You finished your first draft.
Take a deep breath.
Now comes the phase that separates dreamers from published authors: self-editing.

Editing your book can feel overwhelming, especially after pouring your heart onto the page. But self-editing is one of the most crucial steps in the writing and self-publishing process—and it can make the difference between a messy manuscript and a story that truly shines.

Let’s be real—writing the first draft of a book is equal parts thrilling and terrifying. One minute you’re flying through a killer scene, and the next you’re Googling “how many words are in a novel” at 2AM while stress-eating cereal straight from the box.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

So—you’ve got a brilliant idea for your book. You’ve done your research, brainstormed your characters, maybe even made a few Pinterest boards (no judgment here—we’ve all been there). Now you’re staring at a blinking cursor, wondering…

“Okay… how do I actually start writing this thing?”

Every finished novel starts the same way: with a flicker of an idea.

But turning that flicker into a fully developed story? That takes intention, inspiration, and a little bit of strategy.

Whether you’re a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in between, the research and brainstorming phase of writing a book is where the real magic begins. In this post, we’ll break down how to turn that “what if?” moment into a powerful foundation for your story—with examples, tools, affiliate resources, and helpful tips to guide you from blank page to story plan.

Thinking about self-publishing your book but not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly guide walks you through every step of the process—from editing and formatting to choosing the right platforms and launching your book like a pro. If you're ready to take control of your publishing journey, this is the roadmap you need.