Why Defining Your Message is the First Step to Writing a Good Book
You’re Ready to Write a Book… But Are You Clear on What You’re Saying?
I hear it all the time: “I really want to write a book.” Or, “I feel called to write this book.” Maybe it’s because you have a story to tell, an experience that could help others, or a message you know needs to be shared. You’ve envisioned holding your book in your hands, seeing your name on the cover, and knowing you created something meaningful.
But when you sit down to write, something isn’t clicking. You begin to second-guess your ideas. One day, you feel confident about your book’s direction, and the next, you’re questioning everything. You wonder: Am I ready to write this book? If this sounds familiar, know this: Many aspiring authors share this struggle—not because they lack talent or passion, but because they skipped a critical first step: defining their message.
We’re going to walk through THREE ways to help you with this common struggle. And, by the time we’re done reading this, my sincere hope is that you’ll have a new understanding of what’s been holding you back and the exact steps YOU need in order to move forward with confidence.
The #1 Mistake New Writers Make
Most new writers assume they need to just start writing. It’s easy to believe that the themes and message of your story will reveal themselves along the way.
But this approach rarely works and often leads to a number of issues:
- Scattered Thoughts: Making it up as you go often results in a plethora of partially developed ideas and loose ends that you can’t tie up.
- Unclear Structure: Without a clear through-line, the story structure fractures and your reader can become lost.
- Endless Revisions: Something feels missing or broken, but you simply cannot identify what it is.
- Lack of Direction: When you don’t begin with a clear end in mind, you can find yourself stranded and unable to finish.
The hardest part of writing a book isn’t writing. It’s figuring out what you want to say and how to say it. This is why so many people start writing books but never finish them—just look up the statistic, it’s jaw-dropping.
How Clarity Makes Writing (and Everything Else) Easier
Think of your book like a road trip. Your goal is to take the reader on a journey. If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up driving in circles, wasting time, and feeling frustrated before eventually running out of gas. But if you have a clear, predetermined destination, every decision is intentional and makes sense, and the journey feels smoother.
Just as there are many issues to not planning ahead, there are many benefits:
- Easier Outlining: When you know what you want to say, you will also know what examples to use, chapters to write, and which plot threads truly belong.
- Faster, More Confident Writing: Instead of wasting time, rewriting, or wondering if you’re saying too much (or too little), your message will give your writing direction and momentum and every sentence a purpose.
- Simplified Editing: Since your writing has already been streamlined and organized, when editing you’ll know exactly what supports your message and what needs to go.
- Stronger Reader Connection: When your message is clear, it’s easier to reach the right audience—the people who want and need your book the most. You’ll be able to confidently explain what your book is about in a way that instantly resonates.
Without clarity, writing can feel overwhelming and draining—with it, the process flows with creativity and purpose.
The Simple Exercise to Uncover the Core Message of Your Book
Before you write another word, take 5 minutes to complete the following exercise to help you define your message so you can write with confidence.
Step 1: Answer These Questions
Take out a notebook (or open a new document) and write down your answers:
- What transformation do I want my reader to experience?
→ By the end of my book, my reader will… (feel/know/do what?) - If my reader could take away only one lesson from my book, what would it be?
→ My book teaches that… (what is the core belief or idea?) - Why does this message matter to me personally?
→ I feel called to share this because… (what life experience or passion drives this?)
Who is this book truly for?
→ My ideal reader is someone who… (what are their struggles and/or their goals?)
Step 2: Write Your Message Statement
This is the core message of your book—the guiding principle behind everything you will write. Complete this sentence: “My book helps [ideal reader] to [achieve a transformation] so they can [positive outcome].”
- Example 1 (Memoir): My book helps new moms to embrace their identity beyond motherhood so they can find joy and fulfillment in their personal passions.
- Example 2 (Self-Help): My book helps women who feel lost in their faith to reconnect with God in a personal and meaningful way so they can live with clarity and purpose.
Example 3 (Business): My book helps young entrepreneurs to define their core values so they can build a business that is authentic and impactful.
Step 3: Test Your Message
Now ask yourself:
- Does this excite me?
- Can I see how every chapter will connect to this?
- Would my ideal reader immediately know this book is for them?
If the answer is YES, you’re ready to start writing. If you feel unsure, refine your message statement until it feels undeniably right.
Final Thoughts: Writing With Purpose
Writing a book isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s about creating something that truly matters. When you take the time to identify your message, everything becomes easier:
- The writing flows naturally.
- Editing becomes less overwhelming.
- Your book reaches the right people.
Before you start (or continue) writing, I encourage you to pause and define your message. It will transform your book-writing journey from frustrating to fulfilling.
Are you ready to write with clarity and confidence? If you need help defining your message, I’m here to support you through the process. I offer a FREE discovery call to talk through sticking points, to give valuable next steps / feedback, or to if you want to see coaching is right for you. Let’s make your book something truly meaningful and get you back to the heart of your message.
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