing bestseller lists in your genre can provide insights into keywords that work.

Crafting an engaging book description

Your book’s description is one of the most important pieces of metadata. It’s not just a summary of your book; it’s your chance to convince potential readers to take a closer look. 

Use the first few sentences to grab attention, and don’t forget to include relevant keywords. For example, rather than simply stating, “This book helps with anxiety,” use something more specific like, “Struggling with anxiety that’s holding you back? This practical guide offers actionable steps to help you regain control and find peace.” By weaving in keywords naturally, you improve both readability and searchability. This is your chance to tell your audience why your book is different and important. 

Remember, your author brand? It could help in this case.

Categorizing your book

Choosing the right categories is essential for ensuring your book reaches its target audience. Misclassifying your book could result in it being shown to the wrong readers, reducing your chances of making a sale. Take the time to research where your book fits best. For instance, if you’ve written a romance with a suspense element, make sure it’s categorized in both romance and thriller. Accurate categorization increases your book’s visibility to readers who are browsing those specific genres.

SEO and metadata

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. You’re probably thinking, isn’t that the same thing as metadata? Not quite.

You need to make sure that your metadata is SEO-friendly, using only relevant keywords, and chosen to help your book stand out in search results. This way, readers can easily find your book amidst the digital crowd.

Fine-tuning for SEO

One way to improve SEO is by adding descriptive subtitles that include keywords. For instance, if your book’s title is “Finding Calm,” adding a subtitle like “A Practical Guide to Managing Anxiety” can help clarify what the book is about and make it more discoverable. Additionally, keep your metadata fresh by periodically updating your keywords and descriptions to reflect current trends. Doing so helps keep your book relevant and visible long after its initial release.

It’s pretty simple, right? When you describe your book well, you’re also making it easier for people to find you!

Avoid these metadata mishaps

While optimizing your metadata, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that could hurt your book’s visibility. 

First, steer clear of using superlatives like “best” or “most effective” in your keywords. Readers are smart and wary of exaggerated claims, plus these terms don’t actually add value. 

Second, make sure your categories and keywords align with your book’s actual content. Misleading metadata may attract initial clicks but will ultimately disappoint readers and harm your long-term sales. 

Finally, don’t overlook the basics. Double-check your spelling and ensure all key information, such as your ISBN, is correct.

The long-term benefits of metadata

Optimizing your metadata isn’t a one-time task. Regularly updating your book’s metadata can keep it relevant and help it maintain visibility over time. It’s not about changing your metadata entirely. To keep your keywords updated, relevant, and SEO-friendly, it’s important for you to watch for new trend changes in your genre. 

For example, if you’ve written a self-help book on stress management, and a term like “mindfulness” becomes popular, you could refresh your keywords to include phrases like “mindfulness practices” or “mindful stress relief.” Likewise, if topics like “work-from-home wellness” or “burnout recovery” start trending, updating your book’s description or subtitle with these terms ensures it stays in front of readers searching for the latest content. By doing this, you’ll make sure your book doesn’t get lost to history.

Closing thoughts: Let metadata do the heavy lifting

Metadata might seem like a small detail, but its impact on your book’s success is significant. 

By investing time in optimizing your metadata—using relevant keywords, writing compelling descriptions, and accurately categorizing your book—you’ll significantly improve your chances of reaching the right readers. And trust us, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Plus, knowing both yourself and your book inside and out makes the process even smoother.

Remember, optimizing metadata is an ongoing task. Finding the right keywords can take time, and that’s perfectly fine. Just keep updating your metadata regularly to give your book a longer shelf life, ensuring it continues attracting readers long after its initial release. With thoughtful optimization, your book will be well-positioned for long-term success, connecting with the audience it deserves.

If you’re ready to get your book in front of more readers, let’s talk. Schedule a call with Leesa, and we’ll work together to make it happen!

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The Write Transition: From blogger to self-published author

The Write Transition: From blogger to self-published author

by | Sep 8, 2024 | Bloggers, Writing

At 3 ferns, we meet lots of writers who’ve already got a book ready to go—they just need a little help pushing it out into the world. But then there are those of you who might be sitting on a gold mine of blog posts, not quite sure how to take that leap into self-publishing. Whether it’s choosing the right editor, figuring out the design, or even just getting your format right, the publishing world can seem pretty daunting.

This article is for you if you’ve got great ideas and stories that could make a difference. You know who you want to help with your book; maybe you just need a nudge in the right direction to get things moving. If you’re nodding along, reading this, and you’re already blogging, you’re more than halfway there to publishing your own book.

Why transform your blog into a book?

Let’s talk about why turning your blog into a book is more than a smart strategy—it’s a major leap forward. Self-publishing a book transforms all that fantastic content you’ve been creating into something people can hold in their hands. 

This move isn’t just about reaching more readers; it’s about delivering your expertise with a real impact and solidifying your position as a top authority. Picture yourself adding ‘self-published author’ to your resume; it not only opens new doors but also significantly strengthens your influence.

Establish Authority: You’re already a trusted voice on your blog, sharing insights that resonate with your audience. By turning those insights into a book, you’re telling the world you’re serious about what you know and they should be too.

Reach Diverse Audiences: Whether it’s digging through archives of articles, or a not so user friendly experience, blogs just aren’t for everyone. Some people prefer holding a book in their hands and flipping through pages. Your book can reach these readers, bringing your voice into their homes, onto their commutes, and into their lives in a new way.

Legacy and Longevity: A book lasts. Once you have it it’s yours. It sticks around in ways that blog posts just can’t, and people won’t need to keep looking it up and searching for it as they need it. It’s something you can point to, a tangible legacy of your thoughts and expertise that will keep speaking for you years down the line.

Strategies for transforming blogs into books

Jumping from blog to book might seem like a big step, but you’ve got the raw material right at your fingertips. Think of each blog post as a chapter draft, not just a standalone piece. 

Your job now? Weave them together into a narrative that’s not only cohesive but also irresistible. We’re not just blowing up the scale of your blog posts; we’re tightening the threads, enriching the themes, and setting the stage for a story that pulls readers right into the heart of your expertise.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and turn those popular posts into chapters that make your book a must-read.

  1. Select and Streamline: Go through your blog and pick out the posts that best showcase your expertise. These are your starting blocks. From there, start building out—add in new research, update stats, and flesh out your ideas into full-fledged chapters.
  2. Keep it Personal: People like when they can relate to writing. Make it feel human. Inject it with stories, anecdotes, and maybe even a few laughs. This isn’t just about expanding your posts; it’s about deepening the connection with your readers.
  3. Bring in the Experts: Reach out for the expertise of seasoned editors and designers to polish your manuscript and ensure it stands out. For added professionalism—like the help we provide at 3ferns—consider enlisting experienced self-publishing professionals to help your book not just inform, but impress.
  4. Market with Muscle: You’ve already got the platform AND the audience – use your blog and social channels to start the buzz for your book! Think teasers, sneak peeks, and pre-order specials. Get your readers excited for this next big step!

Turning your blog into a book is about taking your conversation to the next level—where your words aren’t just scrolled through and forgotten but held, remembered, and revisited. It’s a big step that might be scary, difficult, and overwhelming, but when you remember your “Why”, we know you’ll see it through, and it will be so worth it.

So, if you’re ready to give your thoughts the space they deserve to grow and reach new audiences so they can truly impact more and more lives, then it’s time to get started. 

We’re here to help

Reach out to us or schedule a Clarity Call with Leesa who is here to help guide you through each step, ensuring your journey from blog to book is as smooth and successful as your original posts. 

Let’s make sure that your voice, your insights, and your vision aren’t just heard but are impactful enough to inspire change, provoke thought, and lead discussions long after the first read!

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Cut, Correct, Conquer: Your guide to self-editing mastery

Cut, Correct, Conquer: Your guide to self-editing mastery

by | Aug 21, 2024 | Editing, Writing

In our previous blog, we talked about the importance of self-editing for self-published authors. Recognizing the value of polishing your manuscript before it even reaches professional hands sets us up perfectly to go deeper into this topic.

We understand that self-editing can be difficult and confusing and our mission is to demystify the self-publishing process for you. Today, we expand on that foundation by providing actionable steps and tips that will help you refine your work with confidence and precision.

Sharp edits and clean lines: Essential self-editing tips

If you don’t know where to begin, these tips can get you started on your self-editing process. Our main tip is to simply face your work and just do it. You’ll find that the hardest part is starting and who knows, you may end up enjoying editing your work!

Give your writing some space

After finishing your book, take some time off from it. We know it might be difficult especially if you’ve been working on it consistently for many months, but trust us.

When you take a break from your writing, you’ll come back to it refreshed and with a clearer perspective, allowing you to make better and less biased edits.

Read aloud

Reading your text aloud can help you find hidden flaws and awkward passages that silent reading might miss. 

Take your time with this and don’t rush through it. Read it as if it’s the first time ever and consider how it sounds to your audience. This method helps in catching inconsistencies in dialogue and narrative flow.

Take it one step at a time

Don’t try to fix everything all at once. If you catch some mistakes or changes you want to make after taking a break from your writing, that’s good. Take note of what you want to do, and make a detailed plan of action.

If you try to edit the entire copy all at once, you’ll end up overwhelmed and maybe even making new mistakes. Remember to be kind to yourself during this process while still remaining vigilant of necessary edits.

Get down to the details

You want to pay attention to proper copy-editing.This means focusing on the nitty gritty.

Look at the finer details such as grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Observe sentence structure, word choice, and overall readability. You’ll learn how to recognize what is right and wrong and if you need help you can always check standard copy editing rules!

Get your facts straight

If you are writing an informative book, fact-checking might be one of the most crucial parts of your piece. 

Especially for non-fiction books, even if you are writing from personal experience, ensure that all factual information is accurate. This credibility is key for maintaining reader trust. You don’t want them to think you’ve published a book simply to put up fake news.

Professional proofreading

Like we mentioned in last week’s blog, self-editing is only the first step of the editing process. It takes away any major mistakes or issues and will also show professional proofreaders that you are serious about your writing.

Remember that, even the most meticulous self-edit leaves room for improvement. A professional proofreader can catch what you might have missed and add a final layer of polish.

Proper formatting

Self-published books are just as valuable as those from traditional publishers—and perhaps even bolder! 

To ensure your book presents its best self, format your manuscript according to industry standards. This shows professionalism and respect for industry norms.

Critical checks: Remember these when you self-edit

Prioritize larger edits

Tackle large structural issues before zooming in on grammar or style to avoid overwhelming revisions at the micro level. This is why it’s important to take time away from your book and read it once before you start editing. 

This will help you catch the bigger problems before you start focusing on the minor details.

 Embrace cuts

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Write in white heat, but edit in cold blood”? Accept that when you get to the editing process some sections really will have to go.

Be willing to remove parts that may be well-written but do not serve the book. You can always use these “darlings” in other works.

Leverage tools:

Make use of digital tools designed for writers—spell checkers, grammar checkers, and style guides can be invaluable. This is the age of technology folks!

Gather feedback:

Don’t be afraid to share your book, even when it hasn’t been published yet.

After self-editing, share your manuscript with beta readers. Their insights can provide a new perspective and highlight unseen issues.

Stay organized

We are telling you now, you will not be able to finish editing your book if you don’t stick to a schedule that works for you. Set aside time during your day and make to-do lists, so you don’t forget what you’re meant to edit.

Keep a log of edits, feedback, and your general thoughts. This can help you track your revisions and ensure consistency in your responses to feedback.

Final self-editing takeaways

Self-editing is more than just a step in the publishing process—it’s your opportunity to align your vision with the expectations of your readers and the standards of the industry. 

When you apply these tips, you’ll refine not only your manuscript but also your skills as a writer– and isn’t that exciting! We think so!

Reach out to us

If you’re still unsure about how to get started on self-editing your book, schedule a Clarity Call with Leesa Ellis. 

In this session, we’ll explore your specific needs and challenges, providing you with personalized advice and strategies to enhance your self-editing process. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a self-publishing and branding expert, and bring your book closer to publication!

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Manuscript TLC: Why self-editing matters

Manuscript TLC: Why self-editing matters

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Editing, Writing

You’ve done it! You’ve completed your book and you’re just about ready to have the cover designed, and fix the layout for printing – but hold on! Have you edited your copy yet?

You’ve likely done a few minor edits here and there, but have you really sat down and taken the time to read what you wrote from an outsider’s perspective?

Today, we’re going to explore why self-editing is a crucial step before sending your manuscript to a professional editor. By the end of this blog, you’ll understand the significance of this phase and you won’t be scared to delete, rephrase, or even just reread your work!

What is self-editing?

Self-editing is the process of meticulously reviewing and revising your manuscript. This involves reading through your work multiple times to catch errors, refine your writing, and enhance the overall quality. 

Think of it as giving your book a makeover before its grand debut. Self-editing isn’t just about correcting typos; it’s about ensuring that what you’ve written reads seamlessly and engages your readers from start to finish.

Editing excellence

Now that you know what self-editing is, why should you? It’s already hard work writing the book itself, but if we’re being honest, the real work comes in the editing and that’s when you rise to the challenge of being a professional writer.

Enhances overall quality

Self-editing is literally your first line of defense against mistakes and inconsistencies. It allows you to catch those pesky errors that can distract readers and diminish their experience. 

Carefully reviewing your work helps you in a twofold manner. You can check whether your writing is clear, coherent, enjoyable, and grammatically correct. You can also teach yourself how to be objective about something you have written. 

These are important lessons for you to learn because they teach you how to first and foremost be honest with yourself, which is one of the most important things needed to be a successful self-published author. 

First impressions matter

Though yes, professional editors are meant to help you, it’s always a good idea to self-edit first and put your best work forward regardless. 

When your manuscript is polished, it reflects your professionalism and dedication as an author. First impressions are vital, especially in the competitive world of self-publishing. A well-edited manuscript sets a positive tone for readers, agents, and editors. It shows that you take your craft seriously and respect your readers’ time and attention.

Skip the edit, pay the price

If you’re still on the fence about self-editing, here are a few things that could happen and might help you reconsider. This isn’t to scare you but just to let you see that self-editing isn’t something to shy away from.

Professional editor challenges

If you skip self-editing, your manuscript may require more time and effort from a professional editor. This can lead to increased costs, as editors might charge extra for manuscripts that need extensive work. 

By self-editing first, you make the editor’s job easier, allowing them to focus on deeper issues like structure and content, rather than basic errors.

Risk of errors

Neglecting self-editing increases the risk of errors slipping through the cracks. Even the most skilled editors can miss mistakes if the manuscript is cluttered with basic issues. 

Errors in the final product can be embarrassing and diminish your book’s credibility. Self-editing helps you catch and correct these mistakes,so that you have a smoother editing process and a more polished final product.

Do you need a professional editor and designer?

After all of that, you’re probably thinking, “Do I really need to do everything on my own?” Absolutely not! Self-editing is merely step one in the process of getting your book off the ground.

Self-publishing is difficult and overwhelming and though you are the one taking hold of the entire process, delegating tasks that you are not adept at will help you create the best possible book. 

Importance of professional editing

We would say, yes! While self-editing is crucial, a professional editor provides an invaluable second set of eyes. They offer objective feedback on your content, structure, and style, helping you refine your manuscript to its fullest potential. A professional editor can catch nuances you might have missed, ensuring your book is the best it can be.

Since a professional editor is someone who has likely been in the business for a while, their opinions and suggestions might be important for you. They might know about certain topics or how things are done and show you how to navigate.

Role of professional designers

You can absolutely design your book on your own, but if you aren’t particularly artsy or visual, there is no shame in having a cover made!

Professional designers will make sure your  book looks as good as it reads. From the cover design to the layout, a designer’s touch can make your book visually appealing and market-ready. 

Remember, people do judge books by their covers, so investing in a professional design can significantly impact your book’s success.

The last word

Hopefully, you’re leaving with a little more clarity on why self-editing is an indispensable step in the self-publishing process.  It may take more work but you are investing in yourself and the book you believe in. Let’s face it, you made it this far and wrote your book, why would you stop now?

With proper self-editing, you can take your book even further and find connections, statements, and new ways to communicate with your audience in your writing that you may not have thought of before. 

Self-editing doesn’t replace the need for professional editing and design. Both are essential to producing a high-quality book that stands out in the marketplace. By combining your self-editing efforts with professional expertise, you’ll create a book you can be truly proud of.

Stay tuned

Excited to learn more? Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll dive into practical tips and techniques for effective self-editing. You’ll discover how to approach your manuscript fearlessly and with a critical eye. Don’t forget to follow us on all socials for updates. Happy writing, and remember, your book deserves the best!

Reach out to us

If you want to learn more about the self-publishing process, schedule a Clarity Call with Leesa Ellis and she’ll give you a step-by-step guide suited for your needs and tailored to your specific book!

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On Creativity: Be a dick! But not a jerk

On Creativity: Be a dick! But not a jerk

by | Jul 26, 2024 | Brand-building, F*ckwits Corner, Writing

Here in Aotearoa New Zealand, we have a saying that is used frequently.

You may have heard of it? Every Kiwi out there almost certainly has!

And the phrase?

“Don’t be a dick.”

I do get that this phrase is not EXCLUSIVE to New Zealanders but I came across a US-based advertising agency using it to promote some services recently.

And it got me thinking…

I don’t want to be an ignorant, selfish person who is, quite frankly, an idiot. I don’t want to be a dick.

But if we take another stance on that word, as it is sometimes used here in our country, a “dick” – or idiot – can be a clown, a buffoon, or a fool. And yes, that’s got a negative meaning.

And also a positive one.

I don’t want to be ignorant but I do want to make people bust out laughing because I made a comment or a post or a blog or a video that brought joy to their day.

I want to be THAT kind of dick.

And I urge you to consider being one too 😄

You know the quote that, according to my social media feed, belongs to Keanu Reeves, Richard Gere, Christopher Walken, AND Sir Anthony Hopkins? “Be silly. Be kind. Be weird.” Yeah, THAT one. It’s actually by Sweatpants & Coffee creator, Nanea Hoffman (Yes, I did check Snopes, thank you very MUCH 😄).

I’ve spent the last few weeks with various injuries (concussion bites wind!) and illnesses (hello ’flu bug that gave me vertigo!). So, while recovering, I spent time commenting on social media.

Rather than erudite nuggets of my self-publishing expertise, I was being a total dick – the good kind, pinky promise!

I was making jokes in my silly comments. I was funny and supportive and kind and an all-round DICK. I had a blast! 😄

I LOL’d multiple times a day at the funny replies people made. That’s where the real humour is IMHO. When I see a joke meme or video online, I head straight to the Comments section. People out there are HILARIOUS! And yes, you do get the other kind of dick in there too but there is so much more goodness in the world than not if you’re looking for it.

I also connected with new people JUST because they cracked me up. We will most likely never work together but they’re FUNNY! 🔥 The DM banter was superb as well.

I also got a lot of calls scheduled. People want to talk to a fellow dick, it seems 😄

Some people didn’t like me. Some people disagreed with me. But did that stop me? No.

As the great John Cleese said about creativity, “…So you’ve got to risk saying things that are silly. And illogical. And wrong and the best way to get the confidence to do that is to know that while you’re being creative, nothing is wrong….”

The fear of being wrong (and looking like a dick) is a creativity-killer.

So… be THAT weirdo! Be a dick! Let your freak flag fly!

Your authentic, goofy, adorable, competent, professional self (these qualities are NOT mutually exclusive BTW) has a whole WORLD of dick peers waiting to hear from you and connect with you and SUPPORT you.

That’s it.

Be a dick.

But not a jerk.

Peace out 😄

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Write Through the Rut: Using Stream of Consciousness for writer’s block

Write Through the Rut: Using Stream of Consciousness for writer’s block

by | Jun 26, 2024 | Writing

It’s happened to the best of us, on days when we least expect it: Writer’s block. The dreaded wall in between you and the progress you need to make with your work. It’s more often talked about with fiction writers and novelists but we know that whether you’re writing an epic fantasy or a how-to guide, all kinds of writing requires some level of storytelling. 

One technique that can help overcome this hurdle is stream of consciousness writing. This method involves writing continuously without self-censorship, allowing ideas to flow freely. While it has both benefits and drawbacks, stream of consciousness writing can be a valuable tool for breaking through writer’s block and reigniting your creativity.

What is Stream of Consciousness Writing?

You need to get your point across but how can you do that if you can’t even get out of your own head? Stream of consciousness might be just what you need. 

This method of writing is a narrative technique that captures a character’s thoughts (in this case yours) in a continuous flow. It’s often used in fiction to provide a deeper, more intimate look into a character’s mind. 

However, for you – the nonfiction writer, this technique can help you come up with new ideas, content, or creative ways to thread together your thoughts without the constraints of structured writing. By allowing your thoughts to spill onto the page unfiltered, you can bypass the inner critic that often contributes to writer’s block.

The perks of your subconscious

In thinking less, there is less judgment, and when you allow yourself to simply write like no one’s watching, you may find you come up with the best ideas!

Here are a few reasons why we think stream of consciousness could help!

Speed

The writing process sometimes seems endless. From thinking about what to write, to planning the flow, to getting the words on the page, then finally editing, three days will have gone by and you wouldn’t even notice.

Herein lies the strength in stream of consciousness writing. Without the need to stop and edit, you can write much faster, capturing ideas as they come. This rapid production can help you get past the initial hurdle of a blank page and build momentum in your writing process.

Uniqueness

Without a clear message and a distinct voice, your words can be drowned out in the thousands of written works that have already been published. 

Stream of consciousness writing allows you to capture your raw thoughts and emotions, making your writing more authentic and relatable. This uniqueness can set your work apart from more traditional, structured nonfiction.

Engagement

Since you’re writing off of the top of your head, you filter yourself less and this creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy with readers. By sharing your open, honest, and candid thoughts, you invite readers into your mind, making them feel more connected to your work. This engagement can be particularly valuable in nonfiction, where personal insights and experiences can enhance the overall narrative.

Potential pitfalls

It is important to remember that, as with everything else, stream of consciousness writing does have some downsides. Let’s discuss:

Significant editing

Unless you’re an extremely exceptional writer or just highly confident, you’re probably aware that first drafts rarely make the cut. This rings even more true with stream of consciousness writing. 

As you write without any rhyme or reason other than the goal to get all your ideas and thoughts onto a page, you will run into grammatical and structural issues. You may come up with a plethora of winning ideas, but be prepared to use a lot of time and energy to refine, revise, and polish your first few drafts.

Difficulty in revisiting

With stream of consciousness writing, you can expect to write, write, write and then it’s gone. You go from one thought to the next, not allowing yourself to stop, so once you try to return to what you were thinking of it doesn’t have quite the same hold on you as it did just moments ago. 

You can never recreate a moment of writing that you did, you can simply start over and allow yourself to try again. Returning to a previous mindset can be challenging, making hard to continue or expand on earlier ideas seamlessly.

Possibly “shallow” writing

Stream of consciousness is great for coming up with new ideas and topics you may skip over, but it is “top-of-mind” writing. While not necessarily bad it may not provide the depth needed for a comprehensive nonfiction work. The lack of structure can result in a shallow exploration of topics. 

However, a bit of research after the fact can always help. The first ideas you find can serve as a starting point, helping you overcome writer’s block and later refining your ideas into more detailed content.

Get into the flow

To start with stream of consciousness writing, set a timer for a short, focused session. If you’re scared even five or 10 minutes will work. 

Our top tip? Don’t think. Just write.

Write continuously without stopping to edit or censor your thoughts. Use prompts or questions related to your nonfiction topic to kickstart the process. Let your writing flow freely, capturing all ideas and thoughts as they come. As much as possible try not to stop and try not to think about what you’ll write next. You’ll likely surprise yourself with what comes up.

Refine, refine, refine

Once you’ve finished your stream of consciousness session, take a break before reviewing your writing. Editing right after finishing your work might make it hard for you to see everything you wrote in its entirety. 

When it’s time to edit, think of it as trimming the edges and getting to the core of what you’ve actually written. Does there seem to be an overarching theme? Is there a storyline that you gravitated to naturally that helps push your message? Did you notice what topics might stand out to you to make your nonfiction writing more unique?

Take note of all of this, then structure your work. Organize your writing, research for deeper information, and do what you need to make it coherent, clear, and captivating. 

Remember nonfiction content need not be boring to be informative. Keeping people engaged in your writing while remaining true to your topic, though a fine line, is all it takes.

Make writing fun!

More than anything, you should remember why you’re writing in the first place. Whether you’ve always loved it or you really believe you have something important to share with others, hold onto that and writing will be fun and simple.

Stream of consciousness writing can be so powerful for getting you out of your head and back into the zone of your writing. It’s not about reviews or reception, it’s about you and what you have to say about something you are so passionate about.

Anytime you find yourself in a writing rut, set a timer for 10 minutes, and write whatever you want. You’ll find that you had a lot more to say than you thought!

Start your publication now

Self-publishing a book and sharing your message has never been simpler or more effective than it is right now.

Remember that while there are countless strategies for brand-building in today’s digital age, few offer the same level of impact and authority as publishing a book. Whether you’re an aspiring author or a seasoned entrepreneur, it’s time to get unstuck and get started!

 

Schedule a complimentary call with Leesa to find out more about building YOUR brand with a book.

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