The Overwhelm of Writing a Book: How to Make the Process Manageable

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

Many people dream of writing a book, but most never get past the idea stage. Why? Because they believe writing a book is a massive, overwhelming task that requires a sabbatical, a cabin in the woods, and endless hours of solitude. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Writing a book doesn’t have to be an insurmountable challenge. In fact, with the right approach, you can write your book in as little as one hour a week.

The Myth of the Overwhelming Writing Process

One of the most common things I hear from aspiring authors is: "I don't have the time to write a book." People tell themselves they’ll write it someday—when they retire, when they take a sabbatical, or when life magically becomes less busy. But the reality is, waiting for the perfect time often means never writing at all.

As I discuss in my book The One-Hour Author, you don’t need to block off months of your life to write a book. You can do it in small increments, even in just five- or ten-minute chunks. I wrote my book that way—jotting down ideas in stolen moments, recording thoughts, and structuring my time efficiently. And I’ve seen many others do the same.

Breaking the Overwhelm into Manageable Steps

If you feel overwhelmed by writing a book, the key is to break it down into manageable steps. Here’s how:

Step 1: Create a Chapter Map

A chapter map is your North Star. It gives you a 30,000-foot view of your book from start to finish. Before you write a single word, map out what each chapter will cover. This prevents aimless writing and ensures your book has a clear, cohesive structure.

Step 2: Record Your Thoughts

Not a fan of writing? No problem. You can record your thoughts instead. Use Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or any other tool that allows you to export an audio file. When recording, speak a little slower to ensure clarity in the transcription process.

Step 3: Transcribe Your Audio

Once you have your recorded thoughts, use a transcription tool like Rev.com or Descript to convert your speech into text. Even free versions of these tools can do a great job.

Step 4: Hire a Developmental Editor

Your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect. A developmental editor will take your rough draft, organize it, and refine it into a polished manuscript. Unlike a proofreader who focuses on grammar, a developmental editor enhances structure, flow, and readability.

The Power of Consistency

If you follow this process, you could complete a book in as little as five weeks. Recording just 15-20 minutes per week can generate enough content for an entire manuscript in a short time. The key is consistency. You don’t need to set aside entire weekends or take time off work. Just commit to small, regular steps forward.

Overcoming Self-Doubt

Imposter syndrome often stops people from writing. Thoughts like "My story isn’t unique," "I’m not a writer," or "Who would care about what I have to say?" creep in and sabotage progress. But here’s the truth: someone out there needs to hear your perspective, your experiences, and your unique insights. Your book could change lives—but only if you write it.

Take Action Today

Stop romanticizing the idea of writing a book as something only "real writers" can do. Writing isn’t about waiting for inspiration in a cozy cabin in Maine. It’s about making a plan, breaking the process into small steps, and taking consistent action.

If you want more guidance, my book The One-Hour Author takes you step by step through the entire writing and publishing process. It’s available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover formats. I also offer a KDP self-publishing course at SmartPublishingServices.com, where I walk you through the entire self-publishing process.

So, what are you waiting for? Take that first step, start mapping out your book, and commit to writing just a little each week. Before you know it, you’ll be holding your finished book in your hands.