The Book Writing On-Ramp

By Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor of Smart Publishing and Bestselling Author of The One-Hour Author: A Simple Guide to Writing and Publishing on a Busy Schedule

Let’s talk about something I call the Book Writing On-Ramp. Think of it like the entrance ramp to a big, exciting highway—the path that gets you moving toward finally writing the book that’s been bouncing around in your head for who knows how long.

If you’re dreaming about becoming an author, or even just curious about what it takes to write a book without flipping your life upside down, this post is for you.

Start With Why (Nope, Not the Concept Yet)

Most people assume the first step in writing a book is figuring out what to write about. Not quite. Step one is deciding why you're writing the book in the first place.

Is it:

1. For personal or professional branding – building authority, credibility, and letting people get to know the real you?

2. Part of a business strategy – to drive people to your services, offers, or programs?

3. To make an impact – maybe you’ve got a powerful story to tell or a message that the world needs?

Nailing your “why” makes everything else easier. It helps make sure your book actually works for you, whether that’s growing your business or leaving a legacy.

Now You Can Pick the Topic

Once your “why” is clear, it’s time to solidify your concept. This is where you ask:
What do I know so well I could talk about it for hours?

Pick something you live and breathe. You’ll save yourself a ton of time because you won’t be buried in research. Your life, your work, and your experience are the research.

Sure, you can write a research-heavy book—but if you’ve never done that before, it can turn into a multi-year project fast. Writing what you know? That’s the express lane.

Map It Out – The Chapter Map (Not Just an Outline)

At Smart Publishing, we don’t do plain old outlines. We use something called a chapter map. It’s like your book’s blueprint—with extra muscle.

Here’s what you map out:

• Chapter title

• Theme or big idea

• Key stories to include

• Main takeaways or lessons

• Any calls to action for your reader

You can grab our free chapter map template on our site at smartpublishingservices.com/resources. It’s a game-changer.

Bonus tip: Write a one-sentence summary for each chapter. That quick snapshot makes writing so much easier later because you’ll know exactly what the heart of each chapter should feel like.

Get Your Writing Plan Together

Once your chapter map is done, it’s time to commit.

• Pick your writing method: Typing? Talking it out and transcribing? (Spoiler: you don’t have to be a “writer” to write a book.)

• Block time every week: I recommend just one hour a week. That’s it. One hour of focused, no-distractions time.

• Stick to the plan: Put it on your calendar like it’s a meeting with your future bestselling self.

Need help getting in the zone? I throw on Minecraft music (seriously—it’s magic for flow state) and get to work.

Be Disciplined…Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

Writing a book is like working out. You won’t always feel like doing it. But if you show up, you’ll be surprised how often what you wrote was actually good. Even when you thought it wasn’t.

And whatever you do, don’t keep changing your chapter map. That’s not “perfectionism”—it’s fear showing up as self-sabotage.

You’re not doing anyone any favors by second-guessing yourself into oblivion. The world can’t be impacted by a book that never gets written.

So, there you have it: your official Book Writing On-Ramp. Get your goal clear. Nail your concept. Build a solid chapter map. Make a writing plan. Stick with it.

Want More Guidance?

📖 Read My Book – The One-Hour Author (available on Amazon) for a step-by-step guide to writing and publishing your book.
🖥 Take My Course – Learn the self-publishing process with my KDP course at SmartPublishingServices.com.
📩 Get in Touch – Have questions? Reach out at [email protected] or visit SmartPublishingServices.com.

You can also always reach out to me on Facebook (that’s where I hang out the most).

Your story matters. Keep writing it. The world needs your voice.