10 Things I learnt from writing my first book

Writing a book had been an ambition of mine for years. Writing one had both highs and challenges.

My first book ‘Supporting Midlife Career Transitions through Coaching: A Psychological Guide’ was published in August 2026. Having a book with my name on the cover is something I’m incredibly proud of. But the journey from having an idea to holding the finished book in my hands was not quite what I expected.

Since the book was announced, a few people have asked me about the writing process and what I learned along the way. So, rather than keeping those conversations to myself, I thought I would share some of the things that helped me.

If you have ever thought, “I’d love to write a book one day,” I hope some of these reflections are useful.

There are some wonderful resources available so do have a search as many people write blogs and articles on their experiences.

My reflections are as follows

1.       Write the bad first draft

Write the shitty first draft (as popularised by Anne Lamott). I know many people who share that they find it off putting to think about writing a book and wonder how it happens. In my experience it is about just writing without worrying about the final version. I found that the creativity often came through writing, rather than before it. Once I started putting my thoughts onto the page, ideas developed and connections emerged that I hadn't necessarily thought about beforehand. Sometimes you can get into a flow of sharing what is in your mind or thoughts so leave the editing till later. You build confidence in your writing through writing, so write without worrying about the final version and get the words down.

2.       Don't underestimate the edit

Following on from point 1, editing is a crucial stage. This is when you can see what flows, what needs more work, where the gaps are. Importantly where you need to cut. I tend to write more words than needed so cutting words to the overall draft, but also to sentences and paragraphs to make them more effective was crucial to my writing.

Editing isn't just about correcting spelling and grammar. It is about asking:

Does this need to be here? Is this the clearest way of saying it? Does it add something for the reader?

3.       Capture ideas when they arrive

Keep a notebook handy as you will be surprised when ideas come to your mind. I had a notebook by my desk so I could record ideas when they came without disrupting work time. Also, I used notes app on my phone for taking quick notes if an idea came when relaxing at home, walking the dog or often, when trying to sleep! When it was book writing time then I could go back over the notes when I had time to process them.

4.       Find somewhere to do deep work

Find a space if you can for deep work. If you have writing time allocated, then finding a space free from distractions was essential for me. My home office is in the loft so it away from distractions at home, but that is also where I work so sometimes, I felt I was easily distracted my work tasks. I would have days where I would go to the library to work. I am lucky that I live near Gladstone Library which has quiet reading rooms for research and writing, and is the only library in the UK to have bedrooms for people to stay. I was able to have a couple of writing retreats there which helped a lot when I was pulling together final drafts and wanted a few days to focus completely on my writing.

5.       Talk to people who've done it

Talk to people who have written a book. I had some brilliant advice from kind authors. I found that it was so useful to talk to people and focus on the stage you were at on the book. The writing stage is very different from the editing stage, which are both totally different than the launch stage.  The advice will be relevant as you progress through the process. It really is a ‘journey’. The easier part is actually the writing – selling and promoting your book for me is definitely a more challenging stage.

6.       Build your support network

Get support from family, friends and peers. Your world can feel it revolves round the book as many weekends and evenings become writing time. Including friends and family is needed so they can understand what you are facing. They are the ones who will keep reminding you that you are doing great when you feel your confidence being knocked. Confidence does get knocked as you write as you will question if you are really up for completing the book. Peers are also a wonderful resource and support as they know you and your work, and the industry and can share insights and even read early chapters to provide guidance.

7.       Read like a writer

Read a lot and see what style you like in others. For example, do you like case studies to be included in a book? Do you like reflective points? Do you like images? Do you like bullet points? Do you like short or long chapters? All this will help you with thinking about the layout of your own book.

8.       Explore your publishing options

Look at the options for publishing. I was approached by a publisher at a conference where I was presenting so if you attending a conference do go and speak to any publishers there. There are many options as the world of publishing is evolving. You can self-publish or go with a traditional publisher or even a hybrid route. I would recommend talking to others who have gone down different routes to see what would suit you, your business, and your book goals best. Each route has pros and cons to it. There is lots of advice, blogs and podcasts on this topic so do take time to do your research.

9.       Think beyond the book

Think about what else you can provide along side your book. Ideas such as a journal, workbook, training programme or other ideas. I have developed some coaching cards to allow people to self-coach based on my book and have a workbook to come out soon.

This has made me think differently about what a book can be.

Rather than seeing it as a single product, you can see it as a foundation for a wider body of work.

10.  Don't put everything into launch day

You don’t have to do it all for the book launch. Once your book is published you have the next year or two to think about how you will promote it such as writing, podcasts, programmes etc. The book launch itself is time consuming and a bit of an emotional rollercoaster so take your time to focus on that stage.

Finally, enjoy it

Writing a book takes time, commitment and persistence. There will be moments when you wonder whether it is worth it.

But for me, one of the best parts was having the opportunity to spend so much time thinking about an area I love and sharing my area of passion.

If you've got a book idea sitting in a notebook, or you've been thinking "one day", I'd encourage you to start. You don't need to have the whole book worked out before you begin.

And if you'd like to talk through your own challenges or ideas, I'm always happy to share what I've learned from the process. Contact me at clare@cmcbp.co.uk

A few books and resources that I found useful during my own writing journey

Bolker, J. (1998) Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day: Amazon.co.uk: Bolker, Joan: 9780805048919: Books

Caswell, S. (2022) Dare to Write: How to confidently write a non-fiction book to grow your business Dare to Write: How to confidently write a non-fiction book to grow your business eBook : Caswell, Steph: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

Lamott A. (2020) Bird by Bird: Instructions on Writing and Life. Canongate Canons Bird by Bird: Instructions on Writing and Life (Canons): Amazon.co.uk: Lamott, Anne: 9781786898555: Books