how to write a book with no experience

✍️ How to Write a Book With No Experience

How to Write a Book with No Experience

So… you want to write a book. But you’ve never done it before. You don’t have a degree in English. You’re not sure where to start. You’re wondering if you even can write a book with no experience.

I’ve got good news: You absolutely can.

In fact, some of the most successful books out there weren’t written by “trained” writers—they were written by people with something important to say. And that’s you.

Let’s break it down—step by step.


💡 How to Write a Book with No Experience

Here’s the truth: Writing a book doesn’t require a fancy MFA, a publisher’s permission, or years of professional training. It requires clarity, consistency, and a structure that works.

Most beginners get stuck because they think they need to:

  • Know exactly what to say
  • Write in perfect order
  • Get it right on the first try
  • “Be a writer” before they start

Nope. Not true. Let’s start where you are.


🧠 Can Someone with No Experience Write a Book?

YES. 100%. Absolutely.Writing a book is a skill—but it’s also a process. And anyone can learn a process.In fact, most of my coaching clients are first-time authors. Many of them are coaches, entrepreneurs, or creatives who’ve never written anything longer than a blog post or journal entry before they came to me.

But with the right roadmap?
📘 They finish books.
💼 They publish.
💵 And yes—they make money doing it.You don’t need writing experience. You need a plan.


🛠️ I Want to Write a Book—Where Do I Start?

Start by asking yourself these three questions:

  • Who am I writing this book for?
  • What transformation do I want my reader to experience?
  • What stories, lessons, or strategies do I want to share?

If you’re writing nonfiction—especially self-help—the most important thing is to define the problem you’re solving and the path you’re offering.

🎁 Not sure how to structure it? Grab my free Self-Help Book Template to help you plan your book and stay focused.


✍️ How Do You Start Writing a Book for Beginners?

Here’s my beginner-friendly, stress-free approach:
1. Don’t start with the intro. Start with the meat. What’s the first big lesson or story you want to share?
2. Use sticky notes or bullet points. Organize your ideas before you write full pages.3. Talk it out. Use voice-to-text or record yourself explaining the concept.
4. Set a timer. Write in short sprints (20–30 minutes). No pressure, no perfection.
5. Use a template. It will keep your structure solid, even if your writing is messy.

📘 How to Write a Self-Help Book in 14 Days gives you the full writing plan, plus a workbook to help you outline, draft, and finish your book—even if you’ve never written anything longer than an email before.


🤔 Can You Write a Book with No Training?

Yes. You can.
And if you want support, there are tons of options—including affordable courses and coaching designed just for beginners.The most important thing isn’t training. It’s commitment.I’ve worked with first-time authors who:

  • Had no formal writing background
  • Didn’t consider themselves “writers”
  • Felt completely overwhelmed at the beginning

Now they’re published. Some are speaking, coaching, and selling thousands of copies.

🎓 If you want extra support, Bestseller Academy walks you through writing your book in 30 days—no prior writing experience required.


📚 What Is the Easiest Type of Book to Write?

If you’re new to writing, nonfiction (especially self-help or how-to) is often the easiest place to start.
Why?
✅ You already know your topic
✅ You don’t have to invent characters or plot twists
✅ You’re teaching something you’ve lived or done
✅ The structure is straightforward (especially with a good template!)

Self-help books are especially great for beginners because they’re based on truth, transformation, and clarity—not fancy writing.


💸 How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Book?

Great question—and the honest answer is: it depends on your goals, your budget, and how much you want to DIY.

You can publish your book for free. But if you want a more polished, professional result (or to save time and stress), you can also invest in à la carte services or full self-publishing packages.Let’s break it down:


🧰 DIY (Budget-Friendly or $0 Option)

If you're tech-savvy and willing to put in a bit of time, you can self-publish for as little as $0–$200 using free or low-cost tools like:

  • Google Docs or Word for writing (free)
  • Canva for basic cover design (free or Pro at ~$13/month)
  • Amazon KDP for publishing (no upfront cost—printing is deducted from royalties)
  • Free ISBN via Amazon (optional to purchase your own for extra distribution flexibility)
  • Formatting tools like Kindle Create – Amazon’s free, beginner-friendly tool that helps you professionally format both your eBook and paperback with just a few clicks

💡 Ideal for first-time authors who want to publish on a budget and get their book into the world quickly and confidently.


✂️ À la Carte Professional Services (Pick What You Need)

Want your book to look and read like a pro’s? You can hire freelancers for specific services. General pricing ranges:

  • Developmental editing: $1,000–$3,000
  • Copyediting or line editing: $600–$2,000
  • Proofreading: $250–$750
  • Cover design: $200–$1,000
  • Interior formatting: $150–$750
  • ISBN (if buying your own): $125 for 1 / $295 for 10 (U.S. via Bowker)

📦 You can mix and match depending on your needs and budget.

Many first-time authors choose to edit themselves, hire a proofreader, and invest in a professionally designed cover.


💬 Want Help Finishing Your Book Fast? Try Book Coaching Services

If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck halfway through your draft, or just tired of second-guessing yourself—book coaching services might be exactly what you need.A book coach helps you:

  • Create a clear outline that actually works
  • Stay accountable and consistent
  • Get real-time feedback on your writing
  • Avoid beginner mistakes that cost time and money
  • Finish your draft faster—with less stress

Think of it like having a personal trainer for your book. Someone who knows what works, what doesn’t, and how to get you from idea to finished manuscript without spinning your wheels.And yes—book coaching isn’t just for celebrities or bestselling authors.

I work with new writers every day who are publishing their very first books, building brands, or turning their message into a business.

✨ If you're serious about writing a book—and want expert support from start to finish—check out my book coaching services here.

You’ll get personalized strategy, structure, support, and honest, helpful feedback every step of the way.

💬 Or just want to chat and see if it’s a good fit?
Book a free 1-on-1 get-to-know-you call here

View all

🚀 Done-for-You or Self-Publishing Services

Prefer a more hands-off process? Self-publishing support companies can manage the entire publishing journey for you—from editing to design to uploading your files.Here's what those services usually cost:

  • Basic publishing packages: $1,500–$3,000
  • Mid-tier (editing + design + light marketing): $3,000–$7,000
  • Full-service (editing, cover, formatting, strategy, publishing & more): $7,000–$25,000+

✅ These services are best if you want professional results without managing freelancers or learning publishing platforms yourself.

⚠️ Important: Make sure you retain ownership of your copyright, files, and royalties.
If a company keeps your rights or takes a cut of your earnings, that’s a red flag. 

🚩Obviously, that's exactly what a traditional publisher does, but we're talking self-publishing here today.)


🎯 What I Recommend:

💬 If you're just getting started:
Keep your costs low. Focus on writing a great draft, and use a solid structure (like my free self-help book template) to make your book easier to finish and publish.

📘 If you want a professional product and plan to use your book for your business:
Invest in what matters most—a fantastic cover, editing, design, and a clear marketing plan. Or choose a guided course that helps you do it all with confidence.

🎓 Bestseller Academy walks you through the process—from messy draft to published book—with pro tools, templates, and coaching support.


💵 Can You Publish a Book with No Money?

Yes—you can self-publish with zero up-front cost using tools like:

  • Google Docs or Word for writing
  • Amazon KDP for uploading
  • Canva for simple covers
  • My free Self-Help Book Template for outlining

If you have no budget right now, focus on writing a great draft. You can polish and publish later.


📖 How to Write a Book for Beginners

Let’s simplify it:

  • ✍️ Outline first. (Use this free self-help book template)
  • Write one section at a time.
  • 👀 Don’t edit while you write.
  • 🧽 Polish after the first draft is done.
  • 📘 Publish using self-publishing tools.

You don’t need to be fancy. You just need to start.


📈 How to Write a Book with No Experience Online

Yes, you can write, edit, and publish your book entirely online.💻 Try this setup:

  • Google Docs to write + organize
  • Canva to design your cover or interior
  • BookFunnel to deliver ARCs
  • KDP or IngramSpark to publish

Bonus? Once you’ve written one book, your content can be repurposed into:

  • Online courses
  • Blog posts
  • Reels or YouTube videos
  • Group programs or 1:1 offers

Your book = your brand foundation.


👵 Is 40 Too Late to Write a Book?

Absolutely not. In fact, most of my clients are between 35–55 when they write their first book.By that age, you’ve lived more, learned more, and helped more people—which gives your book depth, experience, and credibility.It’s not too late. It’s exactly the right time.


✨ Can Anyone Write a Book and Get It Published?

Yes. But here’s the catch…Anyone can write a book—but most people won’t finish.Why? Because they don’t have a plan. They get stuck, overwhelmed, or distracted. But if you stay committed and follow a proven process?
📘 You can write your book.
📦 You can publish it.
💰 And you can turn it into something bigger.

That’s why I created How to Write a Self-Help Book in 14 Days and the Bestseller Academy—to give new writers the tools and confidence to finish.

View all

🔁 How to Write a Self-Help Book (Even If You're a Total Beginner)

This genre is perfect for beginners—especially if you:

  • Have lived through something transformative
  • Help others solve a specific problem
  • Teach a method, system, or framework
  • Want to turn your knowledge into a book (and a business)

🎁 Grab the free Self-Help Book Template
📘 Get the book + workbook combo here
🎓 Join the 30-Day course
📞 Book a free coaching call


💬 Final Word from Your Book Coach

You don’t have to be a “real writer.”
You don’t need fancy software or a giant following.You just need a message, a little structure, and the belief that your voice matters.Because it does.Your book could be the reason someone else keeps going. Heals. Starts over. Tries again.
And once it’s written, your entire business can change.

Start today. You’re more ready than you think.

➡️ Read next: How to Write a Self-Help Book


Back to blog
Lisa Daily
Book Coach & Bestselling Author
http://author.coach

Lisa Daily here, I’m a USA Today bestselling, award-winning, traditionally & indie published author of 14+ self-help and romance books, and a book coach for everyone from brand new aspiring authors to 6- and 7-figure authors like Renee Rose, Theodora Taylor, Maggie Marr, Ines Johnson, Kel Carpenter, Lee Savino, and Heather Hildenbrand. 💙 Best. Job. Ever. 🎉 I'm the author of several writing books including How to Write a Self-Help Book in 14 Days and What 7-Figure Authors Do Differently. I've been called the "go-to book coach for 6- and 7-figure authors." I'm the founder of the Bestseller Academy: Write a Self-Help Book in 30 Days Course and host a popular writing and publishing advice YouTube channel, Bestselling Author Writing Coach.