How Do I Write a Book and Get It Published In 2026

Book writing is a dream for many people, but some actually finish the work. You may think the process looks too hard or confusing. You might have asked yourself, “How do I write a book and get it published?” and now you are ready to find the answer. You will be able to reach your goal if you have a solid plan and stick to it. The global self-publishing market reached approximately $1.85 billion in 2024.  The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.7% from 2025 to 2033.

• We look at how to find a great book idea.
• You will learn to make a writing schedule that works.
• We explain why editing is key to a good book.
• You will see the difference between self-publishing and big publishers.
• We show you how to market your work to readers.

Finding Your Big Idea and Making a Plan

Every great book starts with a simple thought. You do not need a perfect plot right away. You just need a strong core idea. Many new writers get stuck because they try to write without a plan. You will save time if you plan first.

• Pick a genre you love to read.

You need to write what you enjoy. If you love mystery novels, write a mystery. You will understand the rules of that genre better. This makes the writing process more fun for you.

• Think about who will read your book.

You need to know your audience. Picture one ideal reader in your mind. Ask yourself what they want to feel when they read your story. This helps you keep your tone consistent.

• Create a simple outline or list of chapters.

You do not need a complex chart. Just write a list of scenes or chapters. This guide keeps you on track when you feel lost. You can always change it later.

• Set a deadline for when you want to finish the first draft.

Goals help you finish the work. Pick a date that feels real but challenging. Mark it on your calendar and tell a friend about it.

Step-by-Step: How Do I Write a Book and Get It Published?

Now you must do the actual work. This is where many people quit. You need discipline more than motivation. You might wonder, “How do you write a book and get it published when life is so busy?” The answer is consistency. You must show up for your book every single day.

• Write every day, even if it is just for 20 minutes.

Small steps add up fast. You will have a whole book in a few months if you write one page a day. Do not wait for a huge block of free time.

• Focus on getting words on the page, not perfection.

Your first draft will be messy. That is okay. You cannot fix a blank page. Just let the words flow out of you. You may fix the mistakes later.

• Turn off your phone and internet to stop distractions.

Focus is your best friend. You need quiet time to hear your thoughts. Put your phone in another room. Close your email tabs.

• Join a writing group for support if you feel stuck.

Writing can feel lonely. You might need encouragement from others who understand. Look for local groups or online forums. They can cheer you on when you feel like stopping.

Polishing Your Draft for the World

You have finished your draft, but you are not done yet. A rough draft is not ready for readers. You must polish it until it shines. This part of the process turns a good story into a great book.

• Take a break from your manuscript for a week.

You need fresh eyes. Put your story away and do not look at it. When you come back, you will see errors you missed before.

• Read your work out loud to catch awkward sentences.

Your ears hear things your eyes miss. You will stumble over bad grammar or clunky phrasing. Fix these spots to make the reading smooth.

• Ask friends or beta readers for honest feedback.

You need outside opinions. Ask people who will tell you the truth. Listen to what they say about the plot and characters.

• Hire a professional editor to fix grammar and plot holes.

Self-editing is not just enough. A pro will spot issues you can’t see. They ensure your book looks professional and reads well.

Publishing Paths: How Do I Write a Book and Get It Published?

You have a polished manuscript. Now you must decide how to share it. You may ask, “How can I write a book and get it published in a way that suits me?” You have three main choices. Each path has good points and bad points. You should choose the one that fits your goals and budget.

Traditional Publishing.

You need an agent for this path. Big companies pay for the printing and editing. However, the process is very slow. You even lose some creative control.

Self-Publishing.

You act as the publisher. You pay for the cover, editing, and formatting. You keep all the control and earn more money for every book sold. This is a very popular choice today

Also Read: How Do You Self Publish a Book?

Hybrid Publishing.

This is a mix of both worlds. You share costs and profits with a publisher. It can offer the validation of a publisher with the speed of self-publishing.

Here is a look at how the options compare.

Publishing Type	Cost	Speed	Control
Traditional	Low (Publisher pays)	Slow (1–2 years)	Low
Self-Publishing	Medium (You pay)	Fast (Months)	High
Estorytellers	Custom (Full Service)	Fast	High (100% Yours)

You need to know how to write a book and get published so you can make money. Choosing the right path is a big business decision.

Marketing Your Book Effectively

A great book needs readers. You cannot just publish it and hope people find it easily. You may tell the world about your work. Many authors ask how to write a book and have it published successfully. The secret is in the marketing. You must sell your story.

• Start talking about your book on social media early.

Build hype before the launch. Share snippets of your writing. Show the cover art. Get people excited to buy it.

• Build an email list of interested readers.

Social media can change. An email list belongs to you. Collect email addresses from people who like your work. Send them updates directly.

• Check for reviews as soon as the book is out.

Reviews help other readers trust you. Ask your friends and family to leave a review. Positive feedback boosts your sales rank.

• Consider paid ads if you have the budget.

Ads can put your book in front of new people. You can use Amazon or social media ads. Start with a small budget to see what works.

Why Choose Professional Help?

You can do this alone, but you do not have to. Writing and publishing involve many steps. Services like Estorytellers exist to make this easier for you. We help you understand how do I write a book and get it published without the stress.

• Save time by hiring a ghostwriter if you are busy.

You may have gotten a great story, but no time to write. A professional writer can write your book for you. You still get full credit as the author.

• Get expert cover design and formatting.

Readers judge books by their covers. You need a design that looks like a bestseller. Professional formatting makes your book easy to read on any device.

• Keep 100% of your royalties.

Estorytellers lets you keep all your profits. You pay for the service, and then you own the work completely. This is a huge benefit compared to traditional deals.

• Navigate the US market with expert help.

The market can feel huge and scary. You get a team that knows what works in the USA. We guide you from the first page to the final sale.

Final Words

Writing a book is a long journey. You start with a question like “How do I write a book and get it published?” and you end with a physical copy in your hands. You have learned how to plan, write, edit, and sell your work. You also know that you have choices in how you publish.

Your story matters. You have a unique voice that the world needs to hear. Do not let fear stop you. You can finish this project.

Do you need help with your story? Contact Estorytellers today. We help you write, publish, and sell your book while you keep all the rights.

Read More: How To Get a Book Published: Complete Guide for First-Time and Experienced Authors

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to write a book and get it published?

The cost depends on your publishing path. Traditional publishing has low upfront costs but less control. Self-publishing usually requires paying for editing, cover design, and formatting. Many authors choose full-service options like Estorytellers, which offer custom pricing while letting you keep 100% ownership and royalties.

How does a beginner write a book?

A beginner should start with a clear idea, choose a genre they enjoy, and create a simple outline. Writing daily, even for 20 minutes, builds momentum. Focus on finishing the first draft without worrying about perfection. Editing comes later. Consistency, planning, and discipline matter more than talent when starting your first book.

Can I use ChatGPT to write a book and sell it?

ChatGPT can help with brainstorming, outlining, or improving ideas, but it should not replace original writing. Readers and platforms value authenticity and originality. Many successful authors use AI as a support tool, then rewrite in their own voice and work with professional editors to ensure quality before publishing and selling their book.