Writing a Self-Help Book people need is a very rewarding experience. It’s a great way to use the successes God has given you to help others achieve theirs. I faced a lot of struggles with my first book, A Case of Mistaken Identity. I spent many painstaking hours trying to figure out how to fix my book on the specifications of KDP. When I was in the thick of it, God said to me, help others get unstuck. It was at that point that it became my mission to do just that! It was at that moment that a new book idea was formed Getting Unstuck: A Guide For Frustrated Writers Who Want to Self-Publish.
As I write this book, I have been experiencing much joy. I can’t wait to place it in the hands of others who are facing the challenges I experienced and show them the way out. And for those that are new to self-publishing the steps needed to succeed. So where does one begin with the idea of a self-help book people need? I hope that this blog post will help answer that question.
Your Successes
Before taking the plunge to writing a self-help book, take inventory of your successes and analyze whether there’s one that you could write about. I recall something someone said once that really got my attention. We assume everybody knows what we know. Think about what you know that you could write about that others may not know, or need help on. For example, my husband is a natural chef. We can order a meal and he can tell you by the taste what the ingredients are.
Now that is someone with a gifted palate, not everyone can do that. I just know whether it tastes good or not. Now think about what you are good at. What experiences or successes could you use to help others? Is there a skill that comes naturally to you? Do people around you admire something you do well? Maybe you are good at knitting, scrapbooking, or creating illustrations. I’m sure after some self-discovery you will find something that you can use as content in a self-help book people need.
Write Your Story
Now that you know the success that you want to share with others to help them achieve the same, you need to write your story and decide how you are going to present it in a book. For example, I recorded the point in my writing journey where I got stuck. I wrote down what worked and what didn’t. Next, I gathered all the steps of my writing journey for my book A Case of Mistaken—from beginning to finish—in order of importance. Additionally, I am making sure that the middle chapter, the core of my book, focuses on formatting.
In case you didn’t guess, the formatting process is where I got stuck due to a poor writing app choice. I divided that chapter into two sections: first-time formatting and reformatting. This way hopefully I spare a fellow writer from getting stuck in the first place and help the one that is stuck get unstuck. So that both can enjoy the benefits of a finished book. For the world is waiting for their words too!
Gather Your Resources
You have picked and written your success story. Now you need to gather the resources you need to include. As I worked on my outline I realized I had a lot to share. It helped that when God said to help others get unstuck I started taking notes on my struggles, on what worked, and software screenshots. Basically how I got unstuck! So I gathered the notes together that I had accumulated for the content I wanted to cover in my book.
For example, my story of getting unstuck not once but twice, how to self-edit and hire an editor, writing app recommendations, step-by-step instructions on formatting, illustrations, and cover design. The book gives the reader a choice on how much of the self-publishing process they want to do themselves. In my case, it is walking someone through the necessary steps of self-publishing and highlighting the dilemma I faced that almost had me down for the count, reformatting. So, as you work on your story, keep in mind that you should write it in a way that your reader can easily follow. A self-help book with realistic, doable steps. Steps that they can see clearly and emulate. Write a book that helps others succeed.
About the Author
Lizzy, pen name EO Writes, was first called to write for the public in 2012. For a season she wrote articles on homeschooling. In 2024, her calling as an Author came into the public’s view once again with her first book release A Case of Mistaken Identity, the first of many! She is presently working on Getting Unstuck, A Guide to Self Publishing. You can check out her blog at: https://www.eowrites.com. She has been married for 27 years. When she is not writing she and her husband enjoy traveling throughout the United States on their Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
“Never judge a book by its cover. What you find inside the pages might surprise you.”
Resources for Writing a Self-Help Book
- Writing Successful Self-Help Books & How-To Books by Jean Marie Stine
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