The Easiest Way to Write a Book? Talk It Out.

The Easiest Way to Write a Book? Talk It Out.

Let’s get straight to the point: if you’ve been sitting on a book idea but feel overwhelmed by the thought of actually writing it—this one’s for you.

Because the truth is, writing a book doesn’t have to look like locking yourself in a cabin with coffee and a keyboard for six months. In fact, the easiest way to write a book is by doing what you already do every day: talking.

That’s right—audio recording.

Two of our most powerful Smart Publishing titles, The Tsunami Effect and Reclaiming Your Authentic Self, were written entirely through recorded conversations. And I’m telling you, it works.

Why Audio Works (Even If You’re Not a “Writer”)

Most people aren’t natural-born writers. I am—I write and edit for a living. But that’s not the norm. And the mistake a lot of aspiring authors make is thinking they have to become something they’re not in order to publish a book.

You don’t.

If you're more of a speaker or storyteller, why force yourself into a method that drains you? Speaking your content allows your ideas to flow naturally, in your own voice. Plus, it’s incredibly productive—especially if you’re a busy entrepreneur or professional.

Case in point: I recorded part of my own upcoming book while stuck in traffic. I popped in my AirPods, opened the Voice Memos app, and just… talked. Thirty-five minutes later, I had a full chapter.

The Audio-to-Book Process (It’s Simpler Than You Think)

If you're curious how this actually works, here’s the high-level process we use at Smart Publishing (and it’s the same one I recommend to our authors):

1. Record once a week for 30–40 minutes using voice memos, Zoom, or Loom.
   

2. Transcribe the audio using tools like Descript, Otter.ai, or Rev.com.
   

3. Lightly edit the transcript for flow and filler words.
   

4. Hand it off to an editor (please don’t skip this step).
   

5. Repeat for 12 weeks—and boom, you’ve got a manuscript.

Some of our authors even work with Jonathan for weekly 45-minute calls where he interviews them and helps shape their story on the spot. By the end of 3 months, they’ve got a full-length book.

It’s that easy.

“But Isn’t That Cheating?”

No. Not even close.

This is the exact method used for most celebrity memoirs, political books, and thought leadership titles. Many of the books on your shelf were born from interviews or dictation sessions. So stop disqualifying yourself. Audio-first books are legit.

And they’re your words, your ideas, your voice—just captured in a way that works with your life.

Tips to Make It Work

If you want your audio-first process to go smoothly, here’s what I recommend:

• Use a chapter map. Don’t wing it. Outline each chapter so your recording has structure.
  

• Protect your time. Put it on your calendar like any other meeting—and show up for it.
  

• Minimize distractions. Use “Do Not Disturb” mode so your focus isn’t hijacked by texts and pings.
  

• Speak clearly and with intention. A slower pace makes transcription easier.
  

• Don’t ramble. Tangents = editing headaches. Stay focused.
  

• Let your editor do the rest. Yes, you still need an editor—even if you transcribe it yourself.

I’m an editor, and I don’t even edit my own books. You're too close to your content to spot the gaps, so trust someone who sees your words objectively.

Final Word: You Can Do This

If you’ve been saying, “I don’t have time to write a book,” this is your solution. 40 minutes a week. 12 weeks. One finished book.

That’s less time than you spend on social media. Less than your weekly Netflix intake. And infinitely more impactful.

So the next time you're driving to work, walking the dog, or waiting in the school pickup line—record a chapter.

Your voice deserves to be heard.
And with audio, writing a book is easier than ever.

—Renee