A New Book in the New Year

Turning your New Year’s resolution to write a book into a finished manuscript.

by Michael Heath / selfpublishingUS.com

Every January, thousands of aspiring authors make a familiar pledge. However, according to research by Richard Wiseman, 88% of these personal promises are never completed. If you are tired of your goals falling into that gap, it’s time to focus on turning your New Year’s resolution to write a book into a finished manuscript through a sustainable, daily system.

At SelfPublishingUS, we know that "saying" and "doing" are two different things, and the bridge between them is a solid plan of action.

Writing a Book

Network at a cocktail party and you will find many, if not the majority, of the guests assert that they want to write a book. Saying and doing are certainly two different things. Completing a manuscript may seem insurmountable. Even beginning one can be difficult. There is a particularly funny scene in an episode of The Office where vain Michael Scott believes he can write a bestseller about management, only to fail to come up with the first sentence. Once research is completed, translating thoughts into writing that people want to read is no easy task. But that is no reason not to do it.

Write Everyday

The best way to turn your New Year's resolution to write a book into a reality is to ... begin. Pick a start date and begin. You won’t finish a book in one sitting—progress builds over time. Don’t worry about perfection; a rough start creates momentum and gives you a manuscript to return to.

I’ve written six books and am often asked how I finished them. My answer is simple: once I start, I write every day. The key is reducing resistance by making the daily task small and manageable.

How Tiny Goals Lead to Finished Books

My son Christopher is a personal trainer, and he often says that for most people the workout itself isn’t the hard part — it’s getting to the gym. The same is true for writing. In our busy, scheduled lives, it’s easy to find reasons to skip a day or delay working on a book.

Missing one day isn’t a problem, but those missed days can quickly turn into weeks or even months. That’s why developing a steady writing habit matters so much.

My personal rule is simple: write three sentences every day. That’s it. Once those three sentences are done, I can move on without guilt. Mission accomplished for that day.

What usually happens, though, is that three sentences turn into four, then five, and sometimes much more. Just like Christopher says about exercise — starting is the hardest part. Once a writer begins typing, the words often start to flow.

That’s the magic of this small, manageable system.

Your New Year’s resolution to write a book

With an obligation of only three sentences, it becomes easy to sit in front of the computer and work on the manuscript. Over time, the practice becomes a habit—no different than brushing your teeth. Writers stay motivated because they can see real progress accumulating page by page. It’s even more exciting to realize you’re part of the small percentage of people who actually follow through on their goals.

Once your manuscript is written and edited, the next step is turning it into a finished book you can proudly share. That’s where professional self-publishing support can make all the difference. From interior layout and typography to cover design and print production, working with experts ensures your book looks polished, credible, and ready for readers. 

Book Written, Edited, Now Self-Publish

Services like SelfPublishingUS help authors navigate the final stages—formatting for print or ebook, selecting paper and trim size, designing a compelling cover, and managing the printing process—so your hard work becomes a tangible product.

You’ve already done the hardest part—writing the book. Now take the final step. Explore professional self-publishing support and bring your manuscript to life so it can be read, shared, and celebrated. Your finished book is closer than you think.

From Resolution to Bookshelf.

You’ve written the words; now let’s make them permanent. Learn more about self-publishing to turn your New Year's resolution to write a book into a printed book that you can share with the world. Contact SelfPublishingUS

initially published 1/2023